Differences in income, workload, and job satisfaction among Hungarian and German veterinarians

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the veterinary profession has undergone substantial demographic and structural changes, particularly concerning gender distribution, career expectations, and work satisfaction. This study aimed to explore factors influencing income, income expectations, and job satisfaction among veterinarians in Hungary and Germany, with special attention to differences by country, age, and gender. METHODS: An online questionnaire consisting of 39 items was distributed via Google Forms between October 2022 and October 2023. A total of 282 veterinarians responded, including 203 from Hungary and 79 from Germany. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s chi-square tests with Cramer’s V, one-way and two-way ANOVA tests, as well as ordinal, binary, and multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: Findings revealed that most Hungarian veterinarians earned a gross income between EUR 1,178.2–1,570.9. Older veterinarians earned significantly more, with 44.4% of those over 54 reporting earnings above EUR 2,356.3, compared to 11.4% of those aged 23–34 (p < 0.05). A gender gap was also evident, as 32.9% of men earned above EUR 2,356.33 versus only 9.2% of women. This difference may partly be explained by shorter working hours among women. Job satisfaction varied: 49.8% of Hungarian veterinarians strongly disagreed with regretting their career choice, compared to 38.0% in Germany. Younger Hungarian veterinarians were more satisfied (24.7%) than older colleagues (14.8%). Across both countries, a positive work atmosphere, work-life balance, and predictable working hours were considered most important. Significant differences emerged in motivational factors. While 40.4% of Hungarian veterinarians strongly agreed that higher income was important, only 15.2% of German respondents felt the same (p < 0.0001). Professional autonomy was also prioritized more by Hungarians than Germans (47.8% vs. 20.3%, p < 0.0001). Among men in Hungary, 64.7% expressed a strong desire to run their own practice, compared to 35.6% of women (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To strengthen motivation and retention in the profession, financial compensation should reflect the complexity and emotional burden of veterinary work, and greater emphasis must be placed on mental well-being through collaboration across the sector.