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The differences between veterinarians and associate veterinarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a veterinarian and an associate veterinarian. Additionally, a veterinarian has an average salary of $109,524, which is higher than the $78,407 average annual salary of an associate veterinarian.
The top three skills for a veterinarian include PET, customer service and diagnostic tests. The most important skills for an associate veterinarian are PET, patients, and private practice.
| Veterinarian | Associate Veterinarian | |
| Yearly salary | $109,524 | $78,407 |
| Hourly rate | $52.66 | $37.70 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 13,255 | 13,071 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 44% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing the injuries and illnesses of animals through a variety of procedures. Veterinarians often perform vaccinations to protect animals from diseases, but they can also be involved with an animal's dental health as well. Some other duties include prescribing medication, performing surgical procedures, and dressing wounds. Veterinarians are concerned with all aspects of an animal's well-being, which inclues emergency procedures as well as long-term preventative healthcare. Veterinarians are also known as "vets," and most conduct their work in private clinics.
An associate veterinarian specializes in providing medical care and treatment to animals. One may work part-time or full-time at a veterinary clinic, together with practice owners, assistants, and veterinary technicians. An associate veterinarian's responsibilities primarily revolve around examining animals to diagnose any injuries or diseases, performing surgeries, and administering or prescribing medication. Other responsibilities include discussing the pets' condition to owners, ensuring to relay the necessary care and welfare advice needed during treatment, or after surgery. Moreover, an associate veterinarian may also euthanize, spay, neuter, and even perform dental procedures to animals.
Veterinarians and associate veterinarians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Veterinarian | Associate Veterinarian | |
| Average salary | $109,524 | $78,407 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $205,000 | Between $41,000 And $149,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | New Mexico |
| Best paying company | Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium | Providence Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Professional |
There are a few differences between a veterinarian and an associate veterinarian in terms of educational background:
| Veterinarian | Associate Veterinarian | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 44% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Veterinary Medicine | Veterinary Medicine |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between veterinarians' and associate veterinarians' demographics:
| Veterinarian | Associate Veterinarian | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.1% Female, 62.9% | Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 1.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.1% Asian, 4.8% White, 83.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 1.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 4.9% White, 83.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 15% |