How much does a vet usually make a year? How about vets w/ specialty in exotics?

Question

Trying to decide what to major in for college. Can't decide if 8 years of college is worth it.

I do love animals, if I don't become a vet I am going to major in zoology. I am talking about down the road, after I've completed my internships and such.

Answer 1

The money you can make as a vet depends on a variety of factors, including where you live and the specific field of practice.

Generally a veternarian earns a good income. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the mean salary for a veterinarian is about $75,000. (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_29he.htm)

Median hourly earnings of veterinary technologists and technicians were $22,950 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,210 and $27,890. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $16,170, and the top 10 percent earned more than $33,750.

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.

(This is according to stats collected by the U.S. Department of Labor.)

Here is more input:


Newly licensed veterinarians can expect to earn between $25,000 to $35,000 a year ($12.00 - 16.82 hr). Annual earnings for Veterinarians with three to five years experience range from $32,000 to $50,000. Veterinarians with 6 to 10 years' experience can expect salaries of $40,000 to $75,000 or more. Beginning Veterinarians usually enter federal service at the GS-9 level ($30,652 per year) and can rise to GS-12 level or higher ($44,450 per year). At the State level, salaries range between $38,000 and $53,000 per year. Veterinarians in private practice are usually able to establish their own appointment hours, although emergency cases or heavy caseloads frequently lead to long and irregular hours. This is especially true for Veterinarians just starting out, or those who are in practice by themselves. For those working in government agencies and private industry, hours are much more regular, and Veterinarians generally enjoy good fringe benefits.

In India it is roughly Rs.25000, plus or minus.

About $60 to $80K a year.

The vet has eight years of school, a full staff, all the equipment, and a building that has to be paid for. The average income is also somewhat lower than 60 to 80k. For the education and service it is most likley the best value in a Dr. vist you will get! (and still see the Dr.)

The average starting salary is $50,000 a year but the ratio varies greatly because of the many different fields the profession covers. Unfortunately, there has been a downward shift in salary especially in private practice. Whether it is a natural flux or a indication of a greater problem is yet to be seen. The job opportunities for vets seem to be increasing in specialty fields like, aquaculture, microbiology, toxicology and environmental medicine. This is not an exclusive list but it indicates a trend in practice. It is important to remember that if you go into a profession thinking of how much you are going to make then you probably will never be fulfilled. You must enter a profession because it is what is in your heart to do.

Most veterinarians are paid by the visit or case. For instance, they may be doing a routine check-up on a dog, but it could take 20 minutes or 40 minutes depending on what problems the animal has and how cooperative it is. They are very similarly paid to what a human medical doctor is (excluding psychiatrists, etc. who are paid for their time).

Median annual earnings of veterinarians were $66,590 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,420 and $88,060. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $118,430.

The salary for a graduate is any where from 30,000-37,500. After years of work your salary will increase a great deal, any where from 65,000-128,000 a year.

Median annual earnings of veterinarians were $66,590. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,420 and $88,060. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $118,430.

How much do vets make?
Veterinarains make an average between $40,000-$120,000.

Answer 2

If the plan is to be a regular vet working for someone else, treating mainly dogs and cats I would estimate $50,000 to $80,000 depending on the area you choose to work in. Be aware that most vets work evenings and at least Sat. or the weekends. Their hours are not the best.
If you specialize in exotics, you will probably make more per hour or per year, but the crummy hours and I guarantee you will meet some weird people.
The real money is to have a practice of you're own in a good area of town, but in the beginning, after graduation, I think anyone needs experience with other doctors before they go out on their own.

Answer 3

If you are considering becoming a vet for the money, you won't last through 8 years, plus any additional internships. Vet school is also extremely competitive. You'll only work that hard if you really want it (i.e. you really like animals and want to help them). Choose a career based on what you like, not on what you think you can make.

PS Check out http://www.bls.gov/oco/ for salary estimates.
It's more reliable than wikipedia.

Answer 4

Internet is so essential nowadays that it becomes a part of your daily ordinary. You can read the newspaper, see your email, upgrade your Facebook status, shop online for Christmas presents, Skype with buddies, search on Google and so on however the most crucial is that you can also get an everyday paid job, a job where you get paid quickly with no headache.