In our veterinary studies fact sheet, we saw that the path to becoming a veterinarian is long and demanding. In return for this initial investment, average salaries are high, enabling full development in a dynamic, high-energy environment. In this article, we'll look at all aspects of veterinary salaries, from the factors that influence them to current averages.
Factors influencing veterinary salaries in France
In France , veterinary salaries are influenced by a number of determining factors, such as practice mode, geographical location and level of specialization. These factors contribute to significant variations in the salaries received by practitioners.
Type of practice: salaried vs. self-employed
Practice mode is one of the main criteria determining a veterinarian's income. Here are the main types:
- Salaried vets: these vets work within structures such as clinics, veterinary practices or companies (pharmaceutical industry, public services, etc.). Their remuneration is fixed and stable, often defined by standard contracts. This option offers a certain degree of financial security and social benefits (paid vacations, health insurance, pension), but limits the prospects of income growth.
- Private practitioners: private practitioners, particularly those who own or manage their own clinics, can generate higher incomes thanks to their ability to set their own fees. However, they are also faced with significant expenses, notably for medical equipment, premises and employee salaries. Liberal veterinarians in France enjoy greater flexibility in managing their business, but this also requires entrepreneurial skills and sound financial management.
Location: rural vs. urban
Location is another key factor influencing veterinary remuneration in France.
- Rural area: rural vets work mainly with livestock and farms. Although their role is essential for livestock farmers and health safety, fees charged in rural areas are often more modest, due to the economic constraints faced by farmers. Nevertheless, these vets generally enjoy a regular and stable clientele, with a constant demand for their services, particularly in herd management and emergency interventions.
- Urban areas: in urban areas, vets work in pet clinics. Urban pet owners are often willing to invest more in the care of their companions, enabling urban vets to charge higher fees. As a result, urban vets' incomes can be higher than those of their rural counterparts, particularly in large conurbations where demand for specialist care is high.
Find out more about this in our veterinary profession fact sheet.
Specialization and expertise
Specialization is a major lever for enhancing a veterinarian'sreputation, as well as his or her salary. It also gives access to better veterinary job offers. Here are a few specialties:
- Clinical specialties: in France, many vets choose to specialize in fields such as surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology or cardiology, which offer interesting opportunities to provide high value-added services. These specializations enable us to meet specific needs and attract a clientele willing to pay for advanced care.
- Medicine for new pets and exotic animals: this specialization is increasingly in demand, particularly in large cities. The care of NACs (reptiles, birds, rodents, etc.) requires specific skills and special equipment, enhancing the value of the services offered.
- Certifications and further training: veterinarians who obtain recognized certifications, such as a DESV (Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées Vétérinaires) or European diplomas, can gain access to positions in specialized clinics or prestigious structures. These diplomas bring increased professional recognition and rewarding career opportunities.
Average salary for a veterinary surgeon
Starting salary
At the start of their career, veterinary surgeons earn an average of between 1,800 and 2,500 euros gross per month, depending on the sector of activity and place of practice selected. It should be noted that young graduates working in rural areas or as salaried employees in a clinic generally earn lower than average.
Salary progression with experience
With experience, income gradually increases. After a few years, an experienced veterinarian can achieve a monthly salary of between 2,500 and 4,500 euros net per month, depending on responsibilities and expertise. Liberal veterinarians or clinic owners can see their income climb even higher, especially if they practice in areas of high demand or if they specialize.
In short, veterinary remuneration is generally high, as a direct consequence of the long and complex studies to which this professional has dedicated himself. In France, the variety of types and locations of practice means that veterinarians can adjust their income to suit their goals and ambitions.
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Veterinarian M/F - Corte 2B
Employee
3000 - 5000 per month
Corte
Veterinarian job - Corte 2B We are recruiting a veterinarian M/F to join a veterinary clinic located in Corte, Haute-Corse, France, as part of a salaried contract or a self-employed collaboration with the prospect of a partnership Structure DNA This clinic, located on the northern outskirts of Corte, offers a pleasant practice environment in the heart of a mountainous region. The premises are functional and include two consultation rooms, an analysis laboratory, a hospitalization room, a care and radiology area and a surgery room. The current team is made up of two veterinary surgeons and two veterinary auxiliaries, guaranteeing a friendly working atmosphere and real support when taking up a new position. The clientele is essentially canine, and the flow is marked by a seasonal dimension specific to the island's rural areas Description and tasks You will join an existing team and gradually take over from a partner who is retiring in July 2026. The position is due to start at the beginning of 2026, with the possibility of starting part-time before July 2026 to ensure a smooth and complete handover taking charge of hospitalizations and participating in on-call duty and emergencies according to an established rota You will have access to an operating theatre and modern imaging equipment including gas anaesthesia, respirator, HD ultrasound and digital radiology, as well as a complete laboratory The clinic offers support in setting up and contacts for housing assistance Compensation For this position, you will be remunerated as a salaried employee or as part of a team on the basis of a fixed daily rate (convention collective) plus 20%, with the possibility of moving into an association Benefits - Salaried status or self-employed with the prospect of a partnership Full-time or part-time employment possible - Remuneration on the basis of a collective bargaining agreement daily rate plus 20%, with the possibility of moving into a partnership - Full technical platform operating theatre gas anaesthesia HD ultrasound digital radiology and laboratory - Functional, welcoming premises located on the northern outskirts of Corte, easily accessible for business trips - Team of two veterinarians and two ASVs in place to provide handover and support - Warm working atmosphere and responsive clientele with seasonal dynamism - Housing assistance via contacts and organization of shifts Profile required State-qualified veterinarian registered with the Ordre des Vétérinaires, motivated by a canine activity, committed to quality of care and wishing to be part of an association project Contact us on 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected] Reference 11200 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service with which 99% of our candidates are satisfied
