Median annual earnings of veterinarians were $63,090 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $49,050 and $85,770. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,370.
According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, average starting salaries of 2002 veterinary medical college graduates varied by type of practice as follows:
All private clinical practices $46,339
Large animals, exclusively 48,303
Small animals, exclusively 48,178
Small animals, predominantly 46,582
Large animals, predominantly 45,087
Mixed animals 43,948
Equine (horses) 34,273
The average annual salary for veterinarians in the Federal Government in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions was $72,208 in 2003.
