Veterinarian
Also known as: Vet, Animal Doctor
Diagnose and treat animals, from pets to livestock, combining medicine with a love for creatures.
Salary Range
The highest-paid specialization or seniority level for veterinarians.
About 1 in 33 reaches this level
About 86,400 veterinarians in the US (BLS 29-1131, May 2024); ~2,667 are ACVS board-certified surgeons (~3.0%) — the most selective veterinary specialty, with top surgeons reaching ~$400K. New DVM grads average ~$129-140K in companion-animal practice (AVMA).
Salary data based on 2025 BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
How to Become One
This career typically requires a doctoral/professional degree. Here are the top colleges for it:
AI Risk Assessment
AI-powered diagnostics and telemedicine tools will increasingly help pet owners self-diagnose and treat simple conditions at home, reducing routine office visits — a pattern already emerging across all healthcare fields. However, veterinarians will remain essential for hands-on work: surgeries, physical exams, complex diagnostics, and the in-person care that animals require. AI shifts the role rather than replaces it.
Ratings reflect a 10-year outlook based on 2025-2026 research, weighted toward entry-level impact. Individual outcomes will vary.
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