Veterinarian Salary

Columbus vs Toledo: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Columbus, OH and Toledo, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbus, OH
$130,124
$62.55/hr
Toledo, OH
$134,030
$64.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHToledo, OH
Median Salary$130,124$134,030
Hourly Rate$62.55$64.43
Entry Level (P10)$50,658$62,017
25th Percentile$82,717$102,055
75th Percentile$150,296$167,281
Top Earner (P90)$219,976$210,751
Total Employed850140
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($130,124) and Toledo ($134,030) veterinarian salaries.ColumbusToledoMedian Salary$130,124$134,030Entry Level (P10)$50,658$62,017Top Earner (P90)$219,976$210,751US Median $137,334

Verdict

Columbus and Toledo are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Columbus and Toledo is $3,906 (3.00%). Toledo's median is -2.41% 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,Toledo spans $148,734. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$50,658
P25$82,717
Median$130,124
P75$150,296
P90 (Top)$219,976
Toledo
P10 (Entry)$62,017
P25$102,055
Median$134,030
P75$167,281
P90 (Top)$210,751

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Toledo ($146,553 effective) pays 7.52% more than Columbus ($136,300 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $130,124
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $136,300
Toledo
Nominal: $134,030
CoL Index: 91.455
Adjusted: $146,553

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbus if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($219,976)
  • Larger job market (850 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Toledo if…

  • Higher median salary ($134,030/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,553)
  • 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 33.7% growth in Toledo over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+18.2%

$104,300 (2019) → $123,270 (2025)

Toledo, OH

+33.7%

$94,980 (2019) → $126,970 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Columbus or Toledo?

Toledo has a higher median veterinarian salary at $134,030/year, compared to Columbus at $130,124/year — a difference of $3,906 (3.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Toledo?

Columbus veterinarians earn $62.55/hr while Toledo hygienists earn $64.43/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Toledo as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Toledo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $136,300, Toledo = $146,553), job availability (850 vs 140 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Columbus vs Toledo?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $50,658 in Columbus and $62,017 in Toledo. The Toledo area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AN

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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