Global Vet Salary Report 2023
The Global Vet Salary Report for 2023 highlights some interesting facts across the industry. The report aims to uncover salary ranges and hourly rates for veterinary surgeons, vet nurse practitioners and locums worldwide.
So which countries have the highest salaries for veterinarians?
And how do global vet jobs salary rates compare across permanent and locum roles?
| Permanent New Graduate Salary (1 – 2 years experience) | Permanent Vet Salary (2 – 10 years experience) | Permanent Experienced Vet Salary (10+ years experience) | Locum / Relief Pay Rate Per Day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | USD $95,000 – $110,000 | USD $110,000 – $140,000 | USD $150,000 – $200,000 | USD $400 – $1000 |
| UK | GBP£26,000 – £36,000
(USD $31,300 – $43,400) |
GBP £40,000 – £55,000
(USD $48,000 – $66,000) |
GBP £50,000 – £70,000
(USD $60,000 – $84,000) |
GBP £300 – £500
(USD $360 -$600) |
| New Zealand | NZD $65,000 – $80,000
(USD $40,000 -$50,00) |
NZD$90,000 – $120,000
(USD 56,500 – $75,000) |
NZD$100,000 –
$130,000
(USD $62,000 – $82,000) |
NZD $350 – $700
(USD $220 – $440) |
| Australia | AUD $80,000 – $85,000 (USD $55,000 – $58,000) | AUD$85,000 – $100,000
(USD $58,000 – $69,000) |
AUD$100,000 –
$150,000
(USD $69,000 – $104,00) |
AUD $500 – $750
(USD $345 – $520) |
| Canada | CAD $100,000 – $130,000
(USD $77,000 – $100,000) |
CAD$130,000 –
$150,000
(USD $100,000 – $116,000) |
CAD$150,000 –
$200,000
(USD $116,000 – $154,000) |
CAD$400 – $800
(USD $310 – $618) |
| Hong Kong | HKD $500,000 – $650,000
(USD $63,00 – $82,000) |
HKD $650,000 –
$960,000
(USD $82,000 – $122,000) |
HKD $860,000 –
$1,200,000
(USD $109,000 – $152,000) |
N/A |
| Ireland | EUR €40,000 – €45,000
(USD $40,500 – $45,500) |
EUR €45,000 – €60,000
(USD $45,500 – $60,700) |
EUR €50,000 – €90,000
(USD $50,600 – $91,100) |
EUR €250 – €400
(USD $253 – $405) |
| UAE | AED120,000 – 160,000
(USD $32,000 – $43,000) |
AED 180,000 – 220,000
(USD $49,000 – $60,000) |
260,000 – 350,000
(USD $70,000 – $95,000) |
N/A |
| Qatar | QAR 200,000 – 240,000
(USD $55,000 – $65,000) |
QAR 260,000 – 345,000
(USD $71,000 – $95,000) |
QAR 360,000 – 450,000
(USD $98,000 – $122,000) |
N/A |
| South Africa | ZAR 350,000 – 420,000
(USD $20,100 – $25,000) |
ZAR 450,000 – 500,000
(USD $26,800 – 29,8000) |
ZAR 700,000 – 1,000,000
(USD $42,000 – $59,500) |
N/A |
This data was compiled by global vet recruitment agency The Vet Service using client salary data (English-speaking roles only). Currency conversions into USD from local currency, all client data accurate as of May 2023 Please feel free to use on your site with a hyperlink reference to The Vet Service.
What are the highest-paying countries for veterinarians?
The salaries for veterinary surgeons have risen significantly over the past 12 months. The average veterinary surgeon’s salary across the countries surveyed now stands at around $68,000 (£56,000) for vets with 2-5 years of experience.
But there are wide variations across these countries. Veterinarians in the United States ($110,000), the highest place on the list, earn more than four times the amount of colleagues in South Africa ($26,800), the last of the 10 countries surveyed.
Vets in the United Kingdom are also shown to earn significantly less than colleagues in countries with a similar demographic. The country comes 8th on the list of 10 countries above South Africa and the UAE with salaries in the £48,000 – £66,000 range.
Here is a look at the top 3 highest paying countries for veterinarians based on experience:
New Graduates:
1. United States: $95,000 – $110,000 (£79,000) – (£91,000)
2. Canada: $77,000 – $100,000 (£64,000) – (£83,000)
3. Qatar: $55,000 – $65,000 (£45,000) – (£54,000)
2-10 Years Experience:
1. United States: $110,000 – $140,000 (£91,000) – (£116,000)
2. Canada: $100,000 – $116,000 (£83,000) – (£96,000)
3. Qatar: $71,000 – $95,000 (£59,000) – (£79,000)
10+ years experience:
1. United States: $150,000 – $200,000 (£124,000) – (£166,000)
2. Canada: $116,000 – $154,000 (£96,000) – (£128,000)
3. Qatar: $98,000 – $122,000 (£82,000) – (£102,000)
What are the Best Day Rates for Locum Vets Worldwide?
The United Kingdom fares much more favourably when locum rates are taken into consideration. Locums in the UK are paid between £300 – £500 per day, which puts them in the second position just behind the United States (£333 – £832).
Locum/Relief Day Rate:
1. United States: $400 – $1000 (£333) – (£832)
2. United Kingdom: £300 – £500
3. Canada: $310 – $618 (£258) – (£514)
How does Pay Vary Between Different States/Regions?
As well as country-wide differences there are also a large variation in salaries between states and regions. In the United Kingdom, for example, vets in Scotland are paid around 20% less than similarly qualified vets in England and Wales.
In North America, veterinarians working in South Carolina earn around 30% more than vets working in Oklahoma. The difference can likely be explained by the amount of arable vs livestock farming in these regions.
It is also worth mentioning that there are variations in cost of living between countries and even within areas of countries which are not outlined in this report and this is a factor you should always consider when assessing salary levels – if you want to speak more about salary vs. cost of living speak to a vet recruitment specialist.
Summary: Global Vet Salaries on the Rise
Reports like this are invaluable to students and experienced workers in the veterinary sector. They establish a starting point for salary negotiations, help to reduce the gender pay gap, and allow locums to set a fair price for their services.
The outlook for veterinary employment in all major regions across the world remains good. Salaries are increasing across the board for both permanent and locum positions.
But the best-paid jobs remain in highly productive areas such as the USA and Canada and Qatar, although Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the Middle East are also highly competitive.
Get in touch with The Vet Service today to see how we can find your ideal veterinary position worldwide.
