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:
Research Laboratory Veterinarian Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | 13.25% |
| Radiology | 1.2% |
| Animal Welfare | 0.4% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Dedication | $147,976 | |
| Commitment | $145,184 | |
| Partnering | $143,788 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Salaries for a Research Laboratory Veterinarian can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $126,786 in 2023 to around $124,868 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Laboratory Veterinarian salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $126,786 |
| 2024 | $127,516 |
| 2025 | $124,868 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Research Laboratory Veterinarian roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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