Veterinarians
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$125,510
~$60/hr · ~$10,459/mo
US Jobs
86K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
4/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 4/10
Veterinary work is a hybrid of physical procedures and complex diagnostic knowledge work. While AI will significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy through image analysis (X-rays/ultrasounds) and treatment planning, the core of the job requires physical surgery, manual examinations, and high-stakes interpersonal communication with pet owners that cannot be automated.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph, MO-KSBEST VALUE | $159,200 | Below avg (87.6) | $181,758 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $165,060 | Average (100.8) | $163,826 |
| Yakima, WA | $157,140 | Average (97.9) | $160,507 |
| Napa, CA | $179,080 | Above avg (111.8) | $160,142 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $187,990 | Above avg (117.6) | $159,922 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $159,600 | Average (102.4) | $155,876 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $175,050 | Above avg (113.1) | $154,831 |
| Anchorage, AK | $164,220 | Above avg (106.8) | $153,806 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $161,880 | Above avg (105.9) | $152,876 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | $152,200 | Average (101.0) | $150,723 |
| Modesto, CA | $157,300 | Above avg (105.1) | $149,629 |
| Chico, CA | $156,030 | Above avg (104.7) | $148,962 |
| Salinas, CA | $168,330 | Above avg (113.2) | $148,726 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $163,380 | Above avg (110.3) | $148,186 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $158,710 | Above avg (107.3) | $147,856 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Doctoral or professional degree
10-Year Growth
+10% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$60/hr
Monthly Income
~$10,459/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)