Salaries for Equine Dentists
Equine dentists are licensed veterinarians who specialize in caring for horses' teeth. Because problems such as uneven teeth can affect performance or result in malnutrition, equine dentistry is important for a horse's overall health. Common equine dentistry tasks include smoothing horses' teeth, performing extractions and sedating horses during procedures. Because equine dentists charge different hourly rates depending on their experience and location, average salaries range considerably across geographic areas and employers.
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National Average Salary
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An American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) survey stated that the average salary for respondents was $111,340 during 2006. In comparison, a May 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics report revealed that the median salary for veterinarians was $92,570 per year. However, average salaries ranged from $49,910 to $145,230 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes equine dentists under veterinarians and other practitioners who provide health care for animals.
Geography
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The average salary for equine dentists ranged across different metropolitan cities, according to a June 2011 SalaryExpert report. For example, equine dentists in Los Angeles reported an average salary of $86,639 per year. In Orlando, Florida, equine dentists averaged $64,219 per year. Professionals employed in New York City's Manhattan borough reported an average salary of $99,957 per year. In Chicago, equine dentists averaged $81,882 annually. Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina, professionals reported average salaries of $70,142 and $90,988, respectively. Equine dentists in Miami earned the highest average wages, averaging $143,360 annually.
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Advancement
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Respondents ages 50 and older made more than triple the salary of entry-level equine practitioners, according to the AAEP. Likewise, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that veterinarians with adequate experience can increase their earnings potential by opening their own practice. Further advancement opportunities in animal safety and health are available in the U.S. Public Health Service or military. Equine dentists can also transition to academia as a professor or researcher. According to AAEP, equine veterinarians working in academic research averaged $101,800 per year, while teachers averaged $93,580 per year.
Job Outlook
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Job prospects for veterinarians, including equine dentists, are forecast to be excellent between 2008 and 2018. The BLS projects that employment for veterinarians will increase 33 percent, which is significantly higher than the national average. In addition to a growing market for pet health care services, public support for animal safety will continue to produce jobs for veterinarians. Also, job opportunities in rural areas and on farms are expected to be plentiful since the number of job openings typically exceeds the number of jobseekers. Additionally, Education-Portal.com predicts that technological advances in animal care and the cost advantages of preventative dental care for horses will continue to drive employment for equine dentists.
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References
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