Veterinarians' earnings vary significantly by country, region, experience, and specialization.
United States
- The median annual salary for veterinarians was about $125,510 in May 2024, with an average hourly wage around $60.34
- The average salary reported is approximately $128,579 per year
- Salaries range widely: the top 25% earn around $155,230, while the lowest 25% earn about $94,860
- Geographic location greatly influences pay, with high-paying metro areas like San Jose, CA ($183,860) and San Francisco, CA ($172,830)
- States with the highest average salaries include Massachusetts ($162,030), California ($158,610), and Hawaii ($157,770)
- Specialized fields such as veterinary surgery or dermatology can increase earnings
- Entry-level vets may start lower but can expect salary growth with experience
- Salaries are generally much higher than the average salary across all occupations in each state; for example, Arkansas vets earn about $110,480, which is 146.7% higher than the state average
Germany
- The average gross salary for veterinarians is about €4,515 per month or €54,180 annually
- Starting salaries are around €45,000 to €55,000 per year, increasing to €60,000–€75,000 after five years
- Specialists such as equine vets or animal surgeons can earn €80,000 or more annually
Summary
Veterinarians typically earn between $90,000 and $180,000 annually in the U.S., depending on location, experience, and specialization, with a median around $125,000. In Germany, salaries range from about €45,000 for new vets to over €80,000 for specialists. Location, experience, and type of practice are major factors influencing income in both countries
