What is the pay gap like in different small animal specialties?

[Nalra095]

Just out of curiosity, how big is the pay gap between SA specialties such as surgery, internal med, neuro, onco, ECC etc.
I'm assuming that certain specialties get paid more because there are limited amount of boarded specialists in the field and thus increased demand, while others (internal med, for example) are much more saturated...?

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[CalliopeDVM]

It is about supply and demand, and also about where you're working (both local cost of living and supply/demand) and in what capacity (industry, academia, or private practice). Across all the various specialties, my guess is there's at least $100,000 difference between the top and bottom paid specialists.

 

[JaynaAli]

Academia salaries are typically lower than private practice. Radiologists make a lot, pathologists usually make barely more than the average small animal exclusive GP in metropolitan areas. A lot of the clinical specialties are likely somewhere in the middle of that, but most are paid at least partially on production, so someone who works more will make more. I know a lot of private practice specialists who work four day weeks. ER can be lucrative and you may have more days off (at my internship practice "full time ER" was 12-13 shifts a month), but that comes at the expense of working nights, 14-16 hour shifts, losing days off to sleep transitions, and working holidays. It all depends on the area you're in, the hours you want to work, and how hard you work on those days.

 

[VIN-Foundation]

In addition to the direct effects of supply and demand, compensation also comes down to how much money you generate for your employer. If you are not bringing in more than it costs to hire you, the organization is not going to hire you.

In private practice this is usually a fairly straight forward equation, regardless of whether you are paid based on production or straight salary. So an ophthalmologist or surgeon is generally going to make more than a behaviorist or zoo specialist because they generate a lot more income. So a $100K difference or more is not uncommon.

In academia, the calculus is more complicated and specialists are often paid on straight salary. For example, even though a behaviorist may not bring in as much income as a surgeon, you still need to teach behavior. So compensation tends to be more similar between specialties.

And industry is different as well.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Academia does tend to be about the same, irrespective of specialty. It's more about your rank as a professor (assistant, associate, or full). Anywhere between 100k (low end for a brand new assistant prof) -200k (someone who has been there for 20+ years)

 

[Nalra095]

Thank you all for your insights!

 

[Davef]

I own a temp service for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. I have not found a temp service for Vets. Is there any interest in working as a temp or temp to hire?

 

[battie]

I own a temp service for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. I have not found a temp service for Vets. Is there any interest in working as a temp or temp to hire?

These individuals are called relief veterinarians, and there are many out there.

 

[CalliopeDVM]

These individuals are called relief veterinarians, and there are many out there.

And in many places they're called locum vets. Yes, many - some who work through agencies, and some who don't.

 

[Davef]

And in many places they're called locum vets. Yes, many - some who work through agencies, and some who don't.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[ImAVet]

Any idea what the salary is for cardiologists? Starting out vs. being in the field for many years? Just out of curiosity since that’s what I’m pursuing. Love me some cardio!