Salary for an Anesthesiologist for Animals
If you’re interested in becoming an anesthesiologist for animals, you’ll need to study to become a veterinarian. Administering anesthesia to animals typically falls under the duties of the veterinarian, rather than a dedicated doctor. However, if you choose a career in veterinary medicine, due to your interested in anesthesiology, you can expect many benefits. Veterinarians earn generous salaries and have one of the fastest growth rates for jobs, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Pay Scale
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The median wage for a veterinarian, as of May 2008, is $79,050, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest paid veterinarians earned $143,660 annually. And, the lowest paid veterinarian earned $46,610 annually. The middle 50 percent of veterinarians earned about $61,370 annually, as of 2008.
Salary Determination
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The amount you earn will vary, based on what type of animals you treat. Veterinarians who treat small animals exclusively generally earn more. For example, vets of small animals earn about $64,744 annually. Veterinarians who treat large animals, however, earn about $57,745 annually. Veterinarians who specialize in horse medicine earn the least, about $41,636 annually, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Job Outlook
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Job opportunities are expected to increase by 33 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than average for all occupations. The majority of veterinarians practice in clinics or animal hospitals, caring for domestic animals. Job prospects are also expected to be high for veterinarians specializing in farm animals. These doctors earn less and they live in less desirable areas, which are rural and isolated. The most lucrative opportunities, however, are expected to be for veterinarians focused on working with the federal government, public health and food and safety, explains the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. For example, veterinarians who choose to work for the Federal Government earn an average salary of $93,398 annually.
Work Environment
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A veterinarian who uses anesthesia can expect to work long hours, especially if you decide to start your own practice. You’ll also work with animals that are scared and dealing with pain. Veterinarians are at risk for physical injury, as scared animals might scratch, bite or kick. For group practices, you might be asked to work irregular hours, such as weekends and evenings. Veterinarians that do surgery and anesthesia might be on call for emergency situations.
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