There are currently an estimated 79,600 veterinarians in the United States. The veterinarian job market is expected to grow by 18.8% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are veterinarians?

CareerExplorer rates veterinarians with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 16,600 veterinarians. That number is based on 15,000 additional veterinarians, and the retirement of 1,600 existing veterinarians.

Are veterinarians in demand?

Demand for veterinarians is expected to grow due to rising incomes and the increase in the number of people aged 34 to 59, historically the highest pet owner demographic. The rise in pet insurance purchases indicates that pet owners also may be willing to pay for more elective and intensive care than in the past. In addition, demand for veterinarians is growing as a result of the ongoing development of scientific methods of breeding and raising livestock, poultry, and fish. The prominence of environmental and public health initiatives and disease control programs is also contributing to the need for more veterinary professionals in the areas of aquaculture and food animal practice. Specialists in animal toxicology, laboratory medicine, and pathology are projected to be in high demand in metropolitan areas. Competition will continue to be stiff. First-year enrolments in veterinary schools have increased slightly and the number of students in graduate-degree and board certification programs has risen dramatically. Job candidates with specializations should have the best job opportunities.

What’s the supply of veterinarians?

The veterinarian industry is concentrated in California, Florida, Texas

Veterinarian job market by state

State Name Employed Veterinarians
California 6,480
Florida 4,310
Texas 4,210
New York 3,190
Pennsylvania 2,990
North Carolina 2,880
Ohio 2,870
Illinois 2,800
Virginia 2,670
Colorado 2,120
Michigan 2,050
Georgia 1,950
New Jersey 1,830
Wisconsin 1,760
Maryland 1,740
Missouri 1,560
Tennessee 1,560
Washington 1,550
Massachusetts 1,450
Oregon 1,410
Indiana 1,370
Arizona 1,360
Minnesota 1,340
Iowa 1,160
Oklahoma 990
Alabama 980
Kentucky 940
Louisiana 840
Kansas 780
South Carolina 760
Connecticut 700
Nebraska 690
Arkansas 580
Nevada 540
Mississippi 450
New Hampshire 440
Idaho 400
Montana 390
Utah 390
New Mexico 370
Maine 360
West Virginia 330
Hawaii 280
South Dakota 230
North Dakota 230
Delaware 220
Wyoming 200
Vermont 190
Alaska 190
District of Columbia 110
Puerto Rico 60