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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Canine Veterinarian (M/F) - Louhans 71
Employee
2000 - 4000 per month
Louhans
As part of its business expansion, a veterinary clinic in Louhans, Saône-et-Loire, is seeking a new canine veterinarian (M/F) for a permanent position. Requirements - Permanent contract or self-employed - Up to 5 days per week - On-call shifts and/or standby duty no more than once a week The Practice You will join a veterinary clinic dedicated exclusively to dogs, located in Louhans, in the Saône-et-Loire department. The clinic has extensive facilities, including four examination rooms, two fully equipped surgical suites, and three kennels, and its team consists of several veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Compensation - Based on the collective bargaining agreement plus a bonus Benefits - Comprehensive, specialized, 100% canine technical facilities - Access to over 80 in-house and certification-track training courses - Opportunities for internal mobility and advancement to leadership positions - Discounts on services for your pets - Access to an Employee Representative Committee Equipment - Laparoscope - Endoscope - Orthopedic motor - Surgical suction unit - Electrosurgical unit - CT scanner - Ultrasound machine - Radiology machine - Ligasure - Centrifuges for blood tests and PRP That Extra Special Touch Louhans is renowned for its more than 150 arcades and its weekly market featuring Bresse poultry, offering a unique local culinary experience and numerous outdoor activities nearby. Qualifications A veterinarian with a degree from France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the Order. Contact us at: 07.44.71.65.08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 12743 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you 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 ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Veterinarian M/F - Milhaud 30
Employee
3000 - 6000 per month
Milhaud
Veterinary Surgeon Job - Milhaud 30 A veterinary clinic in Milhaud, Gard, is looking for its new veterinarian for a permanent contract or a freelance position. Terms and conditions - Permanent contract or private practice - 190 days per year - No on-call duty The structure This is a generalist clinic located in Milhaud, in the immediate vicinity of the Nîmes conurbation and easily accessible from Montpellier and Avignon. The team is made up of experienced veterinary surgeons and veterinary auxiliaries, offering a friendly, collaborative working environment. In addition, the clinic is primarily canine and feline oriented, with little NAC activity, and offers an upstairs studio that can be made available. About the clinic: 95% canine/feline, 5% NAC. Remuneration To be defined at the time of interview, according to profile and experience Duties - Provide general medical consultations for dogs and cats - Work closely with the ASVs to organize care - Participate in day-to-day clinic management and team meetings Your benefits - Fully-equipped premises with 2 consultation rooms, 1 surgery room, IDEXX laboratory, kennel and cattery - Team of 2 vets and 3 ASVs - Collaborative working atmosphere and ASVs available on a daily basis - Remuneration under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, plus additional remuneration according to expertise - Choice of salaried or self-employed contract - Access to over 80 in-house and certification training courses - Studio available and reduced rates for your animals Our equipment - Ultrasound - X-ray equipment - Complete IDEXX laboratory - Kennel - Cattery A little something extra Milhaud, on the outskirts of Nîmes, has ancient roots and is said to have inherited its name from an ancient Roman villa called "villa Milhau". Profile required Veterinarian qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre, with at least 2 years' experience. Contact us on: 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected] Advert reference : 12161 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - Follow-up for veterinary registration - Dedicated consultant to support you 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 that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Canine Veterinarian (M/F) - Gaillard 74
Employee
2000 - 4000 per month
Gaillard
As part of its business expansion, a veterinary clinic in Gaillard, Haute-Savoie, is seeking a new canine veterinarian (M/F) for a one-year fixed-term contract. Job Details - One-year fixed-term contract (with the possibility of a six-month extension) - Mondays and Tuesdays - Work hours based on an annual workload of 100 to 150 days - Six to seven full weeks spread out over the year The Practice You will join a clinic exclusively dedicated to companion animals, located in downtown Gaillard. Its patient population consists mainly of cats and dogs, with a few small animals, and its practice is primarily medical in nature, with high demand for diagnostic tests and a moderate volume of surgical procedures. In addition, the team includes two experienced and trained veterinary technicians, which enhances patient care and the quality of treatment. Compensation - As per the collective bargaining agreement + 20% Benefits - Full range of diagnostic equipment - Two experienced Level 5 veterinary technicians - No on-call duty or standby shifts - Large parking lot with easy parking - Excellent public transportation access from Annemasse and Geneva - Membership in the Alpivet purchasing group, with training opportunities - Option for furnished housing (45 m²) located 200 meters from the clinic: a furnished one-bedroom apartment (45 m²) with a monthly rent of 800 € Facilities - 2 examination rooms - 1 operating room - 1 radiology room - On-site laboratory - Digital X-ray - Ultrasound machine capable of performing cardiac ultrasounds That Extra Special Touch Gaillard enjoys an attractive cross-border location, right next to Geneva and Lake Geneva. Outdoor enthusiasts will easily enjoy the trails on Mount Salève and water sports around the lake. International accessibility is a major advantage, with the airport just a short distance away. Qualifications A veterinarian licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the Order. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job posting reference: 12755 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you 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.
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