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Job outlook for laboratory veterinarians in the United States
Are laboratory veterinarian jobs in demand?
Laboratory veterinarian job and salary trends over time
Laboratory veterinarian jobs over time
Laboratory veterinarian job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 273 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 261 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 264 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 251 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 245 | 0.00% |
Average laboratory veterinarian salary over time
Laboratory veterinarian salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,697 | $28.70 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $57,417 | $27.60 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $56,437 | $27.13 | +3.8% |
| 2022 | $54,386 | $26.15 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $53,393 | $25.67 | +0.3% |
Laboratory veterinarian jobs by state
Most common states for laboratory veterinarians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 124 | 14% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 180 | 13% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 82 | 13% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 665 | 10% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 322 | 10% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 74 | 10% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 72 | 10% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 698 | 9% |
| 9 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 620 | 9% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 518 | 9% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 84 | 9% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 65 | 9% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 437 | 8% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 108 | 8% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 80 | 8% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,834 | 7% |
| 17 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,479 | 7% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 845 | 7% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 605 | 7% |
| 20 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 449 | 7% |
Most common cities for laboratory veterinarians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $78,603 |
Laboratory Veterinarian job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of laboratory veterinarian experts
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Stanford University
North Carolina State University
Andrews University
Washington State University
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Oklahoma State University
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Veterinarian?
Erin Burton DVM, MS, DACVP (Clinical Pathology): I anticipate as telehealth and artificial intelligence become more common in the human health care sectors that these types of technologies will begin to be utilized in veterinary medicine and research. While critical thinking and adaptability have been core competencies that are built into the foundation of all veterinary medicine curricula, our graduates will be positioned well to take on these exciting developments and need to lean into the foundational skills learned for their formal education. As the population in the United States continues to become more diverse (economically, culturally, and geographically distributed) and the effects of climate change become more influential on our communities, it will be critical for veterinarians to maintain cultural competence and sensitivity to different cultural beliefs and practices related to animal care to ensure that we are providing inclusive and effective veterinary services to all seeking care.
What will help Laboratory Veterinarians increase their earning potential?
Erin Burton DVM, MS, DACVP (Clinical Pathology): Today the work of the veterinary profession has never been more critical. The DVM degree has always been one of the most versatile and trusted medical degrees one can gain. No matter the community that you decide to serve, you will be well equipped to face the opportunities and challenges that await. Whether you are in an urban, suburban, rural or remote part of the world, some will support their community as the other family doctor," caring for companion animals, both large and small, that help support a family's physical and psychological well-being. Others may choose a path that addresses critical issues affecting our world today such as a safe and healthy food supply along with the conservation of our environment and natural resources. While others will go on to engage in biomedical research, seeking to answer critical questions that address the health of animals, people, and the world we share, including emerging diseases undiscovered. Regardless of the path, veterinarians influence the day-to-day quality of all lives, human or animal, in immeasurable ways.
Donna Bouley DVM, PhD
PROFESSOR OF COMPARATIVE MEDICINEStanford University
Veterinary Biomedical And Clinical Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Veterinarian?
Donna Bouley DVM, PhD: In addition to everything scientific and technical that they learn in vet school, they will need to have good people skills, patience and understanding (pet owners may not be able to afford to treat their animals and this can be stressful for vets), therefore a creative mind - especially if there are alternative ways to treat an animal if the proposed treatment is beyond the owner's reach. A vet must have a strong work ethic, be willing to work in a team, should be willing to give back (ie - volunteer to work with the homeless community's pets), be a lifelong learner (vets must attend continuing education to maintain their licenses). And the passion to still want to work as a veterinarian, despite the fact that they most likely have tremendous debt due to the outrageous tuition costs of veterinary school, and this debt will impact their lives for decades after graduation. Since veterinarians in general will never make the salary that MDs do, this potential financial burden can lead many young people to decide against going to vet school in the 1st place.
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Teaching, Animal Science, Faculty Senate RepresentativeNorth Carolina State University
Animal Science Department
What soft skills should all Laboratory Veterinarians possess?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: My top 5 soft skills would be teamwork, stress management, problem-solving skills, communication, and time management.
Jay Brand Ph.D.
Professor of Leadership, Higher Education & Organizational StudiesAndrews University
Department of Leadership
What skills will help Laboratory Veterinarians earn the most?
Jay Brand Ph.D.: Earnings potential probably relates more to practice location (e.g., upscale retirement and/or urban locales) and practice specialties (e.g., thorough bred horse racing) than to entries on one's resume; however, again, a broad knowledge across many domesticated species and a knowledge of healthy thriving in addition to treatment for illness would open more doors than a narrow specialty.
What skills stand out on Laboratory Veterinarian resumes?
Dr. Rick DeBowes: Things that pop on a resume would start with the candidate sharing their core value statement (who they are and what they stand for), providing evidence that they made a significant difference in previous positions (helped to develop and lead a change in protocol, solved problems, developed innovations or new approaches to the work), and listing documented evidence of education in clinical communication (primarily hands-on with simulated clients), business/practice management education and working fluency in a second language (Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese depending on area demographic needs). Having a letter of support from a colleague, teacher, or former employer that speaks directly to a candidate's character and work ethic is always a great addition to one's application!
What skills stand out on Laboratory Veterinarian resumes?
Peggy Root Kustritz DVM, PhD, MMedEd: Communications! This is always the skill set that alumni report was of greatest value to them as a new veterinarian, and the need for clear communication is heightened by the provision of service through indirect forms of communication, such as talking to clients on the phone or via text or email, instead of face-to-face and providing telemedicine. Other skills that everyone badly needs right now are teamwork (especially the ability to communicate clearly within teams) and adaptability. I know that veterinary graduates like to stress the coursework they've done, but every graduate of an AVMA-COE accredited school is a great student and has to have demonstrated knowledge and specific clinical competencies to finish their training. It is the 'softer' skills that set candidates apart.
How do you envision technology impacting Laboratory Veterinarians in the next 5 years?
Clint Rusk: Technology has been impacting the job market for many years. In the next five years, technological advances will continue at an even faster pace. Fortunately, nearly all of our recent graduates have been exposed to technology through their phones, computers, cars, etc., for as long as they can remember. I believe our graduates who are well adapted to technology and can use it to solve problems, increase efficiency, and improve a company's bottom line will have an advantage in the job market.
What type of skills will young Laboratory Veterinarians need?
Clint Rusk: About 80% of our students are studying to become Veterinarians. I believe our graduates will need good STEM skills in Science, Technology, and Math in the coming years. To set themselves apart from their competitors, our graduates will also need soft skills such as effective oral communication, clear written communication, critical thinking, decision making, creativity, and the ability to work with people on teams. Many of the companies we visit with at Career Fairs are looking to hire individuals with good critical thinking skills, those who can make the right decisions, and those individuals who can convince other people they have made the right decision. Our graduates will also have to be good business people with an understanding of accounting and record-keeping.