Veterinarians play a crucial role in animal healthcare, diagnosing illnesses, performing surgeries, and ensuring the well-being of pets, livestock, and wildlife. If you’re considering a career in veterinary medicine or simply curious about the earnings of veterinarians, you may wonder: how much does a veterinarian make an hour?
The hourly wage of a veterinarian depends on several factors, including location, experience, specialization, and type of employment. This content breaks down the average hourly wages, factors influencing earnings, and salary comparisons across different settings.
Average Hourly Wage of Veterinarians
National Average Hourly Wage
As of recent reports, veterinarians in the United States earn an average of $40 to $60 per hour. However, this can vary significantly depending on different aspects of the profession.
- Entry-level veterinarians (0-2 years of experience) typically earn between $30 and $40 per hour.
- Mid-career veterinarians (3-9 years of experience) earn around $45 to $60 per hour.
- Experienced veterinarians (10+ years of experience) can make $60 to $100 per hour or more, especially in specialized fields.
These figures translate to an annual salary range of $80,000 to $150,000 or higher, depending on workload and employment type.
Hourly Wage by State
Veterinarian wages differ across states due to cost of living, demand, and competition. Some of the highest-paying states for veterinarians include:
- California $50 to $75 per hour
- New York $45 to $70 per hour
- Texas $40 to $65 per hour
- Florida $38 to $60 per hour
- Illinois $40 to $62 per hour
In rural areas, wages may be lower, but veterinarians can find steady employment due to high demand for large-animal veterinary services.
Factors Affecting a Veterinarian’s Hourly Wage
1. Experience Level
- Newly graduated veterinarians start at lower salaries due to limited hands-on experience.
- Those with 10+ years of practice can demand higher wages.
2. Specialization
Veterinarians who specialize in specific fields often earn higher wages than general practitioners. Some high-paying specialties include:
- Veterinary Surgeons $70 to $100 per hour
- Veterinary Anesthesiologists $80 to $120 per hour
- Internal Medicine Specialists $60 to $90 per hour
- Exotic Animal Veterinarians $50 to $80 per hour
These specialists often work in advanced medical centers or research institutions, where demand for expertise is high.
3. Type of Employer
The setting in which a veterinarian works influences their earnings.
- Private Clinics and Hospitals Veterinarians in small or large animal private practices typically earn between $40 and $70 per hour.
- Corporate Veterinary Chains Vets working in large chains like Banfield or VCA may receive structured salaries, ranging from $45 to $65 per hour.
- Emergency ‘ Critical Care Emergency vets, who work nights and weekends, can earn $75 to $150 per hour due to the demanding nature of the job.
- Government ‘ Research Institutions Public sector veterinarians (working for agencies like the USDA or CDC) earn between $40 and $60 per hour, often with better benefits and work-life balance.
4. Location and Demand
- Veterinarians in urban areas generally earn more due to a higher cost of living and more clients.
- Rural veterinarians, particularly those working with livestock and farm animals, may earn slightly less per hour but often have lower living costs and stable client demand.
5. Self-Employed vs. Salaried Veterinarians
- Self-employed veterinarians (clinic owners) have higher earning potential but also deal with business expenses, taxes, and overhead costs.
- Salaried veterinarians in clinics or hospitals have stable wages and benefits but might not earn as much as successful business owners.
Hourly Wage Comparisons: Veterinarians vs. Other Medical Professions
To better understand a veterinarians earnings, lets compare their hourly wages to other professions in the medical field:
| Profession | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian | $40 – $60 |
| Physician (MD) | $90 – $150 |
| Dentist | $60 – $100 |
| Pharmacist | $50 – $70 |
| Registered Nurse | $35 – $50 |
| Veterinary Technician | $18 – $25 |
While veterinarians earn less than medical doctors and dentists, their wages are higher than those of nurses and veterinary technicians.
Ways Veterinarians Can Increase Their Hourly Earnings
Veterinarians looking to boost their income can consider the following strategies:
1. Specializing in High-Demand Fields
- Becoming a board-certified specialist (e.g., oncology, surgery, dermatology) can significantly increase hourly wages.
2. Working Emergency or After-Hours Shifts
- Emergency veterinarians and those on-call during nights and weekends earn higher hourly rates due to increased demand.
3. Opening a Private Practice
- Veterinarians who own their clinics have unlimited earning potential, as they can set their rates and expand their services.
4. Offering Mobile Veterinary Services
- Mobile vets, who travel to clients homes, can charge premium fees for convenience-based services.
5. Teaching and Consulting
- Experienced veterinarians can earn additional income by teaching at veterinary schools, writing for publications, or providing industry consultations.
Job Outlook and Future Salary Trends
The demand for veterinarians is expected to grow by 17% from 2020 to 2030, according to labor market projections. This high growth rate indicates:
- Increased job opportunities in pet care, food safety, and public health.
- Potential wage increases due to rising demand for veterinary services.
- Higher wages for specialists and emergency veterinarians due to shortages in specialized fields.
With advancements in veterinary medicine and increasing pet ownership, veterinarians will continue to be well-compensated and in demand.
The hourly wage of a veterinarian depends on experience, location, specialization, and type of employment. On average, veterinarians in the U.S. earn $40 to $60 per hour, with specialists and emergency vets making significantly more.
Veterinarians looking to increase their earnings can specialize in high-demand fields, open private practices, or take on emergency shifts. With the growing demand for veterinary services, wages are expected to rise, making it a stable and rewarding career choice.