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Job outlook for large animal veterinarians in the United States
Are large animal veterinarian jobs in demand?
Large animal veterinarian job and salary trends over time
Large animal veterinarian jobs over time
Large animal veterinarian job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 350 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 334 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 337 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 322 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 314 | 0.00% |
Average large animal veterinarian salary over time
Large animal veterinarian salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,665 | $28.69 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $57,387 | $27.59 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $56,407 | $27.12 | +3.8% |
| 2022 | $54,357 | $26.13 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $53,365 | $25.66 | +0.3% |
Large animal veterinarian jobs by state
Most common states for large animal veterinarians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 219 | 3% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 201 | 3% |
| 3 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 178 | 3% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 160 | 3% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 138 | 3% |
| 6 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 86 | 3% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 34 | 3% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 30 | 3% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 24 | 3% |
| 10 | California | 39,536,653 | 816 | 2% |
| 11 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 539 | 2% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 218 | 2% |
| 13 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 200 | 2% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 200 | 2% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 143 | 2% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 143 | 2% |
| 17 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 52 | 2% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 22 | 2% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 17 | 2% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 12 | 2% |
Most common cities for large animal veterinarians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valrico | 1 | 3% | $59,058 |
| 2 | East Lansing | 1 | 2% | $61,741 |
| 3 | Mount Prospect | 1 | 2% | $52,330 |
| 4 | Terre Haute | 1 | 2% | $48,699 |
| 5 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $72,303 |
| 6 | Midland | 1 | 1% | $58,568 |
| 7 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $52,208 |
| 8 | Fontana | 1 | 0% | $73,587 |
| 9 | Lubbock | 1 | 0% | $57,051 |
Large Animal Veterinarian job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of large animal veterinarian experts
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Stanford University
North Carolina State University
Andrews University
Washington State University
Washington State University
Seattle University
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Oklahoma State University
ZAA - Zoological Association of America
Pennsylvania State University
Colorado State University
University of Wisconsin
What general advice would you give to a Large Animal 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 Large Animal Veterinarian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Erin Burton DVM, MS, DACVP (Clinical Pathology): I am not sure I am positioned to answer this question. This would be better answered by an employer and is very sector dependent.
What will help Large Animal 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 Large Animal 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 skills stand out on Large Animal Veterinarian resumes?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: There are many skills that stand out for veterinary resumes, and since there are numerous types of veterinary careers (companion animals, exotic animals, lab animals, population health positions, livestock health, herd management, military, etc.), these skills could be hard to quantify for all applicants. However, when I look at resumes for students to attend professional school, I look for evidence of dependability. Did the student have many short-term jobs or a few long-term ones? Graduate programs and animal careers require hard work and commitment, and if I train someone, I want them to stick around for a while. I also look for a demonstrated area of interest. If the student/employee is applying to work with exotic animals but does not have any demonstrated experience or coursework in that area, that could be a red flag. While I am willing to train, I want to know that the person has a passion for the position they are applying for. I should mention - that - applying to veterinary school requires proof of academic rigor and success, and therefore GPA is very important but demonstrated ability and experience is as well. Due to the stressors in the veterinary field, I would also look for evidence that the future veterinarian has outlets for mental and personal self-care (hobbies, exercise, social networks, etc.).
What hard/technical skills are most important for Large Animal Veterinarians?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: My top 5 hard skills would be: Degree earned - for future vets, the DVM is obvious, but MS degrees in subject matter such as nutrition can be very important as well, computer skills, technology skills (specific to the veterinary field), management and writing skills.
What skills will help Large Animal Veterinarians earn the most?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: It is currently a wonderful time to pursue a career in animal health or veterinary medicine. During the pandemic, many people both acquired new animals and strengthened their bonds with existing ones. Thus - the need for more animal products (food, medicines, etc.) and care providers (veterinarians, kennels, groomers, etc.) is booming. The salary for these positions has historically been lower than most professionals would expect, but the market is currently doing very well. However, animal work can be long, physically, and emotionally straining hours. Thus - earning the most may not always be a financial question. Balancing financial needs with personal life is important. The skills that help you earn the most will help you gain the position that allows you to balance this. Thus - do not say yes to the first job you are offered. Shop around. Think about it. Is the job a good long-term fit? If the hiring person feels you are the best fit (via your personal presentation and social skills along with your academic and work record), then they are going to be willing to pay more if they think you will stick around long term. Many "animal people" do not practice human social skills. I encourage them to do that. When you find the perfect job for you - you need to be able to convince the person doing the hiring that you are the best fit. Also - while some veterinary jobs are common place (companion animal vets, for example, are in almost every town) - some veterinary positions are much more difficult to acquire and therefore require flexibility to get that high-earning job. An example would be someone that is willing to move several states away to work with beef cattle animal health with feedlot animals or train military dogs.
What soft skills should all Large Animal 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 Large Animal 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 Large Animal Veterinarian resumes?
Jay Brand Ph.D.: I can tell you from personal contact that those who truly empathize with their patients and the human 'owners' impress me the most and retain my loyalty.
Customer service and people engagement skills - in addition to technical veterinary medicine skills - can be differentiating.
Broad knowledge of general health and flourishing (e.g., optimal nutrition) in addition to diagnosing and treating disease conditions can also highlight one's resume.
What type of skills will young Large Animal Veterinarians need?
William Davis: I think this depends, to a considerable extent, on the type of career that a student pursues. I don't believe the whole skill set will be much different for students in applied and basic research. Graduates will still need a strong foundation of knowledge in their field, and they will need the interpersonal skills in oral and written communication necessary to work on a team. For our graduates who desire careers in science communication, management, sales, or other work environments, these individuals will need to work with small groups of individuals to set and achieve goals. The skills they are building right now, in a small learning environment, will be crucial to building on as a foundation for success, and they will need to make sure that they keep current with the latest technology used in remote work environments.
