Vet Tech salary

Columbia vs Webster Groves: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Columbia, MO
$47,275
$22.72/hr
Webster Groves, MO
$40,691
$19.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbia, MOWebster Groves, MO
Median Salary$47,275$40,691
Hourly Rate$22.72$19.56
Entry Level (P10)$38,265$32,557
25th Percentile$39,731$34,103
75th Percentile$51,969$47,532
Top Earner (P90)$64,207$49,765
Total Employed1306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbia ($47,275) and Webster Groves ($40,691) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbiaWebster GrovesMedian Salary$47,275$40,691Entry Level (P10)$38,265$32,557Top Earner (P90)$64,207$49,765US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbia and Webster Groves is $6,584 (16.18%). 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,Webster Groves spans $17,208. 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
Webster Groves
P10 (Entry)$32,557
P25$34,103
Median$40,691
P75$47,532
P90 (Top)$49,765

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($52,858 effective) pays 16.39% more than Webster Groves ($45,414 effective).

Columbia
Nominal: $47,275
CoL Index: 89.438
Adjusted: $52,858
Webster Groves
Nominal: $40,691
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $45,414

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 Webster Groves 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 Webster Groves over the same period.

Columbia, MO

+66.1%

$26,980 (2019) → $44,810 (2025)

Webster Groves, MO

+31.8%

$29,258 (2024) → $38,570 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Columbia has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,275/year, compared to Webster Groves at $40,691/year — a difference of $6,584 (16.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Webster Groves?

Columbia veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.72/hr while Webster Groves hygienists earn $19.56/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbia and Webster Groves. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbia = $52,858, Webster Groves = $45,414), job availability (130 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,265 in Columbia and $32,557 in Webster Groves. 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