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 37 reaches this level
About 2,667 ACVS board-certified surgeons exist out of ~100K vets (2.67%) — the most selective veterinary specialty. AVMA data shows new DVM graduates average $129K-$140K in companion animal practice.
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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