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Veterinarian Licensing in Louisiana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Louisiana

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $120,630 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #29 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Louisiana

With a median salary of 120,630, Veterinarians in Louisiana earn 4% below the national median of $125,510. Louisiana ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,176

Median annual salary

$120,630

Hourly estimate

$58.00
4% below national median

Difference: -$4,880

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$75,490
  • P2525th percentile$97,000
  • P50Median$120,630
  • P7575th percentile$161,780
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $120,630
National: $125,510

Total employment: 890 | Annual openings: N/A

Veterinarian Salary Ranking

#29 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California158,950
#2Washington155,060
#3New Jersey148,550
#4West Virginia134,290
#5Vermont134,240

Nearby States Comparison

Veterinarian licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Louisiana$120,630Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arkansas$100,820Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Mississippi$101,300Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Texas$121,220Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine

301 Main Street, Suite 1050, Baton Rouge, LA, 70801

Phone: 2253422176

Related Careers in Louisiana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$75,740Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$97,450Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$56,980Specific course required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$38,150Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Louisiana?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Veterinarians in Louisiana?

Louisiana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.

What education do you need to become a Veterinarian in Louisiana?

The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinarian licensure in Louisiana.

What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Louisiana is 120,630.

How does the Veterinarian salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?

Veterinarians in Louisiana earn 4% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of 120,630.

How many Veterinarians work in Louisiana?

Louisiana employs approximately 890 Veterinarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Louisiana from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Veterinarians in Louisiana?

The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine. Review agency details at http://www.lcb.state.la.us/.