Statistics for Careers in Veterinary

Veterinary Career Statistics

For those interested in veterinary technology, completion of a two- or four-year program and passing a state test is usually all that is required.
Employment for techs is expected to grow much faster than average. In 2002, there were 53,000 veterinary technicians in the US.
Vet techs sometimes work overnight shifts, especially in animal hospitals and in shelters.
Vet techs earned an average salary of $22,950 in 2002.
Veterinarians must graduate from an accredited school and obtain state licensing in order to practice.
Over half of veterinarians in private practices primarily treat small animals.
There were about 58,000 veterinarians in 2002; 28% of them were self-employed, either in independent or in group practices.
The federal government employs some 1,100 veterinarians - most of them work for the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services.
Some veterinarians working in rural areas will drive out to farms to treat livestock.
Veterinarians can also work in zoos, aquariums, and research labs.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes several specialty areas, including anesthesiology, exotic small-animal medicine, preventive medicine, surgery, and more.