Median salaries for mid-career and senior-level veterinarians in the U.S. grew by 8% to 9% over the past year, according to new survey data published by Veterinary Jobs Marketplace.
Survey results from the veterinary career website revealed that late-career clinicians now earn a median salary of nearly $200,000, reflecting a job market that increasingly values experience. It also showed a widening gap between entry-level and late-career earnings, with the difference between low- and high-range median salaries rising from $85,000 in January 2025 to $98,000 in January 2026.
The latest iteration of the semiannual survey showed that entry-level salaries grew only 2% but reached a milestone of $100,000 in July 2025 and have held steady through January. In the same six-month period, midrange salaries grew by 4% and high-range salaries by 3.1%.
The data represent salaries for small animal veterinarians in general practice. Designed to highlight broad industry trends over granular detail, the survey does not account for veterinarians’ location, credentials, or specialization, which can increase earnings by 25% to 50%.
In addition to its own research, Veterinary Jobs Marketplace compiles data from other job sites, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and the Economic Research Institute. The company publishes updated data biannually and analyzes trends to forecast salaries for the coming year.
Projections for the next 12 months suggest continued wage growth across all experience levels, with salary ranges expected to reach:
- $102,000 to $104,000 for entry-level positions
- $162,000 to $165,000 for mid-career positions
- $203,000 to $207,000 for senior-level positions
The survey authors noted that entry-level salaries had leveled off after several years of rapid growth, rising 45% since January 2023. That growth appears to have peaked, with $100,000 now typical for early career veterinarians.
As mid- and senior-level compensation approaches another milestone of $200,000, the market has shifted its focus from recruitment to retaining experienced veterinarians, who are increasingly difficult to replace. While veterinary schools expect to graduate more veterinarians over the next two to three years, which could help ease some of the industry’s staffing issues, the survey’s authors encouraged employers to redesign compensation packages to attract and retain seasoned veterinarians.
For veterinarians with several years of experience, the survey suggests this is an ideal time to renegotiate employment contracts.
Current and past survey data and insights are available on the Veterinary Jobs Marketplace website at veterinaryjobsmarketplace.com.