Vet Tech salary

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

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

Columbus, OH
$51,969
$24.99/hr
Wooster, OH
$48,607
$23.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHWooster, OH
Median Salary$51,969$48,607
Hourly Rate$24.99$23.37
Entry Level (P10)$37,252$39,560
25th Percentile$49,174$41,637
75th Percentile$61,507$57,268
Top Earner (P90)$67,837$63,909
Total Employed1,0506
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($51,969) and Wooster ($48,607) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ColumbusWoosterMedian Salary$51,969$48,607Entry Level (P10)$37,252$39,560Top Earner (P90)$67,837$63,909US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Wooster is $3,362 (6.92%). 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,Wooster spans $24,349. 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
Wooster
P10 (Entry)$39,560
P25$41,637
Median$48,607
P75$57,268
P90 (Top)$63,909

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($54,435 effective) pays 1.58% more than Wooster ($53,591 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $51,969
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $54,435
Wooster
Nominal: $48,607
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $53,591

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 Wooster 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 Wooster over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+43.7%

$34,290 (2019) → $49,260 (2025)

Wooster, OH

+45.8%

$31,598 (2024) → $46,073 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Columbus has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,969/year, compared to Wooster at $48,607/year — a difference of $3,362 (6.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Wooster?

Columbus veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.99/hr while Wooster hygienists earn $23.37/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Wooster. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $54,435, Wooster = $53,591), job availability (1,050 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,252 in Columbus and $39,560 in Wooster. The Wooster 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