By Vicki Farbon MA Vet MB GPCert (SAM) PgC SADI MRCVS, Chair of the Board at SPVS.
The 2026 SPVS Salary Survey provides encouraging evidence that the gender pay gap in veterinary practice is narrowing, but progress remains slow. The findings also reinforce the need to remove barriers to career progression and help more women move into leadership and management roles.
Gender pay remains an important issue in a profession with a predominantly female workforce. A total of 1,188 vets responded to the 2026 SPVS Salary Survey, of whom 78% were women.
The 2026 SPVS Salary Survey suggests that the overall gender pay gap is narrowing slowly. Across all qualification groups, women’s earnings were 14% lower than men’s, compared with a 16% difference in the previous year. The largest gap remained among vets qualified for 15 years or more: 19%, down from 23% previously. Hourly rates showed a similar pattern.
Although the reduction is encouraging, the gap remains larger than SPVS would want or expect. One contributing factor may be that, among vets with a similar amount of time since qualification, a higher proportion of men hold leadership or management roles that command higher salaries. This does not remove the underlying concern; it shifts the question towards why women remain under-represented in these positions. Possible factors include caring responsibilities, traditional workplace structures and differences in how people pursue promotion opportunities.
The stage at which veterinary professionals commonly move into leadership may coincide with increased family or caring responsibilities. Historically, clinical roles have also offered limited flexibility in working patterns and workplace hours, making progression more difficult for people who cannot follow a conventional full-time career path.
The lower numbers of women in senior roles may also reduce access to visible role models, mentoring and informal guidance. In addition, there may be a lag effect. Because the profession’s demographic profile has changed substantially over time, greater female representation across the workforce will take time to be reflected at every level of seniority.
Behavioural differences will always account for some differences with women less likely to apply for promotions unless they really feel they fulfil every aspect of the role.
The good news is that the above issues are all being addressed. Flexible working hours are becoming more commonplace in the veterinary industry and more females are becoming recognised as significant leaders and an inspiration.
At SPVS we offer support for up and coming leaders with our new Elevate course offering both in-person and online teaching with limited numbers in each cohort. SPVS annual congress in February is also packed with like-minded people and excellent lectures to support leadership and management at all levels. It’s definitely one not to miss, so let’s keep closing this gender pay gap year on year.
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