Key findings
- The total economic contribution of the veterinary medicine industry in Minnesota is an estimated $1.5 billion. This includes an estimated $680 million in wages and salaries paid to Minnesota workers.
- Private industry veterinarians, like those employed by medical device manufacturers, also contribute to the veterinary medicine industry. As a result of the spending of their incomes, an estimated total of $37 million in economic activity was generated in Minnesota.
- Government veterinarians are employed to guard animal and human health. As a result of the spending of their incomes, an estimated total of $24 million in economic activity was generated in Minnesota.
About this study
This report presents the results of a recent University of Minnesota Extension and Department of Applied Economics study titled “The Economic Contribution of the Veterinary Medicine Industry Minnesota.”
The largest share of economic contribution for the veterinary medicine industry is derived from private veterinary practices and clinics. Private clinics and practices employed 7,700 workers in 2010, including an estimated 1,800 veterinarians. As a result of this employment, an estimated total of $1.2 billion in economic activity was generated, including an estimated $550 million in labor income and an additional 4,600 jobs.
Training and educating veterinarians and veterinary technicians also contribute to the economy. The College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, trains and educates veterinarians in Minnesota. Thirteen private and public institutions of higher education train veterinary technicians. Together, the College and the other institutions employed 930 individuals in 2010. As a result of spending by the institutions and their employees, an estimated $230 million in output was contributed to the state economy.
Reviewed in 2012