Veterinarian Salary Survey Results – January 2023
As a veterinarian, you are no doubt keenly aware of the overall salary trends for your field, but how do they compare with previous years? And, perhaps more importantly, how will trends develop over 2023 and beyond? With the growing demand for veterinary care and a challenging shortage of veterinary professionals, it’s not surprising that salaries for veterinarians have been increasing steadily over the past few years. We take a closer look at the salary trends for veterinarians in 2023 and compare them with those from 2022, and examine why this rapid increase in salary levels is expected to continue in 2023, and what percentage growth is likely…
It’s like comparing puppies and kittens…
In 2022, the median annual salary for veterinarians in the USA was $93,830, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salaries for veterinarians can vary greatly based on a number of factors, such as location, type of employer, and years of experience. In general, veterinarians who work in urban areas tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas, and those working in private practices often earn more than those in other settings, such as animal shelters or research facilities.
In 2023, the salary trends for veterinarians are expected to continue to rise rapidly, with an increase of between 8% and 12%. This rapid increase is due to several factors, including the growing demand for veterinary care and the shortage of veterinary professionals. As pet ownership continues to increase, so does the demand for veterinary services, leading to a higher demand for veterinary professionals and higher salaries. In addition, the shortage of veterinary professionals, particularly in rural areas, is expected to persist in 2023, further driving up salaries for veterinary professionals.
Specialization is in the driving seat…
Another factor contributing to the rapid increase in salaries for veterinarians in 2023, and which is skewing the data, is the rise of specialized veterinary practices, such as E&CC, veterinary oncology and veterinary rehabilitation. These specialized practices offer higher salaries to veterinary professionals, as they require specialized training and expertise. As a result, veterinary specialists are in high demand and can command higher salaries than general practitioners.
It’s worth noting that the salary trends for veterinary specialists, such as veterinary oncologists and veterinary surgeons, are expected to increase at an even faster rate than those for general practitioners. This is due to the growing demand for specialized veterinary services and the shortage of veterinary specialists. If you’re a veterinary professional with a specialization, it’s a great time to be in the field, as the demand for your services is high, and salaries are on the rise. And if you are not a specialist, you get to ride on the coattails of this trend…or perhaps you should become one?
Health and safety…
Another less recognized contribution to the rapid increase in salaries for veterinarians in 2023 is the increasing demand for the important role that veterinarians play in public health and food safety. With the growing awareness of the connections between animal and human health, the demand for veterinarians who specialize in public health and food safety is increasing, leading to higher salaries for these professionals, in what has historically been a segment of more median salaries.
So, this is where things are heading…
The salary trends for veterinarians in 2023 are expected to continue the rapid increase seen in previous years, with expected increases of between 8% and 12%. This increase is due to several factors, including the growing demand for veterinary care, the shortage of veterinary professionals, the rise of specialized veterinary practices, and the increasing recognition of the important role that veterinarians play in public health and food safety. Whether you’re a general practitioner or a veterinary specialist, now is a great time to be in the field, as the demand for veterinary services continues to grow and salaries are on the rise. It might be time to brush up on your salary negotiating skills…
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