It is a common perception that veterinarians earn a fortune and that they are able to fund really extravagant lifestyles. But just how much do vets make? How does this relate to the amount of debt that they graduate vet school with? And how does a veterinary salary compare to other professions?

What’s the average salary for a veterinarian in Kansas?

The geographic location also affects how much vets make. For example, Hawaii has the highest average salary of $201,250, while Kansas has a much lower average salary of $77,060. Although veterinarians can start their careers earning a generous salary, like many careers they can expect to earn more as they progress in their careers.

What’s the average salary of a veterinarian in Hawaii?

Veterinarians in private practice averaged $91,160. Geographically, the state with the highest average salary for veterinarians was Connecticut, at $125,810. New Jersey, Hawaii, the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania were also among the highest-paid jurisdictions. Montana had the lowest average salary, at $60,590.

How much money can a vet make without certification?

In comparison, veterinarians without board certification earned a median income of $91,000 per year. The financial rewards for veterinary specialists in the 90th percentile proved even more impressive in the survey. Top ophthalmologists and radiologists could earn more than $345,468 per year.

The lowest tier is the scientific research and development services with an average annual salary of $97,200. State wise in the U.S. the highest paid veterinarians were in New Jersey with an average annual salary of $117,170, Connecticut vets earn $116,150, Florida $05,540, California $99,940 and Carolina $99,630.

What’s the highest paying career in animal health?

1 Board-Certified Veterinarian. Board-certified veterinarians earn salaries at the top end of the veterinary salary spectrum, usually averaging six figures. 2 Farrier. 3 Animal Nutritionist. 4 Veterinary Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. 5 Equine Dental Technician. 6 Animal Insurance Agent. 7 Animal Health Inspector. …

How much does an animal health inspector make?

Animal health inspectors earn a median salary of $47,000 per year according to the BLS, and the median salary was significantly higher in some states (e.g., a median salary of $66,520 in Connecticut and $59,200 in New York).

Many lucrative veterinarian jobs are the ones within a private practice. Veterinarians who attain a specialty stand to make handsome salaries as well. Veterinarians with a specialization in ophthalmology registered an annual income of $199,000, according to a survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

How much debt does the average veterinarian have?

If we exclude all of those individuals who got through their training loan-free (presumably through family financing), the average level of debt a new veterinarian graduates with is actually $167,000. At least 20% of veterinarians leave vet school with a debt of over $200,000!

This is going to vary considerably by state, just like the average salary of more experienced veterinarians. In Hawaii, the average veterinarian wage is just short of $200,000.

How much money does a mixed animal vet make?

Mixed animal vets are generalists and earn an average annual income of $100,000 a year. Food animal practice vets (usually treating farm animals) average about $100,000 annually, as well. The lowest-earning vet practices are equine (horses), with their vets paid a mean annual salary of $90,000. 10 

How many jobs are there in the veterinarian field?

The BLS projects 15,600 new jobs will open in the field by the year 2028. Veterinarian jobs are set to grow by about 18%, compared with 16% in growth for other health diagnosing and treating practitioners occupations. Becoming a qualified veterinarian requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.