Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Veterinarians
SOC: 29-1131 O*NET: 29-1131.00
Median Salary
$125,510
per year
Job Growth
🚀 9.6%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
What does a Veterinarians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$70,350
10th percentile
Early Career
$98,420
25th percentile
Median
$125,510
50th percentile
Experienced
$161,610
75th percentile
Top Earners
$212,890
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$70,350
25th
$98,420
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$125,510
Mean: $140,270
75th
$161,610
90th
$212,890
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $142,540 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $98,420 and $161,610
- •Salary spread is 50.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 80,630 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:86,400
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services90.6%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services90.6%
Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services89.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+9.6%
Annual Openings:3,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)86,400
Current
2034 (Projected)94,700
+9.6%
+8,300
Employment Change
+9.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Veterinarians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
8,510 jobs$158,9500.90x
Texas
5,940 jobs$121,2200.82x
Florida
5,480 jobs$131,1701.07x
Pennsylvania
3,220 jobs$129,5101.02x
New York
3,200 jobs$131,3300.64x
Illinois
2,950 jobs$128,2900.93x
North Carolina
2,950 jobs$123,4301.15x
Ohio
2,880 jobs$123,1401.00x
Virginia
2,560 jobs$124,1101.20x
Georgia
2,430 jobs$115,2200.96x
Colorado
2,380 jobs$122,9801.58x
Michigan
2,320 jobs$112,3201.01x
Minnesota
2,060 jobs$117,3401.35x
Missouri
2,020 jobs$119,6401.33x
Washington
1,940 jobs$155,0601.05x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Active Learning
86%
#4
Complex Problem Solving
80%
#5
Critical Thinking
74%
#6
Speaking
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Science
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Service Orientation
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Active Learning
intermediate4.3
86%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.0
80%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.7
74%
Speaking
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Science
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Science
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Service Orientation
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Archivists82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Biochemists and Biophysicists82%
5 shared skills
Molecular and Cellular Biologists82%
5 shared skills
Biological Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Science
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Active Learning
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Active Learning
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Veterinarians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (15)Operations & Execution (2)Management & Supervision (3)Planning & Development (1)
1
Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds, or performing surgery.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Inoculate animals against various diseases, such as rabies or distemper.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Collect body tissue, feces, blood, urine, or other body fluids for examination and analysis.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Operate diagnostic equipment, such as radiographic or ultrasound equipment, and interpret the resulting images.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Educate the public about diseases that can be spread from animals to humans.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Train or supervise workers who handle or care for animals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision82% perform88%
8
Provide care to a wide range of animals or specialize in a particular species, such as horses or exotic birds.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Euthanize animals.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Establish or conduct quarantine or testing procedures that prevent the spread of diseases to other animals or to humans and that comply with applicable government regulations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Veterinarians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Veterinarians professionals typically have a RIC Holland code and highly value achievement
RRealistic
IInvestigative
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Veterinarians
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.90
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.76
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.68
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.63
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.61
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.55
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.9
Attention to Detail
4.8
Analytical Thinking
4.7
Stress Tolerance
4.6
Dependability
4.6
Cooperation
4.5
Concern for Others
4.5
Self-Control
4.5
Leadership
4.4
Persistence
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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