What it is

Are you planning to ask for a raise? Are you thinking of moving to a new practice or making a career change? The AVMA Veterinary Salary Estimator for Early-Career Veterinarians can provide possible salary ranges that you can use as a guide for pay negotiations, budgeting and financial planning, based on historical data trends.

Who should use it

The salary estimator is the perfect tool for veterinarians in their first six years after graduation from veterinary school. Unfortunately, salaries among veterinarians who have been in the workforce longer than that are simply too variable to be analyzed and estimated accurately in this manner. Veterinary students should use the student salary estimator, and those who have just graduated can use the new veterinarian salary estimator.

How it works

Using the AVMA's economic data, we've identified several key variables that statistically correlate to differences in salaries for veterinarians with 1-6 years of experience in the workforce. This estimator allows you to easily calculate possible earning ranges from different scenarios. It's designed to help you address the spectrum of decisions you may encounter—Where do you want to live? What type of job do you want? Are you interested in pursuing more formal education? We encourage you to calculate multiple scenarios.

Note: For the scenarios to yield statistically accurate results, you must input all variables in each calculation.

This information is based on historical averages. The critical word here is averages. An important part of any salary negotiation or career change is to pinpoint your unique skills or experience, determine their value, and include them in your discussions with your current or potential new employer. Remember also that because it is based on historical data, this is a tool that indicates what has been, rather than what should be. Actual salaries must be negotiated between the employer and the veterinarian, in light of all relevant factors. A salary may be more or less, given the facts of the particular situation.

For more information on the veterinary salary estimator check out our FAQ.

Get started by answering 6 quick questions.