SOC 2240 Health professionals

Veterinarians Salary

Median salary £45,362 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £45,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For veterinarians, £51,058 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +31% versus the national average.

About this role

Veterinarians diagnose, treat and prevent disease in animals. They perform examinations, surgery, vaccinations and prescribe treatments, working with companion animals, livestock or specialist species depending on their practice area, as classified under the 2020 Standard Occupational Classification.

Key responsibilities

Examining animals and diagnosing health conditions
Performing surgical procedures and medical treatments
Prescribing medications and advising on animal health
Conducting preventive health programmes and vaccinations
Maintaining clinical records and ensuring animal welfare compliance

Qualifications and entry routes

Requires a BVSc, BVetMed or equivalent veterinary degree (5 years) and registration with the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons).

Career outlook

Significant workforce shortages, particularly in farm practice and emergency services. Corporate acquisition of practices is reshaping the sector.

Key skills

Clinical diagnosis Surgical skills Animal handling Client communication Decision-making under pressure

Common industries

Small animal practice
Farm and equine practice
Referral hospitals
Government veterinary services
Research

Data coverage

SOC code 2240

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

£45,362

Mean Salary

£44,900

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

Median: £45,362

P10: --P25: --Median: £45kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£45,362

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +36.3%Real growth: -1.2%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£45,362

Full-time Only

£51,058

Full-time premium: +£5,696

Veterinarians salary: common questions

How much do veterinarians earn in the UK?

Veterinarians earn a median of £51,058 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £51,058 a good salary in the UK?

For veterinarians, £51,058 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +31% versus the national average.

Have veterinarians salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median veterinarians pay has risen from £37,473 to £51,058 — +36% in cash terms, or -1.0% after CPIH inflation. That is roughly in line with inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).