Veterinary students are willing to accept job flexibility by trading off some salary

To determine the value veterinary students place on nonpecuniary job benefits related to working arrangements.

381 companion animal-focused veterinary students at 14 US veterinary colleges.

We employed a survey with a choice-based conjoint experiment. The experimental data were analyzed with a random parameter logit model, from which willingness to accept was calculated.

The results indicated that students would prefer working 4 days a week and closer to 40 hours per week, with 13 days of paid time off. Flexible working arrangements were valued from approximately $1,500 to $3,400, depending on the attribute being analyzed. Paid time off was most highly valued.

These results will help employers better identify the current preferences of soon-to-be associate veterinarians and can match job offer/working arrangements to enhance recruitment and retention within veterinary practices.