Vet Tech salary

Cleveland vs Lancaster: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Cleveland, OH
$51,294
$24.67/hr
Lancaster, OH
$49,893
$23.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHLancaster, OH
Median Salary$51,294$49,893
Hourly Rate$24.67$23.99
Entry Level (P10)$37,031$38,876
25th Percentile$47,886$41,303
75th Percentile$63,089$60,340
Top Earner (P90)$65,653$65,081
Total Employed8207
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($51,294) and Lancaster ($49,893) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ClevelandLancasterMedian Salary$51,294$49,893Entry Level (P10)$37,031$38,876Top Earner (P90)$65,653$65,081US Median $49,986

Verdict

Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.

The salary gap between Cleveland and Lancaster is $1,401 (2.81%). Cleveland's median is +2.62% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $28,622,Lancaster spans $26,205. Cleveland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cleveland
P10 (Entry)$37,031
P25$47,886
Median$51,294
P75$63,089
P90 (Top)$65,653
Lancaster
P10 (Entry)$38,876
P25$41,303
Median$49,893
P75$60,340
P90 (Top)$65,081

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lancaster ($55,009 effective) pays 0.73% more than Cleveland ($54,613 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $51,294
CoL Index: 93.923
Adjusted: $54,613
Lancaster
Nominal: $49,893
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $55,009

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,294/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,653)
  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Lancaster if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,009)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Cleveland grew 39.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.8% growth in Lancaster over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+39.4%

$34,880 (2019) → $48,620 (2025)

Lancaster, OH

+45.8%

$32,434 (2024) → $47,292 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Cleveland or Lancaster?

Cleveland has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,294/year, compared to Lancaster at $49,893/year — a difference of $1,401 (2.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lancaster?

Cleveland veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.67/hr while Lancaster hygienists earn $23.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lancaster as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and Lancaster. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $54,613, Lancaster = $55,009), job availability (820 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Cleveland vs Lancaster?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,031 in Cleveland and $38,876 in Lancaster. The Lancaster 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