As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Veterinary Scientist in the United States is $137,859 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Veterinary Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Veterinary Scientist'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 Veterinary Scientist'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 Veterinary Scientist | $130,405 |
| Intermediate Level Veterinary Scientist | $131,404 |
| Senior Level Veterinary Scientist | $133,402 |
| Specialist Level Veterinary Scientist | $136,399 |
| Expert Level Veterinary Scientist | $143,700 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Veterinary Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | 13.25% |
| Radiology | 1.2% |
| Animal Welfare | 0.4% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Dedication
|
$146,131 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$143,373 |
4%
|
|
Partnering
|
$141,995 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$141,995 |
3%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$140,616 |
2%
|
|
Spring
|
$139,238 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Veterinary Scientists 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 Veterinary Scientist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $131,625 and $145,979).
Veterinary Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| 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 Veterinary Scientist'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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Veterinary Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $124,022 in 2023 to around $122,146 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Veterinary Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $124,022 |
| 2024 | $124,736 |
| 2025 | $122,146 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Veterinary Scientist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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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