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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Rural veterinarian - Redon 35
Employee
3000 - 4000 per month
Redon
Rural Veterinarian Job Opening (M/F) - Redon 35 We are hiring a veterinarian (M/F) to join a rural veterinary practice located in Redon, Ille-et-Vilaine, under a one-year fixed-term contract. JobDescription and Responsibilities As a rural veterinarian, you will primarily work with 200 partner livestock farmers. Your responsibilities will include: - Conducting on-site visits to livestock farms - Monitoring reproduction and breeding stock (mating) - Analysis and diagnosis using an on-site laboratory (blood tests, bacteriology, PCR) - Technical and medical consultations with livestock farmers - Potential for additional work in industrial veterinary medicine, depending on your profile - Organized and paid on-call duty You will be provided with a vehicle, a work phone, and a laptop to facilitate your travel and daily work. Company Culture This organization, well-established in the region, supports a broad network of livestock producers in a spirit of long-term collaboration. The on-site laboratory enables autonomy in analysis, enhancing the quality of medical care. You’ll join a dynamic work environment where versatility and expertise are valued. The team is committed to providing modern, hands-on veterinary care for animals and their farmers. Compensation For this position, you will receive compensation in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement plus a 2.5% bonus, with paid and premium-rate on-call shifts. You will also be eligible for profit-sharing. Benefits - Full-time employee status under a one-year fixed-term contract - Salary in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement + 2.5% bonus + profit-sharing - Vehicle, phone, and computer provided for travel - On-site testing laboratory (blood tests, bacterial cultures, PCR) - Dynamic rural environment with 200 partner livestock farmers - Diverse responsibilities, including both fieldwork and office duties, depending on experience - Scheduled and paid on-call shifts - Teamwork in a stimulating professional environment Qualifications A veterinarian with a state-issued license, registered with the Veterinary Board, with an interest in rural medicine and, ideally, experience in livestock farming or the livestock industry. Contact us at 07 45 23 91 01 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 10990 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts dedicated to helping you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
General Practice Canine Veterinarian (M/F) - Coutances 50
Employee
2500 - 4000 per month
Coutances
A veterinary clinic in Coutances, in the Manche department, is looking for a new general practitioner specializing in canine care (M/F). Terms and Conditions - Salaried position or independent practice, your choice - Up to 4.5 days per week - Includes on-call shifts and standby duty The Practice This is a veterinary clinic that primarily treats dogs and cats, with additional rural and equine services, operating out of two locations in Coutances and Blainville-sur-Mer. It brings together a team of fourteen veterinarians and thirteen specialized veterinary assistants, working in a superb technical facility equipped with five examination rooms, two operating rooms, an imaging department, and a modern inpatient unit. The clinic offers a wide range of services in elective and soft-tissue surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, dentistry, imaging, and cardiology. As part of a national network of veterinary clinics, the facility emphasizes the training and professional development of its practitioners, offering a balanced work-life rhythm and a stable work environment. Furthermore, the team fosters a strong sense of camaraderie—so much so that it even has its own trail running team. Nestled between the sea and the countryside, just a few minutes from the beaches of Normandy, Coutances offers a peaceful and rejuvenating living environment, surrounded by dunes, coastal trails, and a welcoming town center; the secondary practice in Blainville-sur-Mer is practically right on the water. Compensation For this position, you will receive compensation in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement, with additional compensation based on your medical expertise. Benefits - State-of-the-art medical facilities and modern inpatient care - A large, experienced team spread across two locations - Balanced workload and stable work environment - Choice of employment status: salaried employee or independent contractor - Over 80 in-house training courses leading to certification in orthopedics, dentistry, imaging, surgery, and other specialties - Opportunities for internal mobility and advancement to a clinic manager position - Discounts on veterinary services for your pets and access to an employee benefits committee Equipment - Imaging - Ultrasound machine - Echocardiograph - State-of-the-art laboratory - Fibroscope - Modern inpatient care That little extra something Coutances is dominated by its Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman Gothic architecture whose spires can be seen for kilometers around. Every year, the city hosts “Jazz sous les Pommiers,” one of France’s oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals. Finally, just a few minutes away, the beaches of the Côte des Havres, with their vast stretches of sand, invite visitors to enjoy sailing, sand yachting, and long walks overlooking the open sea. Job Description A veterinarian with a degree from France. We are seeking a veterinarian specializing exclusively in canine medicine—whether an entry-level or experienced professional—who is motivated to work as part of a team and to grow professionally. Contact us at 0745239101 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 13255 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts dedicated to your needs, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
General or Rural Veterinarian (M/F) - Lembeye 64
Employee
2000 - 4000 per month
Lembeye
As part of a staff replacement and its preventive care campaign, a veterinary clinic located in Lembeye, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, is seeking a general or rural veterinarian (M/F) for a fixed-term contract. Job Details - Fixed-term contract from October 1, 2026, to March 15, 2027 - Full-time, 3.5 days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and one Saturday per month) - On-call shifts (one night per week and one weekend per month) The Practice This is a veterinary clinic offering a wide range of services, including care for farm animals, dogs, and horses. The team consists of six veterinarians and five specialized veterinary technicians, working together in a collaborative and complementary manner. To ensure comprehensive patient care, the clinic is equipped with operating rooms, examination rooms, a laboratory, and X-ray and ultrasound equipment. Furthermore, Lembeye is nestled in the heart of Vic-Bilh, a rolling region of Béarn that offers an authentic and unspoiled rural setting. Compensation For this position, you will earn a gross monthly salary ranging from €3,268.72 to €4,525.92. Responsibilities - General and preventive medical consultations for companion animals - Procedures and interventions in rural areas as part of livestock health monitoring - Participation in preventive care and health monitoring programs for livestock - Conducting additional tests and establishing diagnoses - Developing and implementing appropriate therapeutic and preventive protocols - Performing routine surgical procedures, particularly in canine medicine - Monitoring animals and livestock in collaboration with breeders and owners Benefits - Full-service clinic with operating rooms, a laboratory, and imaging facilities - A team of six veterinarians and five specialized veterinary technicians - Collaborative approach - Salary above the collective bargaining agreement rate - Opportunity for training in canine medicine for rural candidates - Support tailored to your experience - Part of a small, close-knit group and a network of experts That little something extra Lembeye is the historic capital of Vic-Bilh, a region renowned for its fine wines—Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh—which you can explore from one vineyard to the next. On a clear day, the Pyrenees mountain range is visible on the horizon, less than an hour from the nearest ski resorts. An ideal setting for those who appreciate nature, vineyards, and the cuisine of southwestern France. Qualifications A veterinarian with a degree from a French or European Union veterinary school. Contact us at 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 13337 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with. As part of its business expansion, a veterinary clinic in Lembeye, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, is seeking a new veterinarian (M/F) for a fixed-term contract. Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in placing healthcare professionals in France, provides you with free support until you begin your new role: - Introductions to our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the veterinary board - A dedicated consultant to support you
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