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Salary sheet: Veterinarian

Barthélemy

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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 - North Normandy

Liberal

3000 - 8000 per month

Caen

A rural veterinary practice in Normandy is looking for its new traveling rural veterinarian M/F for a self-employed position. Terms and conditions - Private practice - Part-time to 2/3 time - 1 day per week dedicated to care visits - Autonomous planning with secretarial support The structure This is a rural intervention network covering primarily northern Normandy, with a professional home serving as the administrative base and secondary offices used for storing medication. The main radius of intervention is 2 hours around the home, with the possibility of travel further afield with hotel accommodation. The business is deliberately organized with a small clientele per veterinarian, to encourage high-quality care and gradual development of the areas served. The model is based on a self-employed start-up, with the possibility of salaried employment if the business stabilizes, and eventually a partnership. Remuneration - Per visit - Retrocession of 12% gross of sales - Indicative rates 50 € treatment visit 105 € PSE 120 € visit Benefits - Car provided - Travel expenses covered - Accommodation provided for long trips - Partnerships with veterinary clinics in Brittany and the western Pyrenees for additional activity - Possibility of becoming a salaried employee or member of an association - Freedom to organize your schedule, with administrative support - Valuation of audits and internal training opportunities The little extra The region is ideal for practicing rural medicine, with livestock farming, wooded landscapes for outings, and remarkable sites such as Mont-Saint-Michel for weekend visits. Profile required Veterinary surgeon qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12427 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.

General veterinarian - Persan 95

Employee

3000 - 8000 per month

Persan

A veterinary clinic in Persan, in the Val-d'Oise, is looking for a new veterinarian for a salaried or freelance position. Terms and conditions - Salaried or self-employed - Full time or part time The structure This is a general veterinary clinic located in Persan, in the Val-d'Oise. The clientele is mainly canine, with a small proportion of new pets (95% canine, 5% NAC). The team comprises three vets and six ASVs. In addition, the clinic relies on a collaborative organization that promotes the quality of care and the development of staff skills. Remuneration - To be defined at the time of interview, according to profile and experience Benefits - Well-equipped premises with four separate consultation and waiting rooms for cats and dogs - Possibility of association - Access to internal and external training - Luncheon vouchers and premium health insurance 100% covered in the case of salaried employees - Network of specialists and employee discounts - Care Fund for animals whose owners are in difficulty Equipment - IDEXX Catalyst and LaserCyte laboratories - Ultrasound with abdominal probe and cardiac probe - Digital radiology with flat panel sensor - Endoscopy column - Surgical room with two tables, two gas anesthetics and ventilator - Slit lamp - Dental 4 unit The little extra Persan is located around thirty kilometers north of Paris, offering convenient access to transport and the Oise valley for walks and outdoor activities. Profile required Veterinary surgeon qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12355 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.

Emergency general veterinarian - Serris 77

Employee

3000 - 8000 per month

Serris

A veterinary clinic in Serris, Seine-et-Marne, is looking for its new veterinarian M/F for a permanent contract. Terms and conditions - CDI - Full time or part time - 3 fixed weekdays, 1 to 2 Saturdays per month, 1 Sunday per month optional - 08h00 to 00h00 The structure This is a veterinary clinic located in Serris providing an emergency service open 7 days a week from 08:00 to midnight, with mainly canine activity and NAC care (90% canine and 10% NAC). The team also includes 6 general veterinarians, 1 ophthalmologist, 2 NAC veterinarians and 10 emergency veterinarians. This team is supported by a large team of 14 ASVs, including 6 emergency ASVs. The clinic's 800 m2 are divided between a waiting room with separation (dogs, cats, NACs), 6 consultation rooms, 4 surgical blocks, care/preparation room, 2 rest rooms, 1 kennel, 1 cattery, 1 NACerie, 2 visiting/end-of-life rooms, 1 contagious room. The clinic boasts a complete, state-of-the-art technical platform. Remuneration - To be defined at the time of interview, according to profile and experience Benefits - Spacious 800 m² premises with dedicated equipment - Young, dynamic team - Premium health insurance with 100% coverage - Luncheon vouchers and CE access - Training courses covered by the network, including in-house ultrasound courses - Direct access to RER A Val d'Europe station within a two-minute walk, with underground parking available - Care Fund allocated to each vet to help owners in difficulty The equipment - Planar transducer radio with integrated Picoxia AI - Phillips Affiniti 50 ultrasound scanner with cardio dog, cardio cat, abdominal and ophthalmologic probes - Scanner - Endoscope - Complete IDEXX laboratory - Laser - 9 gases - Dentistry under acquisition - 6 consultation rooms and 4 surgical suites The little extra The clinic is located in the immediate vicinity of the Val d'Europe train station (RER A), around 30 minutes from Paris by car and 10 minutes from Disneyland Paris, making it easy to get around and offering a host of nearby amenities. Profile required Veterinary surgeon qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. The position is aimed at an independent practitioner with a minimum of 3 years' experience. Contact us on: 07 45 23 91 01 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Ad reference : 12352 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.

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