Explore Careers
Veterinarians
What do Veterinarians do in the Military?
Where do Veterinarians work?
Veterinarians work in medical, clinical, and research laboratories and, at times, in food processing or storage plants. They may work outdoors while conducting field work, on land or aboard ships.
How much do they make?
Median Military Salary
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$111,964
Military Salary Range
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.
$29,864 - $356,862
How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Set based on rank and years of service.
- Paid every month.
Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.
- Tax-free payments.
- Varies by location and family status.
Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.
- Based on specialized roles.
- Varies by position and duty.
U.S. Army Capt. Breanna Johnson | 64A Veterinary Officer
Capt. Breanna Johnson, the Fort Drum Veterinary Services Officer in Charge, talks about what motivated her to join the U.S. Army health care team, and why she continues to serve.
Transcription
I'm Brianna Johnson I'm a captain veterinary Corps officer. I'm the Fort Drum veterinary services officer in charge.
I work here up in Fort Drum New York. So I'm from a military family so it was sort of natural for me to enter service I came from that lifestyle, from that culture. I really love working with the military working dogs that was my passion that was why chose to get in in the first place as a veterinary Corps officer but what she realized once you get in is I actually wear several hats.
So the veteran Corps officers are responsible for Public Health on posts we also do a lot of food safety. So we inspect the food that goes to the commissary to make sure that it's safe for the families that are purchasing it.
U.S. Army Capt. Breanna Johnson | 64A Veterinary Officer
What training do Veterinarians gain in the Military?
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Veterinarians are subject matter experts in their field. Job training for veterinarians primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Military Training for Officers
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree. All officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
What skills help Veterinarians succeed?
- Interest in working with animals
- Interest in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and medical research
- Interest in scientific work
What are possible career paths after the Military?
- Animal Caretakers
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
- Veterinarians
- Animal Scientists






