Vet Tech salary

Champaign vs Hