How to become veterinarianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$130,100
25th–75th pct. $101,460–$166,120
Top pay (est.)
$280,400
Top 10% $215,700
Pay in 5 years
$154,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$182,200est.
$156,700–$211,600
Outlook score
72/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
29%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+9.4%
3,100 openings / yr
How to become veterinarians
Typical education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Veterinarians
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public
Important abilities
Problem SensitivityInductive ReasoningOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionNear VisionOral Expression
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as veterinarians
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.