Cleveland vs Fairfield: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Cleveland, OH and Fairfield, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Fairfield, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,761▲ | $129,079 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.27▲ | $62.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,192 | $79,176▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,236 | $103,964▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,123▲ | $158,669 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $224,399▲ | $200,072 |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfield.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Fairfield is $6,682 (5.18%). Cleveland's median is -1.15% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $171,207,Fairfield spans $120,896. Cleveland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($144,545 effective) pays 1.57% more than Fairfield ($142,314 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,761/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,399)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,545)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Cleveland grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in Fairfield over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$101,060 (2019) → $128,610 (2025)
Fairfield, OH
$97,563 (2024) → $122,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Fairfield, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Cleveland or Fairfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Fairfield?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Fairfield as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Cleveland vs Fairfield?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov