Columbus vs Cleveland: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Columbus, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,124 | $135,761▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.55 | $65.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,658 | $53,192▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,717 | $91,236▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,296 | $171,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,976 | $224,399▲ |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 560 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Cleveland is $5,637 (4.33%). 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 Columbus spans $169,318,Cleveland spans $171,207. Cleveland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($144,545 effective) pays 6.05% more than Columbus ($136,300 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,761/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,399)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,545)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Columbus grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$104,300 (2019) → $123,270 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$101,060 (2019) → $128,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Columbus or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Cleveland as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Columbus vs Cleveland?
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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