A recent Indeed report highlighting the top 25 jobs for the year ranks veterinarians as number one, based on high pay and strong demand. The analysis focused on jobs with a minimum $75,000 annual salary, at least 20% growth in Indeed postings over the past three years (with at least 5% being remote or hybrid), and was ranked by their share of postings.
Veterinarians boast a median annual salary of nearly $140,000, roughly three times the average American salary. Job postings for veterinarians on Indeed have more than doubled since 2021, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in the profession through 2033, significantly higher than the 4% average growth projected for all other occupations.
Becoming a veterinarian requires extensive education: a bachelor's degree (often in biology or agriculture), followed by four years of veterinary school, and often a year-long internship or a two-to-three-year residency. Licensing requires passing a national exam, and most states have additional requirements.
Despite the high pay and demand, a shortage of veterinarians exists, particularly in rural areas, due to the lengthy and expensive training, long hours, and the emotional toll of dealing with pet owners. The increased demand is driven partly by young adults choosing pets over children and investing heavily in their care. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association notes that pet spending is tied to the strength of the economy. Currently, 62% of Americans own a pet, according to the Pew Research Center.
Here's a comparison of the top four jobs from the Indeed report:
- 1. Veterinarian: Median annual salary: $139,999; Job postings per 1 million: 1,065; Posting growth (2021-2024): 124%
- 2. Sales Representative: Median annual salary: $182,487; Job postings per 1 million: 961; Posting growth (2021-2024): 76%
- 3. Physician: Median annual salary: $225,000; Job postings per 1 million: 705; Posting growth (2021-2024): 76%
- 4. Civil Engineer: Median annual salary: $100,872; Job postings per 1 million: 584; Posting growth (2021-2024): 104%
The list is dominated by healthcare and engineering roles, reflecting the need for specialized, highly trained professionals. However, sales representatives, requiring as little as a high school diploma, can also earn six-figure salaries, especially in specialized fields like medicine.
Physicians, with a median salary of $225,000, are in high demand due to the aging population and retiring doctors. The healthcare sector has grown over 8% in the last two years, according to the BLS.
Civil engineers, earning just over $100,000 annually, are crucial for planning, designing, and overseeing infrastructure projects.
Looking solely at salary, radiologists top the list at number 14, with a median annual salary exceeding $385,000. These medical doctors, specializing in diagnostic imaging, require 13-15 years of higher education and various licenses and certifications. Radiologist job postings have grown 87% on Indeed since 2021, representing 194 postings per million.