Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lakewood, OH: $49,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lakewood, OH earns a median $49,975/year (≈ $24.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $55,099 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Lakewood, OH, averages around $49,975, closely aligning with the national figure of $49,986. The projected salary range showcases a wide spectrum, from $36,249 at the lower end (P10) to $68,476 at the higher end (P90), indicating substantial variation based on experience, specialization, and the type of employer. With a workforce of 11 veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood, compensation appears to be closely linked to local demand, underscoring how corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl contribute to setting compensation standards in the region. This salary insight reflects local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 while taking regional price adjustments into account.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,249 | $17.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,605 | $19.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,975 | $24.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,225 | $28.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,476 | $32.92 |
Median Salary Position
0.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, OH, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,227 (2026 est.). At $49,975, the local median is 0.02% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $49,975/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $50,226 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.02% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lakewood, OH earn a median of $49,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.02% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $50,226.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,975 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,099 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,313
2025 BLS Actual
$47,370
2026 Current Est.
$49,975
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,313 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,842 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,232 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,724 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,313 (2019) to $47,370 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,724 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,411 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $36,249 – $39,605 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,605 – $49,975 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,975 – $60,225 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,225 – $68,476 |
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 Lakewood
Examining the local job market further clarifies the landscape for veterinary professionals in Lakewood. While the cost-of-living index stands at 90.7, providing a favorable environment for take-home purchasing power, the majority of the highest-paying positions tend to be found in corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral hospitals. Variations in pay are often driven by credentials such as the VTS specialty designation, where experts in areas like emergency and critical care or anesthesia can command much higher wages, well above the median range. Moreover, corporate pay scales in larger veterinary chains often offer incremental raises based on experience and specialty, influencing the overall earning potential significantly. Aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians can enhance their earning capacity by pursuing specialty training and targeting employment within these higher-paying corporate or specialty settings, compensating for a competitive job market where demand continues to increase.
More salary data for Lakewood, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lakewood, OH in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Lakewood?
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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 $47,370 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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