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ALACHUA, FL– The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) has released the 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey Report, a biannual member resource that examines pay and benefits for veterinary team members and the factors that influence them. The 2025 series include focused reports on non-DVM/staff, associate veterinarians, and veterinary managers, and introduces two new reports this year for veterinary receptionists and veterinary technicians. 

   

"Understanding how compensation is changing across roles helps practices stay competitive in a rapidly shifting labor market," said Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA Executive Director. "By expanding the 2025 survey to include veterinary receptionists and veterinary technicians, these insights further provide the data needed to make informed decisions about pay, retention, and long-term workforce planning."

  

  

Notable trends emerged when comparing 2025 wage data with 2023 results for veterinary managers, revealing changes in salary, hours worked, and calculated wages.

  

Manager Report, Data from Table 9

  

Overall, the survey found that salaries generally increased with years at current location, though the relationship varied by role. Hospital administrators with less than a year of experience at their current practice reported the highest salaries, highlighting how job mobility can increase compensation. 

   

“We're seeing less-senior managers earning more because mobility is giving them access to stronger wages. If hospitals don't keep up with market rates, they risk losing talent to competitors and facing even higher costs to recruit and train replacements," said Darren Osborne, Director of Economic Research at Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.

  

  

Among respondents, 37 percent of hospital administrators, 14 percent of practice managers, and 4 percent of office managers hold the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification. CVPM-certified Hospital administrators earned 8.2 percent more in annual salary than their non-CVPM peers. 

  

Manager Report, Data from Table 2 

  

“CVPM certification has the strongest influence on compensation of any credential. In fact, its impact is even greater than an MBA, making it one of the most worthwhile investments a manager can make,” said Osborne.

  

  

Among veterinary technicians, pay clearly rises with years of experience, tenure in their current role, and type of practice. One of the strongest trends identified was the impact of credentials and certifications, where those holding specialty or advanced credentials earned the highest median hourly wages.

  

"It was nice to see compensation seemed to match the complexity of the roles and number of certifications or credentials," said Osborne. "For example, those with VTS credentials earned more than those with RVT designations, who earned more than non-registered techs. You'd hope that to be the case, but it doesn't always work out that way."

  

Analysis revealed that pay for veterinary receptionists tends to rise with tenure, with those working longer at their current practice earning higher compensation. Receptionists in emergency, feline-only, and specialty hospitals reported above-average hourly wages.

  

Wages for non-DVM roles generally grew with years of experience, with non-credentialed technicians experiencing the most significant gains. Specialty, emergency, and exotic practices typically offered higher pay, while mixed animal practices were on the lower end of the pay scale. Paid time off followed a similar pattern, increasing as tenure advanced.

  

For associate veterinarians, a clear pattern emerged showing that compensation increases with both years of experience and tenure at their current practice. 

  

  

Free copies of the complete compensation reports are available to VHMA members (membership is currently priced at $265). Non-members can purchase the reports for $300.

  

About the VHMA

  

The VHMA, a nationally recognized thought leader, provides training, education, and resources to over 5,000 members. Its certification programs support veterinary practice management professionals by developing competence and encouraging standards. VHMA serves as a trusted resource for industry insights and advocacy, helping to shape the future of the veterinary profession. For more information, visit www.vhma.org.