Veterinarian Salary in Ohio: $132,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Ohio's 67 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinarian pay sits at $132,611/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1131. Because Ohio sits at BEA RPP 90.7 (9% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $146,208 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Akron ($130,370), Beavercreek ($129,231), Dayton ($129,030).
In 2026, the average median salary for veterinarians in Ohio is projected to be $132,611, which is 3.4% lower than the national median of $137,334. Salary disparities exist across the state, with Akron showing the highest average at $137,619, while Youngstown has the lowest at $112,706. This $24,913 gap can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, urban versus rural settings, and varying demand for veterinary services in different regions. Ohio's state licensing requirements for veterinarians emphasize rigorous education and examination, impacting the supply of qualified professionals. Additionally, the scope of practice laws may vary, influencing the responsibilities and salary levels across different practices. Demand drivers include an increasing pet population and heightened awareness of animal care, projecting a job market growth rate of 5.56% annually. The total number of veterinarians employed in Ohio is 3,309, signaling a solid opportunity for new graduates and seasoned professionals alike. Cities like Beavercreek ($136,416), Dayton ($136,204), and Cleveland ($135,761) follow Akron in salary offerings, indicating viable markets for veterinary careers across the state. Overall, Ohio shows promise for veterinary professionals seeking both stability and growth in their careers.
Ohio Veterinarian Salary Range
Overall salary range in Ohio: $49,677 (lowest entry-level) to $224,959 (highest top earner)
Ohio vs National Average
Ohio veterinarians earn 3.44% less than the national median ($-4,723/year difference).
Ohio Veterinarian Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinarian salaries in Ohio range from $60,216 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $217,323 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $132,611. The Ohio median is $4,723 below the US national median of $137,334. The average hourly rate is $63.75/hr. Approximately 3,309 veterinarians are employed across 67 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$101,368
2025 BLS Actual
$125,626
2026 Current Est.
$132,611
2019–2027 Growth
+38.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Ohio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,368 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,768 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,023 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,739 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,984 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ohio metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 23.9% from $101,368 (2019) to $125,626 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,984 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,616 (38.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ohio metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Ohio
Lowest Paying Cities in Ohio
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Youngstown | $112,706 |
| Warren | $112,982 |
| Solon | $123,520 |
| Centerville | $123,540 |
| Avon Lake | $123,813 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinarians in Ohio
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Ohio cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinarians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beavercreek | $136,416 | 90.7 | $150,404 |
| Lorain | $135,849 | 90.7 | $149,778 |
| Springfield | $135,594 | 90.7 | $149,497 |
| Parma | $135,477 | 90.7 | $149,368 |
| Cuyahoga Falls | $134,923 | 90.7 | $148,757 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Ohio
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $60,216 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $132,611 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $217,323 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Ohio metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 67 Cities in Ohio
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akron | $137,619 |
| 2 | Beavercreek | $136,416 |
| 3 | Dayton | $136,204 |
| 4 | Lorain | $135,849 |
| 5 | Cleveland | $135,761 |
| 6 | Springfield | $135,594 |
| 7 | Parma | $135,477 |
| 8 | Cuyahoga Falls | $134,923 |
| 9 | Cincinnati | $134,768 |
| 10 | Hamilton | $134,455 |
| 11 | Kettering | $134,368 |
| 12 | Toledo | $134,030 |
| 13 | Lakewood | $133,720 |
| 14 | Sandusky | $133,564 |
| 15 | Bowling Green | $133,543 |
| 16 | Lancaster | $133,501 |
| 17 | Zanesville | $133,490 |
| 18 | Westlake | $133,261 |
| 19 | Middletown | $133,209 |
| 20 | Grove City | $132,823 |
| 21 | Delaware | $132,718 |
| 22 | Gahanna | $132,698 |
| 23 | Westerville | $132,615 |
| 24 | Huber Heights | $132,302 |
| 25 | Lima | $132,208 |
| 26 | North Ridgeville | $132,197 |
| 27 | Canton | $132,108 |
| 28 | North Royalton | $132,010 |
| 29 | North Olmsted | $131,540 |
| 30 | Reynoldsburg | $131,311 |
| 31 | Strongsville | $130,873 |
| 32 | Mansfield | $130,737 |
| 33 | Massillon | $130,317 |
| 34 | Columbus | $130,124 |
| 35 | Brunswick | $130,059 |
| 36 | Wooster | $130,059 |
| 37 | Elyria | $129,857 |
| 38 | Shaker Heights | $129,593 |
| 39 | Medina | $129,506 |
| 40 | Dublin | $129,089 |
| 41 | Fairfield | $129,079 |
| 42 | Mentor | $128,944 |
| 43 | Mason | $128,380 |
| 44 | Avon | $128,220 |
| 45 | Marion | $128,025 |
| 46 | Stow | $128,015 |
| 47 | Newark | $127,942 |
| 48 | Findlay | $127,807 |
| 49 | Green | $127,608 |
| 50 | Barberton | $127,608 |
| 51 | Austintown | $127,557 |
| 52 | Cleveland Heights | $127,535 |
| 53 | Upper Arlington | $127,369 |
| 54 | Xenia | $127,369 |
| 55 | Hilliard | $127,212 |
| 56 | Oxford | $126,816 |
| 57 | Chillicothe | $126,542 |
| 58 | Perrysburg | $126,078 |
| 59 | Trotwood | $126,037 |
| 60 | Athens | $124,703 |
| 61 | Tiffin | $124,006 |
| 62 | Wadsworth | $123,904 |
| 63 | Avon Lake | $123,813 |
| 64 | Centerville | $123,540 |
| 65 | Solon | $123,520 |
| 66 | Warren | $112,982 |
| 67 | Youngstown | $112,706 |
More Ohio Salary Data
Compare Cities in Ohio
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Ohio in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinarians in Ohio?
How does Ohio veterinarian pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Ohio?
How many veterinarians are employed in Ohio?
Which Ohio city offers the best value for veterinarians?
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
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinarian compensation across Ohio. State averages are employment-weighted across 67 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinarianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov