1. Location: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the average annual salary for veterinarians in the United States is $95,418 as of 2021. However, salaries can vary significantly based on location. Veterinarians in metropolitan areas tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in rural areas. For example, veterinarians in California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have higher average salaries compared to those in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Kentucky.
2. Experience: Veterinarians with more years of experience typically earn higher salaries. According to the AVMA, veterinarians with 10–20 years of experience earn an average annual salary of $117,915, while those with over 20 years of experience earn an average of $143,105.
3. Specialty: Veterinary specialists, such as surgeons, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and dentists, typically earn higher salaries compared to general practitioners. According to the AVMA, veterinarians specializing in surgery earn an average annual salary of $136,958, while those specializing in dermatology earn an average of $143,890.
Considering these factors, a salary of $75,000 may be relatively lower for a veterinarian in a metropolitan area with several years of experience or a specialization. However, it may be considered a reasonable or even a good salary for a veterinarian in a rural area or for a veterinarian who is just starting out in their career.