Veterinary turnover rates higher than national average

Denver

- The veterinary profession is experiencing a higher rate of turnover than the national average for all industries, and low starting wages and minimum benefits may be to blame.

"While paying low wages and keeping benefits to a minimum may save you money now, the cost is high in the long run," says DVM John Albers, executive director of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). "You need to provide above-average compensation and benefits to attract and keep above-average employees."

Veterinary turnover statistics were revealed in the newly updated fifth edition of the Compensation Benefits report. Average practice turnover was reported at 29.7 percent, compared to the national all-industry average of 12 percent to 15 percent.

Broken down into specifics, the report shows that the turnover rate for associate veterinarians was 20 percent and 13 percent for managers. Technicians turned over at a rate of 35 percent, with other practice staff reaching up to a 44 percent turnover rate, according to the report.

To learn more about the report and what its findings will mean to the veterinary profession, see the August issue of DVM Newsmagazine.