Are veterinary nurses getting paid enough?

Over the last 10 years, our profession has progressed significantly. We have instant access to our professional community on social media, in webinars, digital journals, articles and continuing education. The greatest minds, and leaders in our field are able to share their knowledge and wisdom to a global audience. Our awareness of the diversity and scope of our profession is developing a tighter community, improving our networking and enhancing professionalism of our industry across the world.

While we are benefitting from instant access to knowledge and mentorship, we also have access to global demographic data. We know more today about our profession than we ever have. Surveys conducted by veterinary organisations around the world have given us insights into our average age, experience, education, job satisfaction, and salary. Surprisingly, the numbers around the world indicate that our various countries are quite similar. We share some of the same issues and trends.

What is disappointing across the world, and throughout the veterinary industry as a whole, is the stark reality of our low wages and high incidence of mental illness. Compared with other healthcare professions or other occupations with similar levels of education and responsibility, the data show relatively low salaries for veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and other allied veterinary professionals. It is a widespread issue that is having a devastating effect on the sustainability of our profession.