Lead Veterinarian Salary in the United States
How Much Does a Lead Veterinarian make?
Lead Veterinarian made a median salary around $112,692 in April, 2025.
The best-paid 25 percent made $142,868 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $88,876.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out
Lead Veterinarian
jobs in
Columbus, Ohio
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Best-Paying Cities for Lead Veterinarian
The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Lead Veterinarian profession are San Jose
, San Francisco
, Oakland
, New York
, Queens Village
.
| San Jose, CA | $142,138 |
| San Francisco, CA | $140,741 |
| Oakland, CA | $137,619 |
| New York, NY | $130,598 |
| Queens Village, NY | $129,753 |
Best-Paying States for Lead Veterinarian
The states and districts that pay Lead Veterinarian the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $124,772)
, California (around $124,299)
, Massachusetts (around $122,642)
, Washington (around $122,191)
, and New Jersey (around $122,146)
.
| District of Columbia | $124,772 |
| California | $124,299 |
| Massachusetts | $122,642 |
| Washington | $122,191 |
| New Jersey | $122,146 |
Frequently Asked Questions for Lead Veterinarian
Q:
What is the salary range of Lead Veterinarian?
A:
In 2025
, the lowest-paid Lead Veterinarian earned an average annual salary of $88,876
, while the highest-paid made $142,868.
Q:
What is the salary for a Lead Veterinarian in California?
A:
Lead Veterinarian employed in California earned an average salary of $124,299 in 2025.
Average Lead Veterinarian Pay vs. Other Jobs
Lead Veterinarian earned an average salary of $112,692 in 2025.
Other jobs related to Lead Veterinarian earned the following average salary in April, 2025.
Lead Partner Veterinarian
made $112,692
,
Veterinarian
made $110,473
,
Licensed Veterinarian
and
Research Veterinarian
made $110,480
and $140,367 respectively
.
Relevant Jobs of Lead Veterinarian
There is currently no job description for Lead Partner Veterinarian, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Lead Partner Veterinarian.
Veterinarian diagnoses and treats animal disease or injuries. Performs check-up exams. Being a Veterinarian utilizes diagnostic laboratory tests, x-rays, sonography and other tools to determine treatments for animals. Performs surgeries. Additionally, Veterinarian advises animal owners about preventative care, diet, vaccines, and behavioral conditions. Prescribes medications and treatment protocols. Consults with other veterinary specialists as needed. Requires a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. Requires an applicable state license to practice. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Veterinarian's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
The Licensed Veterinarian performs check-up exams. Diagnoses and treats animal disease or injuries. Being a Licensed Veterinarian performs surgeries. Utilizes diagnostic laboratory tests, x-rays, sonography and other tools to determine treatments for animals. In addition, Licensed Veterinarian advises animal owners about preventative care, diet, vaccines, and behavioral conditions. Prescribes medications and treatment protocols. Consults with other veterinary specialists as needed. Requires a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. Requires an applicable state license to practice.Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Licensed Veterinarian's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Research Veterinarian provides medical services in support of the health of animals that are part of medical research and studies. Prescribes medications, establishes and administers treatment plans, and performs surgeries on animals. Being a Research Veterinarian provides oversight of animal care and laboratory protocols to ensure compliance with veterinary standards and statutory requirements. Requires an applicable state license to practice. Additionally, Research Veterinarian requires a PhD in veterinary medicine. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Research Veterinarian's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
A veterinary physician, usually called a vet, which is shortened from veterinarian (American English) or veterinary surgeon (British English), is a professional who practices veterinary medicine by treating diseases, disorders, and injuries in animals.