Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Cleveland, OH: $51,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Cleveland, OH earns a median $51,294/year (≈ $24.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.9), that paycheck buys what $54,613 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Cleveland's veterinary technologist and technician salary averages around $51,294 annually, showcasing a competitive edge over the national median of $49,986. Individuals in this field can expect a salary range from $37,031 at the lower end (P10) to $65,653 for highly experienced professionals (P90). This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected forward to 2026, reveals that the region's pay scale is influenced by the type of employer. Veterinary technicians working in specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains often earn more than those in general practice settings, emphasizing how specific clinical and organizational tiers can impact overall compensation in Cleveland's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,031 | $17.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,886 | $23.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,294 | $24.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,089 | $30.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,653 | $31.57 |
Median Salary Position
2.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, OH, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,622 (2026 est.). At $51,294, the local median is 2.62% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be above the median
How Cleveland Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $51,294/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $50,239 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.62% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Cleveland, OH earn a median of $51,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.62% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% above the Ohio state average of $50,239.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 6.08% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, OH has a cost-of-living index of 93.923 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $51,294 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,613 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.47% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$34,880
2025 BLS Actual
$48,620
2026 Current Est.
$51,294
2019–2027 Growth
+55.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,115 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 39.4% from $34,880 (2019) to $48,620 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,115 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,235 (55.15%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $37,031 – $47,886 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,886 – $51,294 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,294 – $63,089 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,089 – $65,653 |
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 Cleveland
In Cleveland, approximately 820 veterinary technologists and technicians contribute to a growing field, reflecting a robust local job market bolstered by an anticipated 5.50% annual growth rate. The area features a cost of living index of 93.923, indicating that salaries may stretch further than in other urban centers. Employers such as specialty hospitals and university teaching facilities frequently offer the highest pay. Factors such as specialized VTS credentialing in emergency care or anesthesia command higher wages, while pay differentials in corporate practices like VCA and BluePearl can affect earnings. For professionals aiming to maximize their salaries, pursuing specialty credentials through NAVTA or seeking employment with 24-hour emergency facilities can significantly enhance earning potential in the Cleveland area.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cleveland, OH in 2026?
Is Cleveland, OH a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Cleveland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Cleveland?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Cleveland?
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
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 $48,620 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Cleveland 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
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