Switching Your Career to Relief Vet in Maryland

The Old Line State is a solid option for relief veterinarians. If you’re looking to transition from associate veterinarian work to relief, Maryland is an excellent place for it. Here’s what a relief vet in Maryland needs to know.

Becoming a Relief Vet in Maryland

Maryland relief veterinarians are in an interesting position. The size and position of the state make it easy to cross borders to leverage higher prevailing salaries. One would expect that would raise the floor in Maryland itself as well, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Licensing

Licensing is done online through the Maryland Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. The process is straightforward, with NAVLE scores, a transcript, and a photo all required.

The application is $225 and licenses expire in June. Plan your application well to avoid re-applying after just a few months.

Salary

Maryland relief vets and full-time vets earn around $108,000 annually. Most vets will fall in the 5% or 5.25% tax bracket. This vet salary range is equivalent to the national average, but on the low side compared with neighboring states.

State	Avg Salary	Tax Rate*	Net Annual
Maryland	$107,951	5.25%	$102,283
Pennsylvania	$117,050	3.07%	$113,457
Delaware	$116,710	6.60%	$109,007
Virginia	$102,110	5.75%	$95,519
West Virginia	$123,990	5.12%	$115,458

*Virginia and West Virginia calculate a base income tax plus a percentage rate. Please check with a tax professional on your exact income tax responsibility.

When looking at metro areas or counties, one might think that DVC would have the highest salaries. However, counties along the Delaware border average over $110,000, and DC metro area veterinarian salaries average $104,000. Baltimore splits the difference at just under $110,000.

Maryland Veterinary Conditions

Maryland made declawing illegal in the state in 2022. While declawing is permitted if medically necessary, it can no longer be done for cosmetic or convenience purposes.

Additionally, the state has issued information and alerts about the following diseases in animals:

Avian flu
Mysterious respiratory illness in dogs
Canine influenza
Tick-borne diseases

Balancing Work and Life As a Relief Vet In Maryland

Maryland has a surprising variety of options for veterinarians to relax and enjoy themselves.

Gunpowder Falls State Park features fantastic waterfalls and quaint historic buildings
The National Aquarium is a fascinating look at sea life. Photo by Brendan Beale on Unsplash
Native feral horses roam Assateague Island. Photo by Michael Hamments on Unsplash

Let Holiday Vet help you get relief veterinarian work in Maryland!