What Are the Benefits of Being a Veterinarian?

USDA Department of Agriculture/CC-BY 2.0

Veterinarians enjoy good pay and good working conditions. The median pay for this career field is relatively high, as is the potential to feel a direct positive impact from going to work every day.

Animal lovers who also enjoy biological science and aren’t squeamish often become veterinarians, a career path that offers a variety of benefits. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median pay for veterinarians as of 2012 was $84,460 per year, which is well above average. Other benefits include working with animals and people in a caring profession. Some veterinarians regularly save animals’ lives and help injured animals recover, which is a dream come true for some. Another benefit of this line of work is that veterinarians can develop a private practice and serve as their own boss.