Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Columbus, OH: $51,969 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Columbus, OH earns a median $51,969/year (≈ $24.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.5), that paycheck buys what $54,435 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, OH, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual income of $51,969, surpassing the national benchmark of $49,986 by 3.97%. This salary reflects a broad range of earnings within the profession, with entry-level positions starting around $37,252 and experienced professionals earning as much as $67,837. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected for 2026, indicate a healthy market for veterinary professionals in the area. Corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl play a significant role in the local pay scale system, often offering competitive salaries that can influence overall market trends and help attract talent.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,252 | $17.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,174 | $23.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,969 | $24.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,507 | $29.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,837 | $32.62 |
Median Salary Position
3.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, OH, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,585 (2026 est.). At $51,969, the local median is 3.97% above 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: $51,969/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $50,212 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +3.97% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 4.53% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, OH has a cost-of-living index of 95.469 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $51,969 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,435 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.75% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,290
2025 BLS Actual
$49,260
2026 Current Est.
$51,969
2019–2027 Growth
+59.9%
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 | $34,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,969 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,828 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 43.7% from $34,290 (2019) to $49,260 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,828 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,538 (59.90%) 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) | $37,252 – $49,174 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,174 – $51,969 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,969 – $61,507 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,507 – $67,837 |
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
As of now, there are approximately 1,050 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Columbus, highlighting a robust job market in this field. With a cost of living index of 95.469, the purchasing power in Columbus is favorable compared to national averages, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle on these salaries. Employers in the area, particularly corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral clinics, tend to offer higher wages than general practice veterinary clinics. Factors such as VTS specialty credentials—especially in areas like emergency and critical care—can significantly elevate earnings, with top-tier specialists commanding hourly rates between $30 and $45. To maximize pay in this competitive environment, aspiring technicians should focus on achieving specialty certification, gain experience in high-demand settings, and pursue opportunities in mentorship or leadership roles, as these positions often come with additional compensation.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $49,260 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
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