Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Columbus, IN: $49,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Columbus, IN earns a median $49,720/year (≈ $23.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $54,458 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, IN, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $49,720 in 2026, closely aligning with the national average of $49,986. The salary range here spans from $38,065 at the lowest decile to $62,177 at the top tier, reflecting the market dynamics influenced by local demand and employer types. This pay-scale is notably shaped by corporate entities like VCA and BluePearl, which often set competitive rates. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities consider factors such as the cost of living index in Columbus, which is pegged at 91.3, suggesting increased purchasing power for these professionals compared to more expensive urban centers.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,065 | $18.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,661 | $19.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,720 | $23.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,650 | $28.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,177 | $29.89 |
Median Salary Position
0.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, IN, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,112 (2026 est.). At $49,720, the local median is 0.53% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Columbus median: $49,720/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $50,477 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.53% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Columbus, IN earn a median of $49,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.53% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $50,477.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,720 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,458 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,132
2025 BLS Actual
$47,128
2026 Current Est.
$49,720
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,132 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,037 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,507 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,386 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,128 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,455 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,132 (2019) to $47,128 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,455 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,323 (49.31%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,065 – $40,661 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,661 – $49,720 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,720 – $58,650 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,650 – $62,177 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Columbus
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus is relatively modest, with only nine professionals currently employed in the field. This small workforce indicates a niche demand among local veterinary practices, leading to varying pay based on specialty and employer type. For instance, corporate chains frequently offer higher wages compared to general practice clinics, while specialty hospitals, such as those focusing on emergency care or oncology, can provide elevated pay scales due to the complexity of services offered. Factors driving salary disparities include skill specialization, such as those recognized by the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentialing pathway, and the potential for shift differentials in emergency settings. To maximize earning potential in Columbus, pursuing specialized training and seeking employment in corporate practices or specialty hospitals can prove advantageous for aspiring technicians and technologists.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Columbus, IN in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Columbus?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,128 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Columbus metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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