GITNUXREPORT 2025

Veterinarian Statistics

Veterinarian profession grows, others report high job satisfaction, pet ownership rises.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The veterinary profession is estimated to grow by 19% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations

Statistic 2

The veterinary industry contributes approximately $60 billion annually to the U.S. economy

Statistic 3

The percentage of veterinary visits that are for small animals in the U.S. is approximately 83%

Statistic 4

Pet ownership in the U.S. has increased by approximately 10% over the past decade, impacting veterinary demand

Statistic 5

There are approximately 4,000 veterinary practices with multiple veterinarians across the U.S.

Statistic 6

About 45% of veterinarians own their practice

Statistic 7

The average student debt for veterinary graduates is around $183,000

Statistic 8

The number of veterinary schools in the U.S. is 33 as of 2023

Statistic 9

The veterinary profession has a graduation rate of about 90% from accredited schools

Statistic 10

There are approximately 117,100 licensed veterinarians in the United States as of 2022

Statistic 11

The median annual wage for veterinarians in the U.S. was $100,370 in May 2021

Statistic 12

About 77% of veterinarians work in private clinical practice

Statistic 13

Approximately 25% of veterinarians are women as of 2022

Statistic 14

Small animal veterinarians make up about 80% of the veterinary workforce

Statistic 15

About 30% of veterinarians work in academia, government, or industry roles

Statistic 16

The average age of veterinarians in the U.S. is 52 years old

Statistic 17

Around 10% of veterinarians are in emergency and critical care specialties

Statistic 18

The majority of veterinary clinics are solo or small practices, with 60% having four or fewer veterinarians

Statistic 19

The top three states with the highest number of veterinarians are California, Texas, and Florida

Statistic 20

Veterinarians report a job satisfaction rate of approximately 78%

Statistic 21

Nearly 70% of vets work more than 40 hours per week

Statistic 22

The most common reason for veterinarians to leave clinical practice is burnout and workload

Statistic 23

The proportion of veterinary technicians (technologists) in the U.S. is about 75,000 as of 2022

Statistic 24

Veterinarians who specialize in dentistry, ophthalmology, and surgery are among the highest paid, with average salaries exceeding $130,000

Slide 1 of 24
Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

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

With a 19% growth forecast—much faster than most careers—and a hefty $60 billion boost to the U.S. economy, veterinarians are not only saving animal lives but also significantly strengthening the nation’s financial health.

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

With roughly 83% of veterinary visits dedicated to small animals and pet ownership climbing by 10% over the last decade, America's furry friends have truly become part of the family—and the waiting room.

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

With around 4,000 veterinary practices nationwide and nearly half owned by veterinarians themselves, the profession balances between professional passion and entrepreneurial spirit—proof that many vets see their craft as both a calling and a business.

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

With a staggering $183,000 average debt and a relatively small but competitive pool of 33 U.S. veterinary schools, the profession's 90% graduation rate suggests aspiring vets are pet-loving high achievers, paws-itively committed despite the hefty financial leash.

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

With over 117,000 licensed vets across the U.S. earning a solid median salary of around $100,000 while balancing high workloads in predominantly small animal practices—especially in California, Texas, and Florida—the profession boasts a satisfying 78% job approval rate, yet faces challenges from burnout and a modest 25% female representation, underscoring the vital need for both gratitude and reform in our animal caregivers' ecosystem.