Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Healthcare
Veterinarian Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: 3 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Must have completed a minimum of 3 years of pre-medical education in an approved college.
- 6
Exam required.
- 7
No continuing education required.
Exam and processing details
- required. No continuing education required.
Continuing education and program notes
- continuing education required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine • Division of Professional Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$131,500 median (5% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#7 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Veterinarian licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required required. No continuing education required..
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $131,500, Veterinarians in Massachusetts earn 5% above the national median of $125,510. Massachusetts ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$131,500Hourly estimate
$63.225% above national median
Difference: +$5,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationVeterinarian Salary Ranking
#7 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $158,950 |
| #2 | Washington | $155,060 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $148,550 |
| #4 | West Virginia | $134,290 |
| #5 | Vermont | $134,240 |
Nearby States Comparison
Veterinarian licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $131,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 years |
| New Hampshire | $128,890 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1-18 years |
| Vermont | $134,240 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $131,330 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $130,700 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $126,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 64 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Rhode Island | 50 | Low | State-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
Official website verified
Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine • Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 6177273080
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $135,250 | Degree required | 1-18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 2 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $63,720 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Massachusetts?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Veterinarians in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.
What education do you need to become a Veterinarian in Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinarian licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Massachusetts is $131,500.
How does the Veterinarian salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Veterinarians in Massachusetts earn 5% above the national median of $125,510, with a state median of $131,500.
How many Veterinarians work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 1,820 Veterinarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/vt/.
How often do you renew a Veterinarian license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.