Explore This Path

Veterinarian

💰 Earn $123K-$207K

📚 Doctoral or Professional Degree

⏱️ 48 Month Training

📈 9.6% Job Growth

Passionate about animal health? Make a difference in their lives every day.
Ensure animal well-being and public health through expert care and research.
Unique chance to work with diverse species, from pets to exotic animals.

What Veterinarians DoDiagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds, or performing surgery.
Inoculate animals against various diseases, such as rabies or distemper.
Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.
Collect body tissue, feces, blood, urine, or other body fluids for examination and analysis.
Operate diagnostic equipment, such as radiographic or ultrasound equipment, and interpret the resulting images.

Veterinarians Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationDoctoral or Professional Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training TimeOver 4 years

Job Openings3,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$158,950 in California

$125,510 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@dr.bozelkaervet

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

you are skilled in

Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Active Learning
Writing

Go Deeper: Veterinarians Explained

VeterinarianExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

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What Is the Healthcare Industry?