Research Laboratory Veterinarian Salary in the United States

How much does a Research Laboratory Veterinarian make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Laboratory Veterinarian in the United States is $139,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

However, a Research Laboratory Veterinarian's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $178,000
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $125,900 to $159,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $113,427

Key Factors That Influence Research Laboratory Veterinarian Salaries

A Research Laboratory Veterinarian's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Research Laboratory Veterinarian Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Research Laboratory Veterinarian's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $133,466
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $134,488
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $136,533
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $139,600
  • Expert (over 8 years): $147,100
Levels Salary
Entry Level Research Laboratory Veterinarian$133,466
Intermediate Level Research Laboratory Veterinarian$134,488
Senior Level Research Laboratory Veterinarian$136,533
Specialist Level Research Laboratory Veterinarian$139,600
Expert Level Research Laboratory Veterinarian$147,100

Top Paying Cities for Research Laboratory Veterinarians

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $176,100
  • San Francisco: $174,200
  • Oakland: $170,500

What Skills Can Increase a Research Laboratory Veterinarian's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Communication Skills (Mentioned in 13.25% Job Postings): Communication skills are your ability to share or understand information, ideas, and feelings successfully.
  • Radiology (Mentioned in 1.2% Job Postings): Recording, analyzing, and measuring brain activities through electroencephalogram tests to detect, diagnose, and treat brain disorders.
  • Animal Welfare (Mentioned in 0.4% Job Postings): A well-being of non-human animals. Formal standards vary between contexts, but are debated mostly by animal welfare groups, legislators and academics.
Skills Demand Percentage
Communication Skills 13.25%
Radiology 1.2%
Animal Welfare 0.4%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Research Laboratory Veterinarian's salary.

  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Partnering: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Dedication $147,976
6%
Commitment $145,184
4%
Partnering $143,788
3%

Research Laboratory Veterinarian Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Research Laboratory Veterinarian salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,068. While startup companies pay approximate $130,828.

Research Laboratory Veterinarian Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $130,828
Growth Stage 51~500 $138,245
Established 501~5000 $148,902
Enterprise 5000+ $154,068

Research Laboratory Veterinarian Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Research Laboratory Veterinarian roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Pharmaceuticals, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Research Laboratory Veterinarian positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Research Laboratory Veterinarian as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Research Laboratory Veterinarian

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$153,560$74.010%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$146,580$70.05%

How Education impacts a Research Laboratory Veterinarian's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Laboratory Veterinarians enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Research Laboratory Veterinarian with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $131,066 and $145,330).

Research Laboratory Veterinarian Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Research Laboratory Veterinarian
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 6.2%
High School 12.7%
Associates 10.5%
Bachelors 16.4%
Masters 15.8%
Doctorate 38.4%

Research Laboratory Veterinarian Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research Laboratory Veterinarian's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$125,900
Average $139,600/year
$159,700
$10,492
Average $11,633/month
$13,308
$2,421
Average $2,685/week
$3,071
$61
Average $67/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $159,700 $13,308 $3,071 $77
Average $139,600 $11,633 $2,685 $67
25th Percentile $125,900 $10,492 $2,421 $61

Most common benefits for Research Laboratory Veterinarian

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Research Laboratory Veterinarian

Here are companies hiring for Research Laboratory Veterinarian and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Research Laboratory Veterinarian

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Research Laboratory Veterinarian?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Research Laboratory Veterinarian roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. Which country pays vets the most?

The highest-paying country for veterinarians is the United States, where Research Laboratory Veterinarians earn between $115,500 and $168,200, with a median salary of $139,800. New graduates can expect salaries around $100,000 to $120,000, while those with 2-10 years of experience earn $120,000 to $160,000, and those with over 10 years can make $160,000 to $250,000.

3. Can vets make 200k a year?

While some veterinary positions can offer high salaries, the average salary for a Research Laboratory Veterinarian ranges from $115,500 to $168,200, with a mid-salary of $139,800. Achieving a salary of $200,000 is uncommon in this field, but specialized roles or extensive experience may lead to higher earnings.

4. What is the highest paid research field?

The highest paid research field includes positions like Research Laboratory Veterinarian, with salaries ranging from $115,500 to $168,200. Other high-paying roles in research may include Postdoctoral Research Associate and Pharmaceutical Scientist, but they typically offer lower salary ranges compared to specialized veterinary research positions.

5. How do research labs make money?

Research labs generate revenue through various means, including government grants, private funding, and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies. They may also charge for services like testing and analysis. The salaries for Research Laboratory Veterinarians typically range from $115,500 to $168,200, reflecting their expertise and the critical role they play in research and animal welfare.

6. Can a veterinarian make 6 figures?

Yes, a veterinarian can make six figures. For instance, a Research Laboratory Veterinarian has a salary range with a minimum of $115,500, a mid-level salary of $139,800, and a maximum of $168,200. This demonstrates that many veterinarians, especially in specialized roles, can earn substantial incomes.

7. How do I become a veterinary researcher?

To become a research veterinarian, start by earning a bachelor's degree, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree. Complete a residency program in veterinary research and gain relevant experience. Obtain certification and then apply for positions. Salaries for research laboratory veterinarians range from $115,500 to $168,200, with a median of $139,800.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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