Cleveland vs Lorain: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lorain, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lorain, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,761 | $135,849▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.27 | $65.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,192 | $78,793▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,236 | $109,824▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,123 | $171,616▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $224,399▲ | $210,567 |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Cleveland and Lorain are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lorain is $88 (0.06%). Lorain's median is -1.08% 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,Lorain spans $131,774. 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, Lorain ($149,778 effective) pays 3.62% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,399)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lorain if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,849/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,778)
- ✓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 Lorain over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$101,060 (2019) → $128,610 (2025)
Lorain, OH
$102,680 (2024) → $128,694 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Lorain, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Cleveland or Lorain?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lorain?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lorain as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Cleveland vs Lorain?
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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