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The Canadian Veterinary Medical

Association

Manitoba 2014 Report on

Compensation and Benefits for

Associate Veterinarians

Provided to you by: In partnership with:

CANADIAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

339 rue Booth St., Ottawa, ON K1R 7K1

Tel.: 613.236.1162 800.567.2862

Fax: 613.236.9681

Email: admin@cvma-acmv.org

www.canadianveterinarians.net

MANITOBA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

1590 Inkster Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R2X 2W4

Tel.: 204.832.1276

Fax: 204.832.1382

Email: adowd@mvma.ca

www.mvma.ca

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Contents

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 2

Survey Design ................................................................................................................................................ 2

GENERAL RESULTS ......................................................................................................................................... 3

COMPENSATION CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................................................. 4

Type of Practice ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Years in Practice ........................................................................................................................................ 4

Practice Type and Years in Practice........................................................................................................... 4

Years at Current Location .......................................................................................................................... 5

Assist in Hospital Management ................................................................................................................. 5

Split Shifts .................................................................................................................................................. 6

Location ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Types of Compensation ............................................................................................................................. 7

BENEFITS ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

Vacation Time............................................................................................................................................ 8

Employee Benefits .................................................................................................................................... 9

On Call Compensation ............................................................................................................................. 11

CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................... 14

©2014, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association

All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the publisher’s copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or

by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, recording taping, or information and

retrieval systems) without the written permission of the publisher.

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INTRODUCTION The 2014 Survey of Compensation and Benefits is a member service provided by the Manitoba Veterinary

Medical Association and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. The 2014 survey was designed to

examine the compensation and benefits provided to associate (non-owner) veterinarians in 2014. Information

in the survey applies to associate veterinarians in private practice only.

Survey Design The 2014 survey was distributed to all 342 associate veterinarians in Manitoba. Forty-two questionnaires were

returned for a response rate of 12.3 per cent. Information in the survey is generally accurate to +/- 12.5 per

cent, 19 times out of 20. This high margin of error was caused by a low response rate combined with high

variation in responses provided.

Respondents were asked to complete the questionnaire based on their compensation and benefits from

private practice in 2014.

The survey examines several characteristics (type of practice, years in practice, location, types of

compensation, etc.) and evaluates their effect on compensation and benefits for associate veterinarians. Not

every question was answered by all respondents, so the number of responses for each characteristic group can

vary. The number of responses is shown for all characteristic groups. To maintain confidentiality, groups with

fewer than three observations are shown as “na”.

Information for the survey was submitted anonymously. Since individual responses cannot be cross

referenced, the survey reports the “median” figures. The median is obtained by ranking all responses from

smallest to largest and then taking the mid-point. This way the results are not influenced by extreme

responses.

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GENERAL RESULTS Table 1 shows the annual salary figures for full-time associate veterinarians in Manitoba for 2014. This table

reports the mean or average annual salary, the number of responses and range in data using 25th, 50th

(median) and 75th percentiles. In 2014, full-time associates in Manitoba experienced a median annual salary of

$85,000 — a 6.2 per cent increase from 2013 — and worked 1,836 annual hours, a decline of 4.1 per cent.

A part-time veterinarian was defined as someone who worked fewer than 20 hours per week. There were

insufficient responses to provide data on part-time associate veterinarians in 2014.

TABLE 1

ANNUAL SALARY

Mean 25th Percentile Median 75th Percentile Responses

Full-time $92,540 $75,000 $85,000 $100,000 36

Part-time na na na na 2

The annual hours table does not include hours on call or hours engaged while on call.

TABLE 2

ANNUAL HOURS

Mean 25th Percentile Median 75th Percentile Responses

Full-time 1,802 1,545 1,836 2,020 34

Part-time na na na na 2

TABLE 3

ANNUAL COMPARISON

2014 Salary 2013 Salary Change 2014 Hours 2013 Hours Change

Full-time $85,000 $80,000 6.2% 1,836 1,914 -4.1%

Part-time na $35,478 na na 687 na

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COMPENSATION CHARACTERISTICS

Type of Practice

Table 4 shows compensation for full-time veterinarians by type of practice. The table shows the differences

between 100% small and mixed animal practices.

The median salary for full-time associate veterinarians in mixed animal practices was 4.3 per cent higher than

the median salary of associates in small animal practice.

TABLE 4

TYPE OF PRACTICE

Full-time

Type Salary Hours Responses

100% Small $81,500 1,804 16

Mixed $85,000 2,024 9

Years in Practice

Table 5 outlines the median salary and hours for associates by years in practice. Hours decreased with

increased seniority, reaching their lowest level for associates with six to 10 years experience. However, hours

worked then climbed back up for associates with more than 10 years experience. Median annual salary was

highest for associates with more than 10 years experience.

