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Veterinarian Licensing in Missouri

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Missouri

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Applicants shall submit an application proving that he or she is a graduate of an accredited school of veterinary medicine, has completed a veterinary candidacy program after graduation, and has passed an examination or examinations as prescribed by board.

Exam and processing details

  • passed an examination or examinations as prescribed by board

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Veterinary Medical Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $119,640 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #30 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Missouri eligibility requirements for Veterinarian licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required passed an examination or examinations as prescribed by board.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Applicants shall submit an application proving that he or she is a graduate of an accredited school of veterinary medicine, has completed...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Veterinary Medical Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Missouri

With a median salary of $119,640, Veterinarians in Missouri earn 5% below the national median of $125,510. Missouri ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,232

Median annual salary

$119,640

Hourly estimate

$57.52
5% below national median

Difference: -$5,870

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$62,400
  • P2525th percentile$95,660
  • P50Median$119,640
  • P7575th percentile$159,450
  • P9090th percentile$190,800

State vs National Median

State: $119,640
National: $125,510

Total employment: 2,020 | Annual openings: N/A

Veterinarian Salary Ranking

#30 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$158,950
#2Washington$155,060
#3New Jersey$148,550
#4West Virginia$134,290
#5Vermont$134,240

Nearby States Comparison

Veterinarian licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Missouri$119,640Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$100,910Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Illinois$128,290Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$98,210Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$125,420Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$100,820Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required21 years
Oklahoma$96,360Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kansas$102,510Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$83,710Varies by state boardState-approved exam5 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
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-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

Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Veterinary Medical Board

3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 633, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0633

Phone: 5737510031ext8007352966

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FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Veterinarians in Missouri?

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

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

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

What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Missouri?

The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Missouri is $119,640. Salaries range from $62,400 (10th percentile) to $190,800 (90th percentile).

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

Veterinarians in Missouri earn 5% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of $119,640.

How many Veterinarians work in Missouri?

Missouri employs approximately 2,020 Veterinarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Missouri 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 Missouri?

The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Veterinary Medical Board. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/veterinarian.asp.

How often do you renew a Veterinarian license in Missouri?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.