The Highest-Paid Veterinary Specialties: What You Need to Know

What vet specialty makes the most money?
Ophthalmology The highest paid veterinary specialty is: Ophthalmology. Average salaries for a veterinarian vary, but we found that the highest paid specialty in the industry is Ophthalmology, with AVMA reporting annual incomes of $199K+.
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For those who enjoy working with animals, veterinary medicine is a satisfying and meaningful vocation. When selecting a veterinarian specialization, it’s vital to take your income potential into account. Due to their particular knowledge and expertise, some specialties are paid more than others. The highest paying veterinary specialty will be discussed in this post, along with some pertinent questions.

What does a veterinarian earn?

Let’s first take a look at the typical veterinarian salary before moving on to the best-paying veterinary specialties. The median annual salary for veterinarians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $93,830 as of May 2020. However, compensation might differ significantly based on things like experience, location, and expertise. Which area of veterinary medicine pays the most?

The highest-paid veterinary specialty, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, are:

1. Veterinary surgeons: These professionals specialize in operating on animals. On average, they make between $150,000 and $250,000.

2. Veterinary anesthesiologists: During surgical operations, veterinary anesthesiologists are in charge of giving anaesthetic. They receive an annual salary of $200,000 on average.

3. Veterinary dermatologists: Veterinarian dermatologists are experts in identifying and treating skin issues in animals. Between $120,000 and $180,000 might be earned by them annually.

4. Veterinary ophthalmologists: These medical professionals focus on identifying and treating diseases of the eyes in animals. On average, they make between $120,000 and $180,000 annually.

5. Veterinarians in Emergency and Critical Care: Veterinarians that specialize in emergency and critical care operate in emergency clinics and are in charge of treating animals who are in grave danger. Their annual salary ranges from $100,000 to $120,000.

What do exotic animal veterinarians do?

Veterinarians who specialize in treating exotic pets, such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals, are known as exotic animal specialists. They might work in zoos, aquariums, or hospitals for exotic animals. Veterinarians that specialize in exotic animals often make incomes that are equivalent to those of other veterinarians, with an annual average compensation of about $93,000.

Is a zoologist a doctor, then?

Zoologists are not doctors, sorry. In zoology, biology, or a closely related subject, they frequently hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Zoologists research the biology, physiology, genetics, and ecology of animals. Does VCA have exotic?

Services for exotic animals are provided by VCA, a network of veterinary hospitals and clinics. Veterinarians who specialize in treating exotic animals may be employed by VCA hospitals. It’s crucial to verify with your local VCA facility before scheduling an appointment because not all VCA clinics provide services for exotic animals.

In conclusion, there are numerous specialties within veterinary medicine, each with a different income potential. Among the highest-paid veterinary professions are veterinary surgeons, anesthesiologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and emergency and critical care veterinarians. Veterinarians that treat exotic animals often make salaries that are equivalent to those of other vets. Zoologists are specialists in the study of animal behavior, physiology, genetics, and ecology rather than being medical professionals. It’s crucial to verify with your local VCA hospital before scheduling an appointment because certain VCA facilities provide services for exotic animals.