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Veterinary Jobs

Veterinary professionals from assistants to techs to doctors all share a love of animals, and work hard to help them maintain good health. Training for veterinary positions is intense, however, in this nation of pet lovers, the skills are always in demand. Those with specialized skills for a particular animal or breed can elevate their business as well.

Veterinary assistants look after nonfarm animals in laboratories, animal hospitals, and clinics. They care for the well-being of animals by doing routine tasks under the supervision of veterinarians or veterinary technologists or technicians. A high school diploma is needed to get hired as a veterinary assistant. The median annual salary of veterinary assistants was $22,830 in May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of veterinary assistants is expected to grow 14 percent from 2010 to 2020, as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent.

Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests under the supervision of veterinarians to treat or to help veterinarians diagnose the illnesses and injuries of animals. To get hired, veterinary technologists need a bachelors degree, and veterinary technicians need an associate degree. Most veterinary technologists and technicians must take a credentialing exam and become registered, licensed, or certified in their state. The median annual salary of veterinary technologists and technicians was $30,140 in May 2011, according to the BLS. Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow 52 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent, particularly in rural areas.

Veterinarians care for the health of animals by diagnosing, treating, or researching medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, racetracks, and labs. Veterinarians must have a doctor of veterinary medicine degree and a state license to practice. The median annual salary of veterinarians was $82,900 in May 2011, according to the BLS. Employment of veterinarians is expected to grow 36 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities should be particularly good in government and in farm animal care.