SOC 2020 · 3240
Veterinary nurses
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Not eligible
No Skilled Worker route through this code.
Salary floor
£41,700
The general threshold, £41,700, is the higher of the two.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 25th | £25,190 |
| 50th | £28,893 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | — | £25,190 | £28,893 | — | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £29,154 | — | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £25,279 | — | — |
| North West 2025 | — | — | £23,847 | — | — |
| Scotland 2025 | — | — | £36,399 | — | — |
| South East 2025 | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Veterinary nurses assist veterinarians in the treatment and care of sick or injured animals.
Typical tasks
assists the veterinary surgeon during surgical and medical treatments of animals
prepares operating theatre, sterilises equipment and assists in theatre as required
dispenses and administers medication and applies dressings to animals under direction from the veterinarian
handles animals during treatment
collects and analyses blood, urine and other samples
cares for animals in hospital accommodation and keeps accurate records
maintains the biosecurity of the veterinary premises
advises clients on preventative medicine to maintain appropriate animal health and welfare
Entry routes and qualifications
Entrants require GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Entrants must obtain employment at an approved veterinary practice to gain practical experience and tuition with an employer for a minimum duration of two years. Candidates must also pass professional examinations before qualifying as a veterinary nurse.