Vet Tech salary

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

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

Columbus, OH
$51,969
$24.99/hr
Stow, OH
$47,843
$23.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHStow, OH
Median Salary$51,969$47,843
Hourly Rate$24.99$23.00
Entry Level (P10)$37,252$37,701
25th Percentile$49,174$40,068
75th Percentile$61,507$57,277
Top Earner (P90)$67,837$61,450
Total Employed1,0509
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($51,969) and Stow ($47,843) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbusStowMedian Salary$51,969$47,843Entry Level (P10)$37,252$37,701Top Earner (P90)$67,837$61,450US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Stow is $4,126 (8.62%). 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,Stow spans $23,749. 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
Stow
P10 (Entry)$37,701
P25$40,068
Median$47,843
P75$57,277
P90 (Top)$61,450

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($54,435 effective) pays 3.20% more than Stow ($52,749 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $51,969
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $54,435
Stow
Nominal: $47,843
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $52,749

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 Stow 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 Stow over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+43.7%

$34,290 (2019) → $49,260 (2025)

Stow, OH

+45.8%

$31,101 (2024) → $45,349 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Columbus has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,969/year, compared to Stow at $47,843/year — a difference of $4,126 (8.62%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Stow?

Columbus veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.99/hr while Stow hygienists earn $23.00/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Stow. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $54,435, Stow = $52,749), job availability (1,050 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,252 in Columbus and $37,701 in Stow. The Stow 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