Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Columbus, OH: $24.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Columbus, OH runs $24.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,969 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,191 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Ohio, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $24.99, slightly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This rate translates well for part-time and per-diem workers, providing a stable income for those working three days a week or in various medical settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. Entry-level technicians may earn around $17.91 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $32.62 per hour. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that this robust hourly wage structure supports both flexibility and financial security for those within the veterinary field in Columbus.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.91 | $143.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.64 | $189.14 |
| Median (P50) | $24.99 | $199.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.57 | $236.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.62 | $260.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $24.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.99/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, OH can expect to earn approximately $51,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,992. With a cost-of-living index of 95.47 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $999.72 | $4,332 | $51,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $599.83 | $2,599 | $31,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.89 | $1,733 | $20,794 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Columbus) | $24.99 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Columbus, OH earn a median of $51,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.97% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.50% above the Ohio state average of $50,212.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.99/hr = $31,191/year (purchasing power: $32,672).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,985/year (purchasing power: $54,453).
CoL index: 95.469 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus grew 43.7% from $16.49/hr (2019) to $23.69/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.37/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Columbus
Considering a part-time schedule, a veterinary technologist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would bring home around $31,200 annually, demonstrating a more manageable work-life balance compared to full-time positions. In the per-diem sphere, these professionals can command rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized roles like Veterinary Technician Specialists potentially earning between $35 and $55 per hour. Employers in Columbus vary, influencing hourly rates significantly across general practice clinics, corporate chains, and research facilities. Many technicians may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, creating a trade-off between earning potential and job security. For those negotiating their hourly rate, it’s advantageous to be aware of the competitive market, emphasizing skills and specialization, particularly for roles requiring VTS credentials, which could justify higher compensation.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Columbus?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Columbus?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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