How Much Does a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Make? (2025)
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine assesses and manages the health of animals, including pets, livestock, and other species, in settings like private practices, hospitals, or research facilities. They diagnose health issues, develop treatment plans, ensure animal welfare, and consider public health and safety implications.
They respond to owners' inquiries and changes in animal behavior, review health metrics, support veterinary teams, develop care strategies, and manage medical instruments. According to Salary.com, the national average Doctor of Veterinary Medicine salary is $118,100 per year ($57 per hour).
Use this salary guide to learn more about Doctor of Veterinary Medicine salary expectations, the highest-paying cities, and common questions about the role.
What is the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine's Salary
As of November 2025, the average Doctor of Veterinary Medicine salary in the United States is $118,100 per year or $57 per hour. The salary range for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is between $95,175 and $130,136, with most earnings of $106,100 to $124,400 per year.
The median salary for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine reflects a stable and competitive income for skilled veterinarians in this field.
2025 Average Salary for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: $118,100 per year ($57 per hour)
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine can expect an average monthly salary of $9,842, while the average weekly pay is $2,271. Moreover, the average hourly rate is $57, according to the recent Salary.com report.
| Percentile | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46 | $1,830 | $7,931 | $95,175 |
| 25th Percentile | $51 | $2,040 | $8,842 | $106,100 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $57 | $2,271 | $9,842 | $118,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $60 | $2,392 | $10,367 | $124,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $63 | $2,503 | $10,845 | $130,136 |
Beyond base pay, veterinarians often earn bonuses that increase their earnings. Including benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, the average total compensation in the U.S. is $163,205 per year, making it a financially rewarding career.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Salaries State by State
Doctor of veterinary medicine salary differs across U.S. states and territories due to factors such as job demand, geographic location, cost of living, and local wage standards.
The table below shows the states and territories with the highest average pay for veterinarian salary: California ($130,200), the District of Columbia ($130,700), and Massachusetts ($128,500).
On the other hand, the states and territories with the lowest average salaries include Mississippi ($105,300), Arkansas ($106,700), and West Virginia ($106,300).
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $127,800 |
| Alabama | $108,500 |
| Arkansas | $106,700 |
| Arizona | $115,000 |
| California | $130,200 |
| Colorado | $120,500 |
| Connecticut | $126,200 |
| District of Columbia | $130,700 |
| Delaware | $119,600 |
| Florida | $111,700 |
| Georgia | $113,900 |
| Hawaii | $123,400 |
| Iowa | $113,000 |
| Idaho | $110,200 |
| Illinois | $120,300 |
| Indiana | $113,300 |
| Kansas | $112,400 |
| Kentucky | $111,100 |
| Louisiana | $112,200 |
| Massachusetts | $128,500 |
| Maryland | $121,700 |
| Maine | $115,100 |
| Michigan | $116,300 |
| Minnesota | $120,800 |
| Missouri | $112,200 |
| Mississippi | $105,300 |
| Montana | $111,500 |
| North Carolina | $112,200 |
| North Dakota | $116,600 |
| Nebraska | $111,200 |
| New Hampshire | $119,300 |
| New Jersey | $128,000 |
| New Mexico | $109,300 |
| Nevada | $116,800 |
| New York | $125,500 |
| Ohio | $115,000 |
| Oklahoma | $109,200 |
| Oregon | $119,900 |
| Pennsylvania | $117,500 |
| Rhode Island | $122,400 |
| South Carolina | $110,600 |
| South Dakota | $107,300 |
| Tennessee | $110,300 |
| Texas | $115,200 |
| Utah | $113,100 |
| Virginia | $118,900 |
| Vermont | $115,900 |
| Washington | $128,000 |
| Wisconsin | $116,100 |
| West Virginia | $106,300 |
| Wyoming | $113,200 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinary doctor salary also varies by city, influenced by the cost of living, local demand, and industry rates in urban areas.
For example, cities in California such as San Jose and San Francisco offer higher average salary for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, at $148,900 and $147,400, respectively.
| City | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $148,900 |
| San Francisco, CA | $147,400 |
| Oakland, CA | $144,200 |
| New York, NY | $136,800 |
| Queens Village, NY | $135,900 |
| Paramus, NJ | $135,000 |
How Does Experience Affect Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Salaries?
The salary of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine grows with experience. Salary.com reports that entry-level veterinarians earn about $112,816 per year, while those with over 8 years of experience average $119,040 per year.
| Level | Average Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | $112,816 |
| Intermediate Level Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | $113,697 |
| Senior Level Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | $115,106 |
| Specialist Level Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | $116,867 |
| Expert Level Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | $119,040 |
How to Increase Salary as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
If you're working as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and looking to boost your income, there are several strategic ways to advance your career and increase your earning potential.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Advancements
- Develop High-Demand Skills: Focus on strengthening essential skills such as Veterinary Medicine, IV Catheter Placement, Preventive Medicine, and Animal Health. These unique skills are highly sought after and can make you more valuable to your employer, increasing your chances of a salary boost.
- Pursue Career Advancement: Seek opportunities to move into senior or practice owner roles within veterinary medicine. Taking on more responsibility and leadership positions, such as in general practice or specialized surgery, often comes with better compensation and benefits.
- Invest in Education and Training: Enhance your expertise by gaining certifications or additional training in areas like dentistry, physiology, or public health. Upskilling through college of veterinary medicine programs or faculty-led courses shows your commitment to professional growth and can open doors to higher-paying job opportunities, including in research or dealing with injured animals.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Skills
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with specialized skills can increase their pay. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, Magnetic Resonance Imaging skills can boost salaries by 10.39%, while Anesthesia skills add 8.29%.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging | 10.40% | 10.39% |
| IV Catheter Placement | 10.80% | 9.66% |
| Anesthesia | 10.00% | 8.29% |
| Preventive Medicine | 10.40% | 8.06% |
| Animal Health | 10.30% | 7.45% |
| Veterinary Medicine | 10.80% | 7.21% |
What are the FAQs About Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Salaries?
Here are some common questions about Doctor of Veterinary Medicine salary:
Is Doctor of Veterinary Medicine a high paying job?
It depends. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine average salary in the U.S. is $118,100, but it can go up to $130,136 based on experience and skills. Pay also varies by location, industry, and job type. Top earners often work in big cities, for example, San Jose, California, where the average salary is $148,900, in the highest paying industries like veterinary services or private practice.
Starting salary for veterinary students graduating from veterinary school can be around $112,816, and most veterinarians find it rewarding despite emotional stress from treating animals or supporting owners.
What does the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine do?
Doctor of veterinary medicine manages and monitors animal health to ensure optimal welfare and treatment. Here are their other responsibilities:
- Oversees health policies, objectives, and initiatives for animals
- Ensures consistent care strategies for pets and other species
- Develops strategic health goals for practices or hospitals
- Approves departmental policies in veterinary medicine
- Leads the veterinary team within the organizational structure, including surgery, dental work, and vaccinations to treat diseases
Veterinarians work in occupations focused on compassionately assessing and treating injured animals, advising on nutrition, and promoting safety for both animals and humans. They may determine treatments in general practice, research, or public health settings, often dealing with cats, dogs, and livestock.
What skills do you need to be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
Key skills for veterinary doctors include Veterinary Medicine, IV Catheter Placement, Preventive Medicine, MRI, Animal Health and Care, Animal Behavior, and Anesthesia. These high-demand skills are linked to significant salary growth, making them essential for success.
Communication skills are also vital for practitioners to explain treatments to owners, compare options, and provide support. According to labor statistics, employment in this career is growing, with hope for more opportunities in services like vet hospitals or companies focused on animal welfare.