Canine veterinarian - La Chapelle-Saint-Luc 10
Employee
3000 - 5000 per month
la Chapelle-Saint-Luc
Job Canine Veterinarian M/F - La Chapelle-Saint-Luc 10 We are recruiting a veterinarian M/F to join a veterinary clinic located in La Chapelle-Saint-Luc, in the Aube department, as part of a full-time or part-time permanent contract. Description and duties You will be working in a recognized canine facility with a rich and diversified activity. You will be involved in the management of complex cases, with the possibility of in-house referrals in surgery, imaging, ophthalmology, internal medicine and behavior. You will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in the conduct of your consultations, with a full technical platform enabling comprehensive case management. - Carrying out general medical consultations - Participate in surgical care, including visceral, orthopedic and neurological surgery, depending on your skills - Management and follow-up of referred cases - Working closely with other veterinarians and ASVs to ensure optimal care - Participation in on-call duty, organized on a rhythm of 1 per week and 1 weekend every month and a half, with extensive screening and a possible second on-call DNA of the structure You'll work in spacious 300 m² premises with 4 consultation rooms, two fully-equipped surgical suites, a full on-site analysis laboratory, and the latest imaging equipment (abdomino-cardiac ultrasound, digital X-ray, endoscopy). The facility has been awarded the Catfriendly Silver label, and welcomes a loyal clientele that is both family-oriented and specialized, and open to complementary examinations. The team is made up of 7 veterinarians, several of whom hold CES or CEAV diplomas, and 10 experienced ASVs, committed to a dynamic of collaboration, knowledge sharing and good humor on a daily basis. Compensation For this position, you will benefit from a salary based on the collective bargaining agreement, plus luncheon vouchers and a premium health insurance plan covered 100% by the company. Benefits - Salaried status (CDI) or self-employed, depending on your preference, full-time or part-time - Collective agreement salary + luncheon vouchers + premium health insurance - Full technical platform: ultrasound, endoscopy, digital radiography, analysis lab, operating theatres - Spacious, well-equipped premises, Catfriendly Silver label - Experienced multidisciplinary team, qualified and committed ASVs - Caring, dynamic working atmosphere, regular events - Flexible working hours and planning arrangements - Possibility of temporary accommodation in La Chapelle-Saint-Luc - Access to internal, external and graduate training (Graduate Academy for recent graduates) Profile sought State-qualified veterinarian, registered with the Ordre national des vétérinaires. Beginners accepted, personalized support offered. Contact us on 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 11017 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Veterinarian M/F - Sainte-Marie-aux-Chênes 57
Employee
3000 - 5000 per month
Sainte-Marie-aux-Chênes
Employment Veterinarian M/F - Sainte-Marie-aux-Chênes 57 We are recruiting a veterinarian M/F to join a general veterinary clinic in Sainte-Marie-aux-Chênes, Moselle, on a permanent contract. Description and duties As a canine veterinarian, you will join a dynamic and committed team, within a structure that is 95% canine and 5% NAC. Your duties will include - General and specialized consultations - Performing routine surgical procedures in an operating room equipped with gas anesthesia - Management of dental care via a dedicated IM3 unit - Participation in on-call duty in collaboration with two other clinics in the area (approximately 2 evenings per month and 6 weekends per year) - Use of a complete technical platform including radiology, ultrasound (abdominal and cardiac) and IDEXX laboratory Depending on your profile, you will be supported in your new position, notably through internal or external training courses, and will benefit from active support from your colleagues and ASVs on a daily basis. DNA of the structure You'll be working in a modern, bright and well-appointed 400 m² clinic, with 4 consultation rooms, separate areas for dogs, cats and contagious diseases, as well as relaxation and catering areas for staff. Based 20 minutes from Metz and within easy reach of Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany, the facility is easily accessible and has private parking. The atmosphere is collaborative, caring and focused on sharing skills. Each practitioner has the opportunity to adapt his or her schedule and benefit from an environment that favors professional-personal balance. Compensation For this position, you will receive a salary based on the collective agreement plus 15%, with on-call duty paid at 240% of the agreement. Benefits - Full-time or part-time salaried status, according to your preferences - Attractive remuneration package, with housing available during the trial period - Full technical platform: high-performance ultrasound scanner, IM3 dental unit, IDEXX, etc - Spacious, bright premises designed for human and animal comfort - A close-knit, multidisciplinary team, with a schedule drawn up in advance - Premium health insurance with 100% cover and luncheon vouchers - Free private parking, easily accessible from Metz and surrounding areas - Access to in-house and diploma training, as well as the Graduate Academy program Profile sought Qualified veterinary surgeon, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre des Vétérinaires in France. Contact us on 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 11036 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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