Recruitment agency Recruit4Vets has published the results of two small surveys it conducted amongst veterinary surgeons and nurses to investigate typical rates of pay for permanent and locum veterinary surgeons and nurses.

251 veterinary surgeons and 124 veterinary nurses took part in the Permanent Salary Survey. 109 veterinary surgeons and 51 veterinary nurses took part in the Locum Pay Rate Survey.

The majority of respondents to the Permanent Salary Survey (69%) worked in the Midlands and south, but the survey didn't make any allowance for experience or qualifications, so it's difficult to read much into the reported figures. However, they were as follows:

Permanent Veterinary Salaries


Veterinary Surgeons

Veterinary Nurses 

Under £15K

n/a

12.98%

£16K to £20K

<£20K 5.84%

40.46%

£21K to £25K

8.03%

38.93%

£26K-£30K

12.04%

6.87%

£31K-£35K

20.80%

>£30K
0.76%

£36K-£40K

24.09%

£41K-£45K

13.14%

£46K-£50K 6.2%  
£50K-£60K 7.66%  
£60K+ 2.19%  

The Locum Pay Rate Survey also made no allowance for experience or qualifications, but it may be that locum pay rates are less experience-sensitive than permanent salaries.

Locum Pay Rates

Veterinary Surgeons

Veterinary Nurses 

<£180

9.84%

<£8

0%

£180-£190

1.64%

£8-£9

1.72%

£190-£200

2.46%

£9-£10

1.72%

£200-£210

5.74%

£10-£11

3.45%

£210-£220

6.56%

£11-£12

5.17%

£220-£230

17.21%

£12-£13

17.24%

£230-£240

13.11%

£13-£14

13.79%
£240-£250 28.69% £14-£15 20.69%
>£250 14.75% £15-£16 25.86%
    £16-£17 3.45%
    >£17 6.9%

The average charge rate for locum veterinary surgeons was £210 per day, and for veterinary nurses, around £13.50 per hour. The majority of the locum respondents (69%) worked in the Midlands and south.

Interestingly, 53.5% of the locums polled said that demand for their services had increased over the year.

If you are a locum, don't forget to complete your profile on VetSurgeon.org and add your flag to the VetSurgeon Locum Map.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.