Location, Location, Location
When it comes to deciding where in the world to work, locale matters more than you think.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of veterinarians States was $88,770 in 2016. That got us thinking. What do veterinarians earn in different areas of the country? How about in different countries around the world?
Where you live can make all the difference when it comes to finding a great job. It turns out that the United States tops the list of best countries for veterinarians, and excellent wages can be earned throughout our country. What’s more, veterinary employment in the United States is predicted to grow 18 percent between 2016 and 2026.1
If where you decide to live and work is dictated by the salary you can earn in that locale, you’re in luck. Here we present data about the best countries, states and cities for veterinarians just starting their careers and those looking for a change of scenery. Where does your area rank? And are the wallets greener elsewhere?
Best Countries
Data from a survey administered by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and information from Payscale.com.2-5
1. United States
Average annual wage: $88,770*
Total employed veterinarians: 107,995
2. Netherlands
Average annual wage: $69,244
Total employed veterinarians: 3,800
3. Switzerland
Average annual wage: $68,722
Total employed veterinarians: 2,100
4. Iceland
Average annual wage: $65,935
Total employed veterinarians: 100
5. Qatar
Average annual wage: $60,959
Total employed veterinarians: Unknown
6. Canada
Average annual wage: $53,915
Total employed veterinarians: 13,736
7. Germany
Average annual wage: $53,650
Total employed veterinarians: 26,800
8. Luxembourg
Average annual wage: $53,040
Total employed veterinarians: 250
9. Denmark
Average annual wage: $51,216
Total employed veterinarians: 2,250
Continue to the next page for the best states for veterinarians. Best States
Data take into account the total number of veterinarians working in each state, the average veterinarian salary per state (both from BLS May 2016 data) and the cost of living in each state (data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center).6
1. Oklahoma
Average annual wage: $102,190
Total employed veterinarians: 950
2. Wyoming
Average annual wage: $93,920
Total emplpyed veterinarians: 200
3. Texas
Average annual wage: $100,200
Total employed veterinarians: 4,450
4. Pennsylvania
Average annual wage: $106,340
Total employed veterinarians: 3,030
5. Michigan
Average annual wage: $88,970
Total employed veterinarians: 2,080
6. Virginia
Average annual wage: $107,730
Total employed veterinarians: 2,520
7. North Carolina
Average annual wage: $102,660
Total employed veterinarians: 2,830
8. Indiana
Average annual wage: $94,070
Total employed veterinarians: 1,180
9. New Jersey
Average annual wage: $128,190
Total employed veterinarians: 1,630
10. Idaho
Average annual wage: $93,820
Total employed veterinarians: 460
Continue to the next page for the best cities for veterinarians. Best Cities
Data from a BLS 2016 national compensation survey.7
1. Jacksonville, FL
Median annual salary: $177,160
Entry-level salary: $62,540
Number of employed veterinarians: 230
2. Springfield, MA
Median annual salary: $177,140
Entry-level salary: $87,900
Number of employed veterinarians: 250
3. Oxnard/Thousand Oaks/Ventura, CA
Median annual salary: $176,260
Entry-level salary: $77,480
Number of employed veterinarians: 160
4. Eastern Ohio (nonmetropolitan area), OH
Median annual salary: $168,420
Entry-level salary: $67,730
Number of employed veterinarians: 120
5. Palm Coast, FL
Median annual salary: $166,730
Entry-level salary: $61,670
Number of employed veterinarians: 30
6. Reading, PA
Median annual salary: $145,860
Entry-level salary: $77,240
Number of employed veterinarians: 90
7. Southern Indiana (nonmetropolitan area), IN
Median annual salary: $145,110
Entry-level salary: $72,790
Number of employed veterinarians: 60
8. Atlantic City/Hammonton, NJ
Median annual salary: $133,300
Entry-level salary: $83,280
Number of employed veterinarians: 40
9. Nassau/Suffolk, NY
Median annual salary: $132,050
Entry-level salary: $70,280
Number of employed veterinarians: 720
10. Santa Ana/Anaheim/Irvine, CA
Median annual salary: $129,080
Entry-level salary: $80,090
Number of employed veterinarians: 580
