Vet Tech salary

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

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

Columbus, OH
$51,969
$24.99/hr
Mentor, OH
$48,189
$23.17/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHMentor, OH
Median Salary$51,969$48,189
Hourly Rate$24.99$23.17
Entry Level (P10)$37,252$38,693
25th Percentile$49,174$40,776
75th Percentile$61,507$56,324
Top Earner (P90)$67,837$64,145
Total Employed1,0509
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($51,969) and Mentor ($48,189) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbusMentorMedian Salary$51,969$48,189Entry Level (P10)$37,252$38,693Top Earner (P90)$67,837$64,145US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Mentor is $3,780 (7.84%). 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,Mentor spans $25,452. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$37,252
P25$49,174
Median$51,969
P75$61,507
P90 (Top)$67,837
Mentor
P10 (Entry)$38,693
P25$40,776
Median$48,189
P75$56,324
P90 (Top)$64,145

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($54,435 effective) pays 2.46% more than Mentor ($53,130 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $51,969
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $54,435
Mentor
Nominal: $48,189
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $53,130

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)
  • 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

Choose Mentor if…

  • 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 Mentor over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+43.7%

$34,290 (2019) → $49,260 (2025)

Mentor, OH

+45.8%

$31,327 (2024) → $45,677 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Columbus has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,969/year, compared to Mentor at $48,189/year — a difference of $3,780 (7.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Mentor?

Columbus veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.99/hr while Mentor hygienists earn $23.17/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Mentor. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $54,435, Mentor = $53,130), job availability (1,050 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,252 in Columbus and $38,693 in Mentor. The Mentor 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