The future job outlook for veterinarians is excellent. In fact, the veterinary field is expected to experience an above-average job growth rate for many years to come. More people are choosing to pursue this field and more jobs will likely be available in the future.

This is great news for anyone interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. That said, there are a few things you should know if you’re in the field or studying to become a veterinarian. Let’s take a closer look at the job outlook for veterinarians in 2023 so you can make an informed decision about your career path.

The North American market share for veterinary services has been increasing steadily since at least 2014. This trend is expected to continue well into 2024 and beyond. Employment of veterinarians is also projected to grow by 19 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is nearly quadruple the average growth rate of all other occupations for the same period.

This increase in demand can be attributed to several factors. For instance, consumer pet-related spending increased significantly between 2020 and 2022. Plus, roughly 90 million or 70% of all U.S. households now own at least one pet. Treatment options are also expanding as pet populations continue to age. Today’s veterinarians are now able to provide healthcare services comparable to those of traditional primary care physicians.

Keep in mind that most veterinary specialists are in short supply. Despite being some of the most highly paid professionals, they only comprise about 1-2% of total veterinarians in the United States. This is likely because it takes many years of dedication to become a veterinary specialist, and there simply aren’t enough residency programs to meet demand.

Veterinary practices are constantly evolving as technology changes over time. In 2023, it’s expected that many veterinary practices will be equipped with advanced medical equipment rivaling that of modern hospitals. They’re likely to routinely employ CT scans, MRI machines, laser surgery tools, and digital systems to streamline patient care. 

While these advances may make veterinary care safer and more effective overall, they also require considerable training to integrate properly. Younger generations with technical expertise will likely have an advantage in this regard. Plus, recent graduates may have had greater access to modern innovations than their senior peers. However, this presents an opportunity for veterinarians of all levels to engage in continuous education throughout their careers.

The growth in veterinary medicine will continue to create new avenues for both current and prospective veterinarians. Many practices have increasingly been buying up smaller clinics or merging with larger ones, creating openings at all levels of experience. Plus, ongoing mentorship is a cornerstone of all successful practices, and this provides further opportunities for experienced professionals to contribute. 

As veterinary practices expand, so does their need for new and experienced staff members who can effectively manage the influx of clients and appointments. This translates to more opportunities for professionals at all levels to advance their career and take on leadership roles. Taken together, the demand for both senior staff and recent graduates forms an endless, positive feedback loop within the industry.

As demand increases, competition among employers will also increase. As a result, salaries and access to benefits tend to go up across the board. With more opportunities available, prospective veterinarians can expect to find higher-paying jobs and competitive benefits nationwide. 

New graduates will likely benefit most from this increase in competition as they become more attractive candidates with each passing year. Plus, many employers now offer sizeable sign-on bonuses or relocation packages to encourage new graduates to join their practice. These are clear indicators of the continuously high demand for veterinarians.

There’s never been a better time to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. We expect this field to continue experiencing explosive growth for the foreseeable future. With hard work and dedication, today’s veterinarians will benefit from nearly endless career opportunities moving forward. 

We understand the demand for skilled veterinarians is higher than ever. If you’re in need of qualified veterinary candidates, then we encourage you to give us a call, reach out via email, or contact us online today. Our nationwide team is dedicated to supporting veterinary practices through high-volume recruiting, personalized consulting, and cutting-edge business development services.