Key Highlights
- There are approximately 117,100 licensed veterinarians in the United States as of 2022
- The median annual wage for veterinarians in the U.S. was $100,370 in May 2021
- About 77% of veterinarians work in private clinical practice
- The veterinary profession is estimated to grow by 19% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations
- Approximately 25% of veterinarians are women as of 2022
- The average student debt for veterinary graduates is around $183,000
- Small animal veterinarians make up about 80% of the veterinary workforce
- The number of veterinary schools in the U.S. is 33 as of 2023
- The veterinary industry contributes approximately $60 billion annually to the U.S. economy
- About 30% of veterinarians work in academia, government, or industry roles
- The average age of veterinarians in the U.S. is 52 years old
- Around 10% of veterinarians are in emergency and critical care specialties
- The percentage of veterinary visits that are for small animals in the U.S. is approximately 83%
With over 117,000 licensed veterinarians and a booming industry contributing $60 billion annually, the veterinary profession is evolving rapidly, driven by rising pet ownership, high job satisfaction, and a forecasted 19% growth rate through 2031.
Industry Growth and Economic Impact
- The veterinary profession is estimated to grow by 19% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations
- The veterinary industry contributes approximately $60 billion annually to the U.S. economy
Industry Growth and Economic Impact Interpretation
Pet Ownership and Client Demographics
- The percentage of veterinary visits that are for small animals in the U.S. is approximately 83%
- Pet ownership in the U.S. has increased by approximately 10% over the past decade, impacting veterinary demand
Pet Ownership and Client Demographics Interpretation
Practice Ownership and Clinic Types
- There are approximately 4,000 veterinary practices with multiple veterinarians across the U.S.
- About 45% of veterinarians own their practice
Practice Ownership and Clinic Types Interpretation
Veterinary Education and Training
- The average student debt for veterinary graduates is around $183,000
- The number of veterinary schools in the U.S. is 33 as of 2023
- The veterinary profession has a graduation rate of about 90% from accredited schools
Veterinary Education and Training Interpretation
Workforce Demographics and Employment Patterns
- There are approximately 117,100 licensed veterinarians in the United States as of 2022
- The median annual wage for veterinarians in the U.S. was $100,370 in May 2021
- About 77% of veterinarians work in private clinical practice
- Approximately 25% of veterinarians are women as of 2022
- Small animal veterinarians make up about 80% of the veterinary workforce
- About 30% of veterinarians work in academia, government, or industry roles
- The average age of veterinarians in the U.S. is 52 years old
- Around 10% of veterinarians are in emergency and critical care specialties
- The majority of veterinary clinics are solo or small practices, with 60% having four or fewer veterinarians
- The top three states with the highest number of veterinarians are California, Texas, and Florida
- Veterinarians report a job satisfaction rate of approximately 78%
- Nearly 70% of vets work more than 40 hours per week
- The most common reason for veterinarians to leave clinical practice is burnout and workload
- The proportion of veterinary technicians (technologists) in the U.S. is about 75,000 as of 2022
- Veterinarians who specialize in dentistry, ophthalmology, and surgery are among the highest paid, with average salaries exceeding $130,000
Workforce Demographics and Employment Patterns Interpretation
Sources & References
- Reference 1AVMAResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 2BLSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 3AAVMCResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 4VETMEDResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 5NA-VTResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 6AMERICANPETPRODUCTSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source