Veterinary Jobs California
Digitally Connecting Veterinarians & Practices in the US & Worldwide
Salary: Up to $130,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $285,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $130,000 - $180,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $275,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $250,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $250,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $250,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $140,000 - $180,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $130,000 - $200,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $300,000 - $400,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $350,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $300,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $200,000 - $275,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $285,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $285,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $110,000 – $180,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $120,000 – $180,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $220,000 – $250,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $110,000 – $180,000 and above, DOE
Salary: Up to $100,000 - $180,000 and above, DOE
Veterinary Jobs in L.A & Across The State
With average salaries reaching $101,674, California offers veterinarians a fantastic lifestyle. And with its pet-friendly attitude and progressive stance on animal welfare, California veterinarians get to make a real difference.
Veterinarian Salaries in California
- The average salary for veterinarians working in California is $101,674.
- Entry-level salaries start at $89,429.
- Top-level salaries average $200,079.
What’s it like to work as a Veterinarian in California?
California is a state of contrasts and extremes. From breathtaking mountains to world-class surf and incredible landscapes in the many national parks, California has so much to do and enjoy.
But if hiking, skiing, surfing, and other outdoor sports don’t appeal, there are plenty of other attractions. There’s the glamour of Hollywood or the buzz of Silicon Valley. And a vibrant cultural scene includes events like Coachella and the Monterey Jazz Festival. For relaxation, there’s a thriving bar and dining scene.
San Diego is a popular destination with its excellent climate and higher than the national average salaries. Los Angeles is another popular destination with over 4 million residents and high demand for Veterinarians. However, the cost of living is high across the state, which can make above-average salaries feel less.
However, if the climate, lifestyle and wealth of veterinarian opportunities appeal, California is a great state to consider.
What are the Best Cities/Areas to Work as a Veterinarian in California?
Santa Rosa has a reputation for being a great place to work, with good salaries and benefits relative to the cost of living and plentiful jobs. Los Angeles has a relatively low proportion of veterinarians per head of the population, making qualified professionals highly sought after.
San Diego, home to the world-famous zoo, has a mild climate and excellent quality of life. Additionally, veterinarians are in demand, so job security offsets the high cost of living.
Veterinarians looking to grow their careers can improve their skills at prestigious veterinary schools like the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona and UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Looking for a vet job nearby? Check out our jobs in Nevada & Arizona.
What are the Licensing Requirements to Work as a Veterinarian in California?
You’ll need a license to practice as a veterinarian in California. For the initial licensing application, you’ll require some of the following depending on your situation:
- Submission of fingerprints to the FBI and Department of Justice for a criminal records check.
- Proof of graduation from a Veterinary college in California.
- An official certificate from the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) or the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) if you didn’t graduate in California.
- Your pass scores on either the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or the Veterinary Law Examination (VLE) if you didn’t graduate in California.
Why Work as Veterinarian in California?
- Above-average salary and perks.
- Opportunities to work in small animal care, exotic animal care, equine and livestock and avian practice.
- Fantastic work-life balance.
- High demand for veterinarians in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.
- An unrivalled progressive and pet-friendly environment.
Looking for something else? Check out our full list of worldwide vet jobs .
For support with your job application, please feel free to get in touch with one of our specialist veterinary job advisors or register for all our latest vet job updates.
“Being originally from the USA, and having worked abroad for a long time, I felt that the time was right to return home and The Vet Service helped me to achieve that & the job I wanted.”