Veterinarians
Overview
Introduction
The veterinarian, or doctor of veterinary medicine, diagnoses and controls animal diseases, treats sick and injured animals medically and surgically, prevents transmission of animal diseases, and advises owners on proper care of pets and livestock. Veterinarians are dedicated to the protection of the health and welfare of all animals and to society as a whole. There are about 89,200 veterinarians in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that median annual earnings of veterinarians were $95,460 in May 2019. Salaries ranged from less than $58,080 to more than $160,780. The average annual salary for veterinarians working for the federal government was $90,500.
According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average starting salary for veterinary medical college...
Work Environment
Veterinarians usually treat companion and food animals in hospitals and clinics. Those in large animal practice also work out of well-equipped trucks or cars and may drive considerable distances to farms and ranches. They may work outdoors in all kinds of weather. The chief risk for veterinarians is injury by animals; however, modern tranquilizers and technology have made it much easier to work...
Outlook
Employment of veterinarians is expected to grow by 16 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations, through 2029. The coronavirus pandemic has affected veterinary practices in 2020, with veterinarians adhering to new protocols to protect the health of animals and people. A growing number of people have adopted pets during the pandemic, which has also increased the need for veterina...