text: Some research veterinarians work directly on animals. If they reach senior positions in industry or government, they supervise technicians and other veterinarians in studies of animals. The studies range from things such as the determination of the best feed ration to grown a chicken economically, to the prevention of disease in animals. The pay varies widely. With a doctorate in veterinary medicine, a researcher can make from $30,000 a year to $120,000 a year. The top end of the range is usually reserved to those who are in senior and supervisory roles.