VET
Median annual earnings of veterinarians were $66,590 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,420 and $88,060. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $118,430.
According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, average starting salaries of veterinary medical college graduates in 2004 varied by type of practice as follows:
Small animals, predominantly $50,878
Small animals, exclusively 50,703
Large animals, exclusively 50,403
Private clinical practice 49,635
Large animals, predominantly 48,529
Mixed animals 47,704
Equine (horses) 38,628
The average annual salary for veterinarians in the Federal Government in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions was $78,769 in 2005.
DOC
Earnings of physicians and surgeons are among the highest of any occupation. According to the Medical Group Management Association’s Physician Compensation and Production Survey, median total compensation for physicians in 2004 varied by specialty, as shown in table 2. Total compensation for physicians reflects the amount reported as direct compensation for tax purposes, plus all voluntary salary reductions. Salary, bonus and/or incentive payments, research stipends, honoraria, and distribution of profits were included in total compensation.
Median total compensation of physicians by specialty, 2004 Less than two years in specialty Over one year in specialty
Anesthesiology
$259,948 (less than 2 years in practice) $321,686 (over 2 years in practice)
Surgery: General
228,839 (less than 2)
282,504 (over 2 years)
Obstetrics/gynecology: General
203,270 (less than 2)
247,348 (over 2 years)
Psychiatry: General
173,922 (less than 2)
180,000 (over 2)
Internal medicine: General
141,912 (less than 2)
166,420 (over 2)
Pediatrics: General
132,953 (less than 2)
161,331 (over 2)
Family practice (without obstetrics)
137,119 (less than 2)
156,010 (over 2 years)
SOURCE: Medical Group Management Association, Physician Compensation and Production Report, 2005.