Animal vets are formally referred to as veterinarians. Veterinarians are professionals who diagnose and treat animals with illnesses, disease or other dysfunctions. These professionals also promote the health and well-being of animals by suggesting nutritional plans and exercise. In November 2010, PayScale reported average salaries for animal vets based on 3,030 individuals currently working in this occupation reporting their wages.
Education
Animal vets must receive a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from a college accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association, or AVMA. Acceptance into an accredited training program requires 45 to 90 semester hours, but candidates usually earn a bachelor's degree before entering a veterinary college. After completing the required education, veterinarians must obtain a license to practice by passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam.
National Average
Animal vets typically earn a yearly salary; certain employers offer commissions, bonuses and profit-sharing as well. PayScale reported the average base salary ranged from $57,031 to $81,439 per year as of November 2010. Average commissions ranged from $4,500 to $24,875 per year. Average bonuses ranged from $950 to $6,278 per year, and average profit-sharing ranged from $1,001 to $9,845 per year. The average total compensation ranged from $58,629 to $86,680 per year.
Employers
Animal vets can work for a variety of employers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 80 percent work in a private practice as of November 2010. Those who work in a veterinary hospital earn average salaries ranging from $55,470 to $78,992 per year, and those who work in a veterinary care facility earn average salaries ranging from $54,056 to $76,419 per year. Animal vets who work in animal shelters earn average salaries ranging from $49,715 to $72,421 per year.
Experience
Animal vets can increase their salary by gaining professional experience. Based on 2,717 individuals in this occupation reporting their experience level to PayScale, the majority --- 41 percent --- had one to four years of experience as of November 2010. Animal vets with this amount of experience earned average salaries ranging from $55,071 to $75,367 per year, and those with five to nine years of experience earned average salaries ranging from $58,705 to $85,146 per year. Animal vets with more than 10 years of experience earned average salaries ranging from $60,544 to $101,101 per year.
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