What skills stand out on Large Animal 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!
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Large Animal Veterinarians to find work opportunities?
Dr. Rick DeBowes: In talking with colleagues around the country, it seems as if everyone is seeking associates for their practices. Colleagues who teach practice management have reported similar observations. Rural or isolated areas might have fewer opportunities, primarily because more irregular patterns are located in such regions. Nevertheless, it seems that every year I work with several graduates who secure offers to 'return home' to a rural environment and practice medicine in those small communities that helped raise them. At present, it seems that nearly everyone who wants a clinical practice position, in most areas of the country, is finding and receiving more offers than they can accept.
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.
Professor of History, Director, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies ProgramSeattle University
History Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Large Animal Veterinarian job market given the pandemic?
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.: The future looks excellent for positions in clinical medicine. People appear to be adding pets to their families at unprecedented rates. With so many individuals working from home, they spend more time with their furry family members and make observations of those pets, driving more owners to seek veterinary care or direction. Practices are hectic, and I hear of more and more emergency clinics asking referring veterinary practices to hold onto every patient they can. New graduates are being offered handsome salaries, most with production opportunities, pre-tax benefits, and relocation allowances, along with signing and retention bonuses.
What skills stand out on Large Animal 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.
What type of skills will young Large Animal 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.
How do you envision technology impacting Large Animal 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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Large Animal Veterinarian job market given the pandemic?
John Seyjagat: The pandemic has a devastating impact on zoological facilities and is subjecting these institutions to a change in operations. Additionally, public pressure due to public perception and harmful legislation will also have an impact on facilities. Facilities have had to maintain social distancing. To do so, facilities have reduced visitation to less than 50% capacity, closed all exhibit buildings, and discontinued public gatherings and education and conservation talks. Animal Outreach Programs have also been suspended.
As a result of the pandemic, we can see some facilities reducing operating costs, and cutting back on programs, reducing their workforce and education staff. Local, state, and federal legislators are all jockeying to pass bans on wet markets, wildlife trade, and movement to prevent zoonotic disease transmission and a second pandemic. Should such bans become effective, there would be a further reduction in zoos and aquarium deliverables to their guests. Such a trend would adversely affect zoo and wildlife careers and the zoological job market.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Large Animal Veterinarians in the next 3-5 years?
John Seyjagat: Digitalization! Most of the education deliverables would be virtual. We would see an increase in webinars, recorded subject matter, and virtual tours. He who can take digitalization and bring it to life with content, uniqueness, action, drama, and storytelling would succeed.
What type of skills will young Large Animal Veterinarians need?
Dr. Adrian Barragan DVM, MS, PhD: Veterinary medicine has always been considered an essential activity for its importance in both keeping pets healthy and ensuring that food producing operations achieve optimal animal welfare and production standards. This is even more important in times such as those experienced during the current pandemic. Young graduates need to develop a set of skills that allow them to understand the pathophysiological processes of diseases and proper care for sick animals, but also effective communicational skills for conveying sensitive information to pet owners. Furthermore, young graduates aiming at pursuing a career in food producing animal medicine must develop an overall understanding of the industry trends and needs in order to better serve farmers. The veterinary medicine field in food production animals has evolved from an individual disease treatment approach to a population preventive medicine approach. Although young veterinarians must be knowledgeable about disease diagnostics and treatments, focus should be aimed at understanding and coaching animal owners about developing optimal management practices to prevent diseases, while improving animal welfare and performance.
What type of skills will young Large Animal Veterinarians need?
Dr. Keith Belk: I would list the following skills: work ethic, strong scientific, technical training, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills.
How do you envision technology impacting Large Animal Veterinarians in the next 5 years?
Dr. Keith Belk: Hugely! Scientific reports suggest that to feed the expected 9-12 billion people that will populate the planet by 2100, food production will need to double. 70% of this increased need for production will need to come from technology. Science is very much a part of every day in Animal Science.
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom
Professor and Extension Wildlife SpecialistUniversity of Wisconsin
Center for Wildlife
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Large Animal Veterinarians?
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom: What single thing has had the greatest impact on your life in the last day, week, month, even year? Most of us will say the coronavirus pandemic. I believe that it is safe to say that the pandemic will have an enduring impact on graduates as well, as they move out into the workforce. The impacts will be both positive and negative. Many employers of wildlife graduates have laid off personnel and put monitoring, research, and educational programs on hold until health concerns with the pandemic wane.
Because of the falling economy, budgets for state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private businesses have been cut significantly, so they likely won't have the resources to hire staff in the short term. Wildlife work needs to be done, however, to satisfy the demands of the American public, so I am confident that in time, jobs will be available for recent graduates to fill entry-level positions to help with the backlog of work that needs to be done.
How do you envision technology impacting Large Animal Veterinarians in the next 5 years?
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom: Without a doubt, social media and mobile technology will continue to have a huge impact on the wildlife field in the next 5 years. I can't keep up with it, but it is in the blood of our recent graduates. I was the first graduate student to write a thesis on a computer at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1983. It has been incredible to see how computers have advanced our work and lives in the last 37 years. Knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate. The latest edition of our trade magazine, The Wildlife Professional https://wildlife.org/the-september-october-issue-of-the-wildlife-professional-3/ features artificial intelligence on the cover and addresses the opportunities that machine learning is providing in the conservation and management of wildlife. Who knows where technology will take us in the future?