Vet Tech salary

Columbus vs Shaker Heights: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Columbus, OH
$51,969
$24.99/hr
Shaker Heights, OH
$48,432
$23.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHShaker Heights, OH
Median Salary$51,969$48,432
Hourly Rate$24.99$23.28
Entry Level (P10)$37,252$39,286
25th Percentile$49,174$41,278
75th Percentile$61,507$56,888
Top Earner (P90)$67,837$63,216
Total Employed1,0507
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($51,969) and Shaker Heights ($48,432) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbusShaker HeightsMedian Salary$51,969$48,432Entry Level (P10)$37,252$39,286Top Earner (P90)$67,837$63,216US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Shaker Heights is $3,537 (7.30%). 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,Shaker Heights spans $23,930. 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
Shaker Heights
P10 (Entry)$39,286
P25$41,278
Median$48,432
P75$56,888
P90 (Top)$63,216

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($54,435 effective) pays 1.94% more than Shaker Heights ($53,398 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $51,969
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $54,435
Shaker Heights
Nominal: $48,432
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $53,398

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 Shaker Heights 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 Shaker Heights over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+43.7%

$34,290 (2019) → $49,260 (2025)

Shaker Heights, OH

+45.8%

$31,484 (2024) → $45,907 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Columbus has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,969/year, compared to Shaker Heights at $48,432/year — a difference of $3,537 (7.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Shaker Heights?

Columbus veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.99/hr while Shaker Heights hygienists earn $23.28/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Shaker Heights. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $54,435, Shaker Heights = $53,398), job availability (1,050 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,252 in Columbus and $39,286 in Shaker Heights. The Shaker Heights 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