How to become a Veterinarian
Also called: Veterinary Surgeon
Diagnoses, treats and prevents animal diseases, ailments and injuries.
Main tasks
- Examines animals to diagnose diseases, ailments and injuries
- Prescribes and administers medications and treatments to animals
- Performs surgeries and other medical procedures on animals
- Provides preventive care such as vaccinations and parasite control
- Advises animal owners on proper care and nutrition for their pets
- Conducts laboratory tests and interprets the results
- Euthanises animals when necessary and supports grieving owners
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date medical records for animals
Ways in
- University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- University: Veterinary & Animal Science degrees, Offered by 11 universities in Australia
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $125,476 a year
- About 13,100 people work in this job group now, and about 15,500 are projected by 2035. (+17.8%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
- Veterinary Technologist
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Prosthetist
- Oral Health Therapist or Dental Therapist
- Dental Specialist
- Dentist
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Veterinarian?
Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Veterinary & Animal Science degrees.
How much does a Veterinarian earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $125,476 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Veterinarian a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 13,100 to about 15,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Veterinarian?
Usually. 91% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Veterinarian?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04