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Job outlook for veterinary nurses in the United States
Veterinary nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected veterinary nurse job growth rate is 20% from 2018-2028.
About 24,100 new jobs for veterinary nurses are projected over the next decade.
Veterinary nurse salaries have increased 12% for veterinary nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 98,744 veterinary nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 17,000 active veterinary nurse job openings in the US.
The average veterinary nurse salary is $34,511.
Are veterinary nurse jobs in demand?
Veterinary nurse job and salary trends over time
Veterinary nurse jobs over time
Veterinary nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 98,744 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 91,106 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 92,071 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 88,767 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 86,063 | 0.03% |
Average veterinary nurse salary over time
Veterinary nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,511 | $16.59 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $33,616 | $16.16 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $32,759 | $15.75 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $31,789 | $15.28 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $30,923 | $14.87 | +2.2% |
Veterinary nurse jobs by state
Most common states for veterinary nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 127 | 12% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 91 | 10% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 550 | 8% |
| 4 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 163 | 8% |
| 5 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 649 | 7% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 84 | 6% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 32 | 6% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 335 | 5% |
| 9 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 333 | 5% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 88 | 5% |
| 11 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 36 | 5% |
| 12 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 554 | 4% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 328 | 4% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 211 | 4% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 207 | 4% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 126 | 4% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 47 | 4% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 45 | 4% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 31 | 4% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 27 | 4% |
Most common cities for veterinary nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winter Haven | 2 | 5% | $28,732 |
| 2 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $28,045 |
Veterinary Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of veterinary nurse experts
Troy University
University of Wyoming
New York University
University of Detroit Mercy
New York University
Kansas State University
Kayla Jackson RN BSN
BSN Success CoachTroy University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Veterinary Nurse?
Kayla Jackson RN BSN: Salary potential varies depending on location, specialty and experience but a few ways to maximize your salary potential are: Consider pursuing further education which can include certifications in your field or area of expertise, an advanced degree, or specialized training. Gain experience. Seek out unique opportunities for professional growth so you can build an exceptional resume. This can position you for higher paying roles. Negotiate strategically-just as we advocate for our patients, we must be an advocate for ourselves. Do your research and know the standards where you are located, but also highlight the skill set you are bringing to the table and articulate how valuable you will be to their organization. Explore different employment settings. Nurses have so many opportunities in different fields, so explore what is out there and base your decision on who offers the best salary and benefits.
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS
Associate Dean, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Veterinary Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: In nursing, the ability to think critically within the clinical context, communication, and assessment skills will continue to be very important. You, as the nurse, are with the patient for more hours than any other provider. Your ability to look at the patient combined with your assessment, their current issues, their lab values, and clinical presentation will be the difference in their outcome. Once you put your pieces together, your ability to clearly communicate your findings with the providers will advocate for the patient and their care.
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC
Clinical Assistant ProfessorNew York University
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
What will help Veterinary Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelseanne Breder PhD, PMHNP, GERO-BC: Seek job opportunities that offer you ample supervision. Supervision is critical to furthering your education and refining on-the-job expertise in the specific practice setting where you have chosen to work.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Veterinary Nurse?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: To maximize your salary potential you should consider going back to school and pursuing your doctorate degree from a high quality, reputable institution. There are many programs that offer BSN to doctorate pathways and that will enhance earnings potential.
What will help Veterinary Nurses increase their earning potential?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: Nursing offers many opportunities for a career and you never know what door will open for you in your calling to care. You should explore many possibilities and not limit yourself to any one particular area. It is also important to explore your future career and educational doors in the future.
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Detroit Mercy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Veterinary Nurse?
Dr. Ashlee Barnes DNP, APRN, FNP-C: Nursing remains an excellent career path, characterized by its evolving landscape and opportunities, continual growth, and soaring demand in a variety of settings. Nursing guarantees job stability, possibility for both personal and professional advancement, and the satisfaction of positively impacting people's lives.
What skills will help Veterinary Nurses earn the most?
Beth Latimer: Critical thinking, prioritization, carefully assessing any situation at the appropriate time, not normalizing the abnormal, and escalating necessary crucial information to the team at that right moment in time will save lives. Great nurses notice, and when in doubt, will take the right actions to get the right type of intervention for their patients and their families with patient advocacy at the forefront.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Veterinary Nurses to find work opportunities?
Dr. James Roush: Veterinary medicine is spread widely across the United States and graduates currently can find work in almost any geographic location they desire. There are, of course, more jobs near large population centers, but almost every area has a demand for new graduates right now.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Veterinary Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Dr. James Roush: Nationwide, there has been a substantial increase in demand for veterinary services because of the pandemic, particularly in mixed and small animal practices. Clients are seeking out more care for their pets than ever, perhaps because they are spending more time with their pets and seek better care. Veterinary practices are hiring at a frantic pace and there is a huge demand for new graduates this year. We also are seeing a demand for more advanced techniques and treatments on top of requests to refer to specialists in surgery, oncology, and other disciplines.
What skills stand out on Veterinary Nurse resumes?
Dr. James Roush: Experience in veterinary practices from externships, preceptorships, and other opportunities, and b) evidence of focused study in areas that the employer is seeking help for. That focus depends on the practice, but can include experience or advanced education with exotic pets, avian patients, or feline medicine for example, or in disciplines such as dentistry, dermatology, and oncology. Veterinary employers want to see evidence that prospective employees are able to bring advanced skills to the practice and attract new patients.