Vet Tech salary

Columbus vs Hamilton: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Columbus, OH
$51,969
$24.99/hr
Hamilton, OH
$50,250
$24.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHHamilton, OH
Median Salary$51,969$50,250
Hourly Rate$24.99$24.16
Entry Level (P10)$37,252$36,841
25th Percentile$49,174$40,154
75th Percentile$61,507$59,823
Top Earner (P90)$67,837$69,270
Total Employed1,05011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($51,969) and Hamilton ($50,250) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbusHamiltonMedian Salary$51,969$50,250Entry Level (P10)$37,252$36,841Top Earner (P90)$67,837$69,270US Median $49,986

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hamilton.

The salary gap between Columbus and Hamilton is $1,719 (3.42%). 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 Columbus spans $30,585,Hamilton spans $32,429. Hamilton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$37,252
P25$49,174
Median$51,969
P75$61,507
P90 (Top)$67,837
Hamilton
P10 (Entry)$36,841
P25$40,154
Median$50,250
P75$59,823
P90 (Top)$69,270

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hamilton ($55,402 effective) pays 1.78% more than Columbus ($54,435 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $51,969
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $54,435
Hamilton
Nominal: $50,250
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $55,402

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,969/year)
  • Larger job market (1,050 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Hamilton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($69,270)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,402)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Columbus grew 43.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.8% growth in Hamilton over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+43.7%

$34,290 (2019) → $49,260 (2025)

Hamilton, OH

+45.8%

$32,666 (2024) → $47,630 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Columbus has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,969/year, compared to Hamilton at $50,250/year — a difference of $1,719 (3.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Hamilton?

Columbus veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.99/hr while Hamilton hygienists earn $24.16/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Hamilton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $54,435, Hamilton = $55,402), job availability (1,050 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,252 in Columbus and $36,841 in Hamilton. The Columbus 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