The BLS also provides data on veterinarian and animal scientists' hourly wages. The median hourly wage in May 2021 was $45.16, which means that half of all veterinarians earned more than this amount, while half earned less.
However, it's important to note that veterinarian salaries can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including experience, location, specialty, and type of employment (e.g., private practice, academia, government). For example, veterinarians with specialized training (e.g., surgeons, ophthalmologists, or pathologists) may earn higher salaries. Additionally, veterinarians who work in rural or underserved areas may earn higher salaries than those who work in urban or suburban areas.
Overall, veterinarians are highly skilled professionals who play an important role in caring for animals. The BLS projects that the employment opportunities for veterinarians will grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.