Vet Salary Overview

Understanding vet salary in the UK requires looking beyond a single figure. The most comprehensive recent data comes from the SPVS 2025 Salary Survey (published in 2026), which reports a median full-time salary package of £59,800 per year and a median hourly rate of £30.12. This represents a 2.6% increase in annual pay and a 5.5% rise in hourly rates compared to the previous year. For context, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) shows that the median full-time annual earnings across all UK occupations was £39,039 in April 2025, with a median hourly rate of £19.67. Veterinary pay therefore sits well above the national average, but it is important to consider the factors that drive variation.

Regional Differences in Veterinary Pay

Where you practise as a vet has a significant impact on your earnings. The SPVS survey highlights that the South East remains one of the highest-paying regions, with a median package of £64,050. Scotland and Northern Ireland saw the largest year-on-year increase (14.1%), bringing their median to £59,600. While the survey does not provide a separate London figure, vets working in the capital can often expect additional London weighting or cost-of-living allowances. If you are considering a move, it is worth using our Hourly to Salary tool to compare offers across different regions, remembering to factor in contracted hours and any location premiums.

Seniority and Experience

Experience is a major driver of veterinary pay. The SPVS data shows a clear ladder:

• Newly qualified vets (less than one year): median package £38,950
• Vets qualified 20 years or more: median package £76,525
• Senior vets: median £67,187
• Clinical directors and team leaders: median £84,331
• Assistants: median £51,890

These figures illustrate that taking on leadership responsibilities and gaining experience can more than double your earnings over a career. The gender pay gap has narrowed but persists: men reported a median package of £68,000 compared to £58,262 for women (a 14% difference, down from 16% in 2025). The hourly rate gap also narrowed from 11% to 8%.

How to Convert Hourly to Annual for Vets

When evaluating a vet job offer, you may see an hourly rate or an annual salary. To convert between them, use the standard assumption of 37.5 hours per week for full-time work, multiplied by 52 weeks per year. For example, the median hourly rate of £30.12 gives an annual figure of approximately £58,734 (30.12 × 37.5 × 52). This is close to the reported median package of £59,800, though the latter may include benefits such as CPD contributions (average £1,539) and pension contributions (reported by 54.8% of vets).

However, be cautious: the SPVS survey found that 61% of vets work overtime, and 57% of those receive neither payment nor time off in lieu. If your contract includes unpaid overtime, your effective hourly rate will be lower. Always check your contract for overtime policies and use our salary articles for guidance on negotiating fair pay.

Benefits and Other Compensation

Vet salary packages often include non-cash benefits. The SPVS survey reports that 74.9% of vets receive an employer contribution towards CPD, averaging £1,539. Pension contributions are also common. When comparing job offers, consider the total remuneration package, not just the base salary. The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour in 2026/27 (up from £12.21 in 2025), so even the lowest veterinary roles should exceed this significantly.

Conclusion

Vet salary in the UK is influenced by region, experience, seniority, and gender. The SPVS survey provides a valuable benchmark, but individual offers can vary. Use our Hourly to Salary converter to compare rates, and always read your contract carefully—especially regarding overtime and holiday pay. For more detailed data, refer to the ONS ASHE tables and the SPVS survey results.

FAQs

What is the average vet salary in the UK? Based on the SPVS 2026 survey, the median full-time veterinary salary package is £59,800 per year. However, this varies significantly by experience, region, and role. Newly qualified vets earn around £38,950, while those with 20+ years earn £76,525. For comparison, the UK median full-time salary across all occupations is £39,039 (ONS ASHE 2025).

How does vet salary vary by region? The SPVS survey shows notable regional differences. The South East is one of the highest-paying regions at £64,050 median package. Scotland and Northern Ireland saw the largest increase, with a median of £59,600. London may command a premium, though the survey did not specify a London weighting. Always check your contract for location allowances.

What is the hourly rate for vets and how does it compare to the National Living Wage? The SPVS survey reports a median hourly rate of £30.12 for vets. This is well above the National Living Wage, which is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over in 2026/27. However, many vets work unpaid overtime—61% report overtime, and 57% of those receive no pay or time off in lieu. When converting hourly to annual, a typical assumption is 37.5 hours per week for 52 weeks, but actual hours may differ.