Cleveland vs Lakewood: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lakewood, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,761▲ | $133,720 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.27▲ | $64.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,192 | $77,558▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,236 | $100,438▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,123▲ | $169,183 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $224,399▲ | $207,266 |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lakewood is $2,041 (1.53%). 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,Lakewood spans $129,708. 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, Lakewood ($147,431 effective) pays 2.00% more than Cleveland ($144,545 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)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,431)
- ✓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 Lakewood over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$101,060 (2019) → $128,610 (2025)
Lakewood, OH
$101,071 (2024) → $126,677 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Lakewood, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Cleveland or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lakewood as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Cleveland vs Lakewood?
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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