Physician (General Practice) vs Veterinarian: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Veterinarian
Diagnose and treat illness and injury in companion animals and livestock.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $108,392/year (80%) higher than a Veterinarian. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician (General Practice) vs Veterinarian — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician (General Practice) | Veterinarian | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $363,590 | $194,106 | Physician +$169,484 |
| New York, NY | $294,372 | $161,125 | Physician +$133,247 |
| Seattle, WA | $353,641 | $198,083 | Physician +$155,558 |
| Austin, TX | $272,440 | $153,696 | Physician +$118,744 |
| Chicago, IL | $255,595 | $146,633 | Physician +$108,962 |
| Boston, MA | $311,219 | $172,898 | Physician +$138,321 |
| London, UK | £101,944 | £107,404 | Physician $5,460 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$294,137 | CA$183,478 | Physician +$110,659 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician (General Practice) or Veterinarian earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician (General Practice) is $244,180/year, compared to $135,788/year for a Veterinarian — a difference of $108,392 (80%).
Which has better career growth — Physician (General Practice) or Veterinarian?+
Physician (General Practice) roles are growing at 5% YoY while Veterinarian demand is growing at 19% YoY. Veterinarian has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician (General Practice) 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 — Physician (General Practice) or Veterinarian?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.