Average Veterinary Technician Salary in Ohio
Veterinary Technicians in Ohio earn an average of $40,608 per year across 3 metro areas. This is +7.2% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$40,608
per year
Hourly Rate
$19.52
per hour
vs National
-7.2%
$43,740 national
Salary Range
$26,507
to $59,373
About Veterinary Technician Careers in Ohio
Veterinary technicians (vet techs) are the clinical backbone of companion animal and large animal veterinary practices — performing diagnostic tests, anesthetizing and monitoring surgical patients, administering medications, and assisting veterinarians during procedures. The BLS reports a national median annual wage of $38,240 for veterinary technologists and technicians, though the range is wide: specialty and emergency hospital techs, particularly those with AVECCT or VTS credentials in anesthesia or emergency medicine, earn substantially more. Demand is strong and growing — pet ownership expanded dramatically during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, driving unprecedented patient volume at veterinary clinics nationally.
In Ohio, veterinary technicians earn an average of $40,608 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $26,507 for entry-level roles to $59,373 for the most experienced professionals — +7.2% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by practice type — specialty/emergency hospitals (cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery) pay significantly above general practice; 24-hour emergency clinics often offer premium pay for overnight and weekend coverage, vts credential — veterinary technician specialists in anesthesia, ecc, or dentistry earn $15,000–$30,000 above non-credentialed general practice techs, and the specific metro area within Ohio.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$40,608
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$44,624
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Ohio's cost of living (below average), a Veterinary Technician's salary of $40,608 has the purchasing power of $44,624 in an average-cost area.
Veterinary Technician Salary by City in Ohio
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | $41,612 | $20.01/hr | $27,021 | $62,188 | 110 |
| Columbus, OH | $40,416 | $19.43/hr | $25,808 | $57,332 | 123 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $39,795 | $19.13/hr | $26,692 | $58,600 | 97 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Ohio vs National Average
Veterinary Technician Salary Comparison
Employment in Ohio
There are approximately 330 Veterinary Technicians employed across 3 metro areas in Ohio.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
State Income Tax: 0% - 3.99%
Veterinary Technician Salary Range in Ohio
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$26,507
Starting salary for new Veterinary Technicians
Median (50th Percentile)
$40,608
Mid-career Veterinary Technician salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$59,373
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Ohio
Nurse Practitioner
$118,713
avg in OH
+$78,105 vs Veterinary Technician
Registered Nurse
$88,399
avg in OH
+$47,791 vs Veterinary Technician
Dental Hygienist
$85,137
avg in OH
+$44,529 vs Veterinary Technician
Licensed Practical Nurse
$56,885
avg in OH
+$16,277 vs Veterinary Technician
Nursing Assistant
$36,109
avg in OH
-$4,499 vs Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Veterinary Technician salaries in Ohio with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Veterinary Technician Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Veterinary Technician salary in Ohio?
The average Veterinary Technician salary in Ohio is $40,608 per year ($19.52/hour) based on 2026 data across 3 metro areas. This is 7.2% below the national average of $43,740.
What is the highest paying city for Veterinary Technicians in Ohio?
Cleveland, OH is the highest paying city for Veterinary Technicians in Ohio, with a median salary of $41,612 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Cincinnati, OH at $39,795.
What is the salary range for Veterinary Technicians in Ohio?
Veterinary Technician salaries in Ohio range from $26,507 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $59,373 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $40,608 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Ohio. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.