Pharmacist vs Veterinarian: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Pharmacist
Dispense medications, counsel patients on drug therapies, and prevent errors.
Veterinarian
Diagnose and treat illness and injury in companion animals and livestock.
Pharmacist earns more on average — the national median is $5,122/year (4%) higher than a Veterinarian. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Pharmacist vs Veterinarian — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Pharmacist | Veterinarian | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $208,483 | $194,106 | Pharmacist +$14,377 |
| New York, NY | $168,405 | $161,125 | Pharmacist +$7,280 |
| Seattle, WA | $199,024 | $198,083 | Pharmacist +$941 |
| Austin, TX | $160,336 | $153,696 | Pharmacist +$6,640 |
| Chicago, IL | $155,619 | $146,633 | Pharmacist +$8,986 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $172,898 | Pharmacist +$7,064 |
| London, UK | £111,126 | £107,404 | Pharmacist +$3,722 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$184,236 | CA$183,478 | Pharmacist +$758 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Pharmacist or Veterinarian earn more?+
A Pharmacist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Pharmacist is $140,910/year, compared to $135,788/year for a Veterinarian — a difference of $5,122 (4%).
Which has better career growth — Pharmacist or Veterinarian?+
Pharmacist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Veterinarian demand is growing at 19% YoY. Veterinarian has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Pharmacist to Veterinarian?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Pharmacist or Veterinarian?+
Veterinarian has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.