SOC 3240 Health and social care associate professionals

Veterinary nurses Salary

Median salary £26,666 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £27,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For veterinary nurses, £28,893 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -26% versus the national average. Experienced veterinary nurses (top 25%) earn over £32,114.

About this role

Veterinary nurses provide clinical nursing care to animals under the direction of veterinary surgeons. They assist in surgery, administer medications, monitor anaesthesia, provide post-operative care and educate pet owners on animal health and welfare.

Key responsibilities

Assisting veterinary surgeons during surgery and procedures
Monitoring anaesthesia and recovery
Administering medications and treatments under direction
Providing nursing care to hospitalised animals
Advising clients on preventive health and nutrition

Qualifications and entry routes

Requires an RCVS-approved qualification (Level 3 Diploma or degree in Veterinary Nursing). Registration with the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) is mandatory. The title 'veterinary nurse' is legally protected.

Career outlook

Workforce shortages across the profession. Expanded scope of practice (Schedule 3 procedures) and advanced practitioner roles are improving career pathways.

Key skills

Clinical nursing skills Anaesthesia monitoring Animal handling Client communication Surgical assistance

Common industries

Small animal practices
Equine practices
Referral hospitals
Emergency and out-of-hours services
Charity clinics

Data coverage

SOC code 3240

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 14,000

Median Salary

£26,666

Mean Salary

£26,280

Jobs (000s)

14k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £21,118Median: £26,666P75: £32,114

P10: --P25: £21kMedian: £27kP75: £32kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£21,118

0-2 years

Mid Level

£21,118

3-7 years

Senior

£32,114

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +52% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +58.1%Real growth: +15.7%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 3.1%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£26,666

Full-time Only

£28,893

Full-time premium: +£2,227

Veterinary nurses salary: common questions

How much do veterinary nurses earn in the UK?

Veterinary nurses earn a median of £28,893 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £21,118 and £32,114.

Is £28,893 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for veterinary nurses?

Entry-level veterinary nurses typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £21,118, though this varies by employer and region.

Have veterinary nurses salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median veterinary nurses pay has risen from £18,018 to £28,893 — +60% in cash terms, or +16% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for veterinary nurses?

Male veterinary nurses earn a median £27,032 and female veterinary nurses £26,187 — a gap of +3.0% in 2025.

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