Veterinarians
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals, ranging from pets and livestock to wildlife. They work in private clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, government agencies, and farms. The role includes performing medical procedures, prescribing medications, conducting surgical operations, and sometimes researching animal health conditions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against veterinarians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A veterinarian's week involves examining animals, reviewing medical histories, running diagnostic tests, and performing surgeries or treatments. They consult with animal owners about care and treatment options, maintain medical records, and may conduct laboratory analysis. Work settings vary—a clinic veterinarian might see multiple patients daily, while a livestock inspector travels between farms, and a research veterinarian designs and conducts studies on animal diseases.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd likely succeed as a veterinarian if you're drawn to solving complex health problems (investigative) and enjoy hands-on work with physical systems (realistic). You need strong attention to detail, the ability to work methodically under pressure, and a commitment to learning throughout your career, since veterinary medicine continually evolves.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Veterinarian - Part Time · Banfield Pet Hospital · Stockton, San Joaquin County · $82,612–$82,612
- Veterinarian - Locum · Banfield Pet Hospital · Stockton, San Joaquin County · $196,799–$196,799
- Veterinarian - Full Time · Banfield Pet Hospital · Antioch, Contra Costa County · $107,167–$107,167
- Veterinarian - Full Time · Banfield Pet Hospital · Stockton, San Joaquin County · $89,944–$89,944
- Veterinarian NF-04 · U.S. Army Medical Command · Robins AFB, Georgia · $101100–$114500
- Veterinarian NF-04 · U.S. Army Medical Command · Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio · $104850–$118850
- Veterinarian NF-04 · U.S. Army Medical Command · Patrick AFB, Florida · $101000–$115000
- Veterinarian NF-05 · U.S. Army Medical Command · Beale AFB, California · $117900–$133700
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $125,460 | $163,920 | $211,840 | 9,170 |
| Maryland | $133,040 | $163,170 | $189,450 | 1,430 |
| Washington | $124,990 | $160,510 | $197,370 | 2,390 |
| New Jersey | $126,480 | $160,140 | $202,930 | 1,910 |
| Arizona | $125,210 | $152,020 | $205,030 | 2,080 |
| Massachusetts | $121,670 | $140,260 | $175,250 | 1,920 |
| District of Columbia | $132,520 | $134,530 | $193,860 | 190 |
| Illinois | $102,630 | $133,580 | $168,050 | 2,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $107,810 | $133,520 | $166,230 | 3,490 |
| Minnesota | $109,260 | $133,110 | $164,690 | 2,140 |
| New York | $105,750 | $131,830 | $173,720 | 3,390 |
| Vermont | $110,410 | $131,820 | $170,570 | 280 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) — Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, Inc.
- Veterinary Anatomical Pathology Phase II — American College of Veterinary Pathologists
- ABVM Vascular Medicine Examination (ABVM) — American Board of Vascular Medicine
- ABVM Endovascular Medicine Examination (ABVM) — American Board of Vascular Medicine
- Veterinary Anatomical Pathology Phase I — American College of Veterinary Pathologists
- Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE) — American Veterinary Medical Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against veterinarians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1131.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.