Veterinarian pay range
Commonwealth of Kentucky · class code 20000747
- Class code
- 20000747
- Pay grade
- 17
- Pay unit
- Month
- Alternate ranges
- 3
- State
- Kentucky
- The Commonwealth of Kentucky published pay range for Veterinarian is $4,888 to $7,821 per month, spanning every alternate range the plan defines.
- Kentucky publishes an entry rate and a midpoint for each pay grade, not a maximum, so the upper figure on this page is the grade midpoint.
- That works out to about $58,660 to $93,856 a year at full time.
- Kentucky Personnel Cabinet keys this classification as class code 20000747.
- The plan defines 3 alternate ranges for this class, so the rate depends on which criteria an employee meets.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Alternate ranges
| Range | Entry | Midpoint | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range 37.5-hour week | $4,888 | $7,332 | per month |
| Range 40-hour week | $5,214 | $7,821 | per month |
| Range Hourly | $30.08 | $45.12 | per hour |
Which alternate range applies is set by the plan's own criteria (experience, certification or assignment). The criteria text lives in the source document.
Class specification
The Personnel Cabinet class specification for this class is published by Kentucky Personnel Cabinet. The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications. It was last revised 07/16/2024.
What the state says the job is
Performs duties in agricultural inspection or wildlife programs to prevent, control and eradicate communicable disease; and performs other duties as required.
Examples of the work
Plans and conducts epidemiological investigations as to the existence and extent of animal diseases transmissible and pathogenic to man. Works with local veterinarians and farmers to find sources of infection and methods to control infection in livestock. Advises department inspectors in methods of disease detection and control. Updates all officials concerning agricultural disease programs. Inspects animals for clinical symptoms of disease. Conducts required "herd work" necessary at each Correctional institution consisting of inspection of animals, routine shots, vaccinations, and other duties related to animal health. Ensures that proper testing procedures are followed.
Minimum qualifications
EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited college or university of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. To view accredited colleges and universities refer to: https://www.avma.org EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
Special requirements
Must be a licensed veterinarian by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners OR if licensed out of state, must become licensed by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners within 6 months of employment.
Quoted from the Personnel Cabinet class specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
Kentucky Personnel Cabinet publishes this figure in Classified and Unclassified 37.5 and 40-Hour Salary Schedule, effective September 16, 2026. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
Job titles and their pay grades come from the Job Specification Search, joined to the salary schedule.
Nearby classes in Kentucky
Veterinarian in other states
| State | Entry | Midpoint | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $34.46 | $62.41 | $71,677 to $129,812 |
| Arkansas | $105,713 | $156,455 | $105,713 to $156,455 |
| Iowa | $71,178 | $109,179 | $71,178 to $109,179 |
| Louisiana | $71,677 | $129,189 | $71,677 to $129,189 |
| Maine | $31.29 | $43.92 | $65,083 to $91,354 |
| Minnesota | $76,400 | $113,274 | $76,400 to $113,274 |
| Mississippi | $66,944 | $117,651 | $66,944 to $117,651 |
| Missouri | $51,552 | $116,088 | $51,552 to $116,088 |
| New Mexico | $40.28 | $64.45 | $83,782 to $134,056 |
| North Carolina | $82,857 | $136,714 | $82,857 to $136,714 |
Each state publishes its own range for a classification with this exact title. Duties, grade structures and bargaining units differ between states, so read each class page before comparing.