Vet Tech salary

Avon Lake vs Columbus: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Avon Lake, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Avon Lake, OH
$46,272
$22.25/hr
Columbus, OH
$51,969
$24.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAvon Lake, OHColumbus, OH
Median Salary$46,272$51,969
Hourly Rate$22.25$24.99
Entry Level (P10)$37,628$37,252
25th Percentile$39,265$49,174
75th Percentile$55,447$61,507
Top Earner (P90)$57,315$67,837
Total Employed51,050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Avon Lake ($46,272) and Columbus ($51,969) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Avon LakeColumbusMedian Salary$46,272$51,969Entry Level (P10)$37,628$37,252Top Earner (P90)$57,315$67,837US Median $49,986

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Avon Lake.

The salary gap between Avon Lake and Columbus is $5,697 (12.31%). Columbus's median is +3.97% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avon Lake spans $19,687,Columbus spans $30,585. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Avon Lake
P10 (Entry)$37,628
P25$39,265
Median$46,272
P75$55,447
P90 (Top)$57,315
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$37,252
P25$49,174
Median$51,969
P75$61,507
P90 (Top)$67,837

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($54,435 effective) pays 6.70% more than Avon Lake ($51,017 effective).

Avon Lake
Nominal: $46,272
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $51,017
Columbus
Nominal: $51,969
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $54,435

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Avon Lake if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,969/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($67,837)
  • Larger job market (1,050 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,435)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Avon Lake grew 45.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.7% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Avon Lake, OH

+45.8%

$30,080 (2024) → $43,860 (2025)

Columbus, OH

+43.7%

$34,290 (2019) → $49,260 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Avon Lake or Columbus?

Columbus has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,969/year, compared to Avon Lake at $46,272/year — a difference of $5,697 (12.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Avon Lake and Columbus?

Avon Lake veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.25/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $24.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Avon Lake to Columbus as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Avon Lake and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Avon Lake = $51,017, Columbus = $54,435), job availability (5 vs 1,050 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Avon Lake vs Columbus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,628 in Avon Lake and $37,252 in Columbus. The Avon Lake area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov