Wildlife Veterinarian Salary (2026): How Much Do They Make?

Working with wildlife looks nothing like a typical day in a veterinary exam room. One day might involve securing a lion for vaccinations; the next could mean darting a deer for a health check or netting a bird just to get a closer look. Safe to say, this isn't your average 9-to-5 in the veterinary world.

So with all that extra risk and unpredictability, does the paycheck actually match the demands?

In 2026, wildlife veterinarians across the U.S are earning an average of around $165,527 a year, though where someone lands on that scale depends heavily on experience, location, and the specific role they're in.

And that range is anything but narrow. Someone just getting their start might see closer to $49,500, while a vet who's built a career with a zoo, aquarium, or government wildlife agency could be earning $273,500 or beyond.

Here, we will discuss wildlife veterinarian salary in detail by breaking down how much they make based on experience and locality.

How Much Does a Wildlife Veterinarian Make?

Here is a quick breakdown of national average pay across different time periods, based on ZipRecruiter data.

The average wildlife veterinarian salary in the United States is approximately $165,527 per year, while reported salaries range from about $49,500 to $293,500 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. For most professionals, the range falls somewhere in the middle, with the 25th percentile making around $112,000 and the 75th percentile making around $218,000. 

Those at the 90th percentile earn around $273,500 a year. The pay scale has such a large gap between the low end and the high end that things like experience, location, and area of specialization can have a huge impact on what a wildlife vet makes.

Most Common Wildlife Veterinarian Benefits

Salary is only one part of the overall package. Full-time wildlife veterinarian jobs often come with employee benefits. This is especially true for roles at zoos, universities, government agencies, and larger conservation organizations. Benefits vary by employer and position and may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans with employer matching, such as a 401(k), or pension options for government positions
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Continuing education funds and support for board certification, such as certification through the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM)
• Relocation assistance, particularly when wildlife veterinary jobs are concentrated in certain regions
• Housing or field stipends for positions at remote research stations or wildlife reserves
• Malpractice and liability coverage

Benefits can vary quite a bit between employers. Nonprofit organizations and wildlife rehabilitation centers may offer fewer benefits than government or academic employers. When comparing offers, looking at the full compensation package gives you a better picture of what the position actually provides beyond the listed salary.

Wildlife Veterinarian Pay Trends

Over the last few years, the salary of wildlife veterinarians has been rising along with the more general rise in veterinary income.

Multiple things could impact where incomes head in 2026:

Wildlife veterinary medicine remains a smaller field than companion animal practice. However, demand for veterinarians with wildlife and conservation expertise remains steady.

Wildlife Veterinarian Salary Range

Just like other jobs, the salary of a wildlife veterinarian rises following seniority and credentials levels.

Here is a general breakdown based on ZipRecruiter's percentile data.

Why Wildlife Veterinarian Salaries Vary So Much

Wildlife veterinarian pay can differ quite a bit from one position to another. Several factors can affect where a veterinarian falls within the salary range:

• Employer type. Government wildlife agencies, universities, and large zoological institutions generally have larger budgets than small rehabilitation nonprofits, which can lead to higher salaries.
• Geographic location. Areas with more zoos, wildlife organizations, and research institutions often offer higher salaries. Higher living costs in some cities and states can also influence pay.
• Specialization and board certification. Veterinarians who hold or are pursuing certification through the American College of Zoological Medicine may have access to higher-paying roles.
• Years of experience. Experience can make a difference in earning potential. A strong record of casework, research, or publications can also open the door to higher-level positions.
• Scope of responsibility. A veterinarian who manages staff, oversees conservation programs, or leads research projects may earn more than someone focused mainly on clinical work.

Wildlife Veterinarian Salary by Experience

Experience is one of the biggest factors affecting pay in this field. Veterinarians in the first two or three years after graduation usually fall toward the lower end of the national salary range. Those with 10 or more years of hands-on experience in wildlife and zoological medicine tend to earn more and move toward the higher end.

Advanced training can also make a difference. Veterinarians who pair field experience with credentials such as a residency in zoological medicine may see a faster increase in pay as they move from mid-career positions into senior roles.

Wildlife Veterinarian Salary by City

Cities with a strong concentration of zoos, aquariums, wildlife rehab centers, universities, and government wildlife agencies tend to offer higher pay, simply because that's where the demand and the specialized opportunities are. Vets who've built up experience in zoological medicine and wildlife care generally find more doors open in these areas as well.

The numbers below are derived from ZipRecruiter statistics for multiple cities.

What Is the Average Wildlife Veterinarian Salary by State