Veterinary Salary Estimator for New Veterinarians
Use this tool to guide salary negotiations or map out different earning scenarios as you begin your veterinary career.
What it is
You've graduated veterinary school–What kind of salary might you hope for in your new career? The AVMA Veterinary Salary Estimator for New Veterinarians can provide you with approximate salary ranges to use as a guide for pay negotiations, budgeting and financial planning, based on historical data trends.
Who should use it
This salary estimator is the perfect tool for veterinary school graduates up to six years out. 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.
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 for different demographic scenarios. It's designed to help you address the spectrum of decisions you may encounter. For example: 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 and compare the differences.
Note: For the estimator 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 veterinarian, in light of all relevant factors. A salary may be more or less, given the facts of a particular situation.
For more information on the veterinary salary estimator check out our FAQ.
Get started by answering 6 quick questions.