TABLE 5 YEARS IN PRACTICE

Full-time

Total Years in

Practice

Less than 1 year

Salary Hours Responses

1-2 years $81,500 2,037 5

3-5 years $83,000 1,752 7

6-10 years $75,000 1,487 10

>10 years $100,000 1,762 15

Practice Type and Years in Practice

To account for the differences in compensation relating to both practice type and years in practice, Table 6

outlines both characteristics for full-time and part-time associate veterinarians. Limited response from mixed

practices made comparison by years in practice difficult. Mixed practitioners with more than 10 years

experience worked 16.3 per cent more than their small animal counterparts, yet also earned $12,000 more per

annum.

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TABLE 6

YEARS IN PRACTICE BY TYPE

Full-time Total Years in

Practice Salary Hours Responses

100% Small

3-5 years $83,500 1,816 4

6-10 years $75,000 1,487 5

>10 years $80,000 1,718 6

Mixed >10 years $92,000 1,998 3

Years at Current Location

Table 7 outlines differences in compensation attributable to years at current location. Associates who were at

a location for less than one year, as well as over 10 years, earned the highest annual salary. Associates who

had one to two years seniority at a hospital earned the lowest salary.

TABLE 7

YEARS AT CURRENT LOCATION

Full-time

Salary Hours Responses

<1 year $100,00 1,692 3

1-2 years $79,750 1,998 8

3-5 years $84,000 1,701 9

6-10 years $85,000 2,024 9

>10 years $100,000 1,800 8

Assist in Hospital Management

Respondents were asked to indicate whether or not they assisted in managing the hospital, but they were not

asked to define the degree of management responsibility. Respondents indicated involvement in areas ranging

from complete practice management to inventory control. The predominant response indicated some

involvement in staff management.

The 22 per cent of associates who assisted with management duties in the hospital had 11.4 per cent higher

salaries. Hours worked were also higher for associates who assisted in hospital management, relative to those

with no management responsibilities.

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TABLE 8

ASSIST IN MANAGING HOSPITAL

Assist in Managing Salary Hours Responses

Yes $92,500 2,011 8

No $83,000 1,738 29

Split Shifts

Twenty per cent of associate veterinarians worked split shifts in 2014. A split shift is a shift that is divided into

two or more parts in the same day. The interval between the split must be at least two hours. For example,

working from 8 a.m. until noon and then from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. later that day.

Compared to full-time associates with no split shifts, full-time associates with split shifts worked 7.4 per cent

fewer hours and earned 4.1 per cent lower salaries than those working regular shifts.

TABLE 9

SPLIT SHIFTS

Split Shifts Salary Hours Responses

Full-time Yes $81,500 1,718 7

No $85,000 1,856 28

Location

Full-time associates in Manitoba worked an average of 1,836 hours. Associates in Winnipeg earned higher

annual salaries and worked the fewest hours compared to other locations. Associates in the southwest earned

the lowest annual salary while working the most hours.

TABLE 10

LOCATION

Full-time Salary Hours Responses

Southeast $77,250 1,799 6

South Central na na 2

Southwest $75,000 1,927 6

Winnipeg $85,500 1,776 18

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Types of Compensation

Table 11 outlines the median salary, hours and hourly wage attributed to the different methods of

compensation. Associates compensated by annual base salary earned the most.

TABLE 11

TYPE OF COMPENSATION – FULL TIME VETERINARIANS

Salary Hours Responses

Hourly $80,000 1,555 6

Annual Base Salary $100,000 1,912 13

Annual Base Salary + Emergency Fees $75,000 1,910 5

Percentage of Gross Billings + Annual Base Salary $84,000 1,752 5

Other $67,500 2,070 4

Table 12 lists the values for specific types of compensation.

TABLE 12

TYPE OF COMPENSATION BY VALUE

Type of Compensation 25th

Percentile Median

75th

Percentile

Hourly Rate $40.79 $41.63 $51.00

Base Salary + Emergency Fees – Salary Portion $70,000 $70,000 $75,000

Base Salary + Emergency Fees – Fee per Call Amount $71.25 $82.50 $105.00

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BENEFITS

Vacation Time

Tables 13 and 14 show vacation weeks provided to associates by type of practice and seniority. The response

was insufficient to provide part-time associate information.

TABLE 13

VACATION TIME BY TYPE OF PRACTICE

Full-time

Type Days Vacation Responses

100% Small 15 16

Mixed 15 8

TABLE 14

VACATION TIME BY YEARS AT CURRENT PRACTICE

Full-time

Type Days Vacation Responses

<1 year 15 3

1-2 years 15 8

3-5 years 15 9

6-10 years 20 9

>10 years 25 8

The average associate in small animal practices received the same amount of vacation time as mixed practice

associates, at 15 days. Full-time associates with more than 10 years seniority at one hospital earned the

highest number of vacation days, at 25.

TABLE 15

VACATION RESTRICTIONS

Seasonal Restriction Allotment Restriction

100% Small 56% 19%

Mixed 50% 25%

Table 15 shows the percentage of associates who had their vacation restricted to certain seasons or were

restricted from taking their vacation allotment at one time. Associates of small animal practices were slightly

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more likely to have seasonal restrictions on their vacation time, while mixed animal associates were more

likely to be unable to take their vacation all at one time.

Employee Benefits

Tables 16 and 17 show employee benefits for full-time associates. There was insufficient data for part-time

associates. The figure in the column identifies the percentage of associates in that category receiving the

benefit. Median fees and days off for continuing education (CE) are listed at the bottom of each table.

TABLE 16

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Full-time

CE (fees) 75%

CE (time) 71%

Dental/Health coverage 77%

Insurance (malpractice) 86%

Disability 46%

Licence (MVMA) 86%

Professional Dues (CVMA) 80%

Pension 26%

Profit Sharing 6%

Uniforms 66%

Vehicle 26%

CE (fees) $1,500

CE (time) 4.0

Vehicle Allowance (per km) na

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TABLE 17

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS BY TYPE OF PRACTICE

100% Small Mixed

CE (fees) 94% 78%

CE (time) 62% 88%

Dental/Health coverage 81% 62%

Insurance (malpractice) 100% 88%

Disability 44% 25%

Licence (MVMA) 81% 88%

Professional Dues (CVMA) 81% 88%

Pension 6% 12%

Profit Sharing 12% 0%

Uniforms 81% 62%

Vehicle 0% 62%

CE (fees) $1,500 $1,500

CE (time) 4.0 4.5

Vehicle Allowance (per km) na na

Mixed animal associates generally received a slightly higher level of benefits compared to small animal

practitioners, with the exception of CE time, dental/health insurance, disability insurance, profit sharing and

uniforms. Mixed animal associates garnered more time off for CE.

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TABLE 18

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS BY YEARS AT CURRENT LOCATION

<1 Year 1-2 years 3-5 years 6-10 years >10 years

CE (fees) 67% 75% 78% 78% 71%

CE (time) 100% 62% 75% 67% 71%

Dental/Health coverage 0% 88% 75% 89% 86%

Insurance (malpractice) 67% 75% 88% 100% 86%

Disability 33% 38% 50% 56% 43%

Licence (MVMA) 100% 88% 88% 78% 86%

Professional Dues (CVMA) 67% 88% 88% 78% 71%

Pension 0% 25% 12% 33% 43%

Profit Sharing 0% 0% 0% 11% 14%

Uniforms 67% 62% 75% 67% 58%

Vehicle 0% 25% 25% 22% 29%

CE (fees) na $1,250 $1,750 $2,000 $2,000

CE (time) na 4.0 5.0 4.5 4.0

Table 18 shows seniority had some impact on the benefits received. Benefits tended to increase as seniority

increased. Associates with three to five years seniority at their hospital were treated to the most days off for

CE.

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On Call Compensation

On call requirements and compensation are listed in Table 19 by type of practice. In addition to practice type,

the table also includes the percentage of associates required to work on call, the requirements for week nights

and weekends on call, and the percentage of associates who were compensated for their on call duties.

A smaller percentage of small animal associates were required for on call compared to mixed animal

associates. Sixty per cent of associates in mixed animal hospitals were compensated in some way for their on

call. Only 40 per cent of small practice associates were compensated for these duties. Small animal associates

also generally worked more weekends on call, while mixed animal associates worked far more week nights on

call.

TABLE 19

ON CALL REQUIREMENTS AND COMPENSATION

Type Required for

On Call

On Call

Weekends per

Month

On Call Nights

per Week

Compensated

for On Call

Percentage

of After

Hours Fee

Amount

Per After

Hours Call

Fee

100% Small

29% 1.5 0.0 40% na na

Mixed

100% 1.0 3.0 60% 75% $72.50

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CONCLUSION Associate salaries for 2014 were 6.2 per cent higher than salaries earned in 2013. Over the same time, annual

hours worked for full-time associates dropped 4.1 per cent.

The following factors generally led to higher annual incomes, fewer annual hours worked, or higher hourly

wages:

More experience

More seniority

Working in a practice located in Winnipeg

Assisting with management

Compensated through an annual salary

Mixed animal associates received the same amount of vacation time as small animal associates.

Generally, associates in mixed animal practices received more benefits than associates in small animal

practices.