BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) announced findings from its 2023 compensation and benefits survey in December. The survey was distributed to over 4000 members of the VHMA and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. Responses came from 275 veterinary practices and 3,289 non-veterinarian hospital staff members.

Compared to 2021 survey responses, the median salary for hospital administrators rose 13% and the median salary for practice managers increased about 8%. Median salaries also increased for office managers, receptionists credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists, veterinary technician assistants, kennel assistants and bookkeepers. The report helps veterinary leaders remain competitive and recruit and retain quality team members. The executive director of the VHMA, Christine Shupe, states that she does not expect to see further increases in salary along the level of the past few years since staff are becoming more available.

The most common benefit provided by veterinary employers was reduced cost veterinary care with most practices typically covering half the cost. The least commonly offered benefit was child care offered by only 1% of employers. Most practices offered coverage for some or all costs of health insurance and offered paid time off. 

The report is available to view on the VHMA website and can be a valuable resource for helping veterinary hospitals attract and retain workforce members.