A survey published today by the veterinary recruitment agency recruit4vets has found 45.8% of salaried veterinary surgeons earning less than £35K per annum.

251 veterinary surgeons in full-time permanent employment took part in the survey, the largest number (37%) working in the south east and London.

The survey found that the typical starting salary was £31K per annum, rising to 41K for a more experienced vet in small animal practice, and £44K for more experienced large animal practitioners. The survey also found that senior vets with over 20 years experience earn up to £69K.

The survey also looked at locum charge-out rates, which varied from £220-£230 per day (17%) to over £250 (15%), with the greatest number (29%) charging between £240-£250.

62% of locums said their hourly pay rate had not changed in the last 12 months, compared to 45% of permanent staff who said their salary was unchanged over the period. This despite 65% of vets saying that the demands on them within the practice had increased in the last 12 months. 

Recruit4vets has produced a couple of video presentations about the results, locum pay covered here and permanent pay covered here.

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