Veterinarian jobs in Missouri from GTP

The data in our most recent salary survey shows that base salaries for Veterinarian jobs in Missouri typically span from $120,000 to $210,000. These salary brackets can fluctuate significantly depending on various factors, such as location, educational background, certifications, specialized skills, and years of experience in the field.

Upon successful completion of the NAVLE exam and graduation from an accredited College of Veterinary Medicine, individuals aspiring to become veterinarians in Missouri must apply through the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board and pass their State Jurisprudence exam.

Veterinarians must also complete 10 hours of continued education every year to maintain their license.

For veterinarians seeking high-paying opportunities in Missouri, several cities stand out. Independence, located near Kansas City, is a good choice due to its mix of suburban and urban residents. 

Chesterfield is another good choice. The city has a focus on small animals and exotic pets, and the affluent population paired with that can lead to high salaries for veterinarians.

Salaries are primarily based on individual skills and experience, but if you know yours, Missouri will have a role for you.

In Missouri, a non-veterinarian cannot directly own a veterinary practice. All controlling and operating decisions must be made by a licensed veterinarian.
An exception is made for corporate ownership of veterinary practices, however, even in these scenarios all medical decisions must be made by a veterinarian.

In Missouri, veterinary specialists earn some of the highest salaries in the field. Here’s an overview of the top earners:

Veterinary Surgeons with their expertise can earn between $150,000 and $300,000 annually, but highly specialized surgeons with more experience can earn even more. This specialization requires extensive education.

Specialists in Anesthesia can command high salaries between $100,000 and $250,000 for their expertise.

Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialists are veterinarians who focus on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the internal systems of animals. They typically have extensive training and experience in handling complex medical conditions that may involve multiple organ systems. The tend to earn high salaries, typically ranging from $140,000 to $220,000 annually plus production.

Other high-paying veterinary specialties include:

Veterinary Radiologists specialize in diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

Pathologist Veterinarians focus on diagnosing diseases through laboratory analysis of animal tissues and fluids.

Veterinary Dentists address oral health issues, performing surgeries and other dental procedures.

These roles demand high levels of training, certification, and experience, leading to their higher pay scales compared to general veterinary practice.