Vet Tech salary

Columbia vs Raymore: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Columbia, MO and Raymore, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbia, MO
$47,275
$22.72/hr
Raymore, MO
$39,223
$18.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbia, MORaymore, MO
Median Salary$47,275$39,223
Hourly Rate$22.72$18.85
Entry Level (P10)$38,265$32,087
25th Percentile$39,731$32,729
75th Percentile$51,969$46,357
Top Earner (P90)$64,207$49,032
Total Employed1306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbia ($47,275) and Raymore ($39,223) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbiaRaymoreMedian Salary$47,275$39,223Entry Level (P10)$38,265$32,087Top Earner (P90)$64,207$49,032US Median $49,986

Verdict

Columbia, MO offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Raymore.

The salary gap between Columbia and Raymore is $8,052 (20.53%). Columbia's median is -5.42% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $25,942,Raymore spans $16,945. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbia
P10 (Entry)$38,265
P25$39,731
Median$47,275
P75$51,969
P90 (Top)$64,207
Raymore
P10 (Entry)$32,087
P25$32,729
Median$39,223
P75$46,357
P90 (Top)$49,032

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($52,858 effective) pays 20.75% more than Raymore ($43,776 effective).

Columbia
Nominal: $47,275
CoL Index: 89.438
Adjusted: $52,858
Raymore
Nominal: $39,223
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $43,776

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbia if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,275/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($64,207)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,858)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Raymore if…

  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Columbia grew 66.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Raymore over the same period.

Columbia, MO

+66.1%

$26,980 (2019) → $44,810 (2025)

Raymore, MO

+31.8%

$28,202 (2024) → $37,178 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Columbia or Raymore?

Columbia has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,275/year, compared to Raymore at $39,223/year — a difference of $8,052 (20.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Raymore?

Columbia veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.72/hr while Raymore hygienists earn $18.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbia to Raymore as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbia and Raymore. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbia = $52,858, Raymore = $43,776), job availability (130 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Columbia vs Raymore?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,265 in Columbia and $32,087 in Raymore. The Columbia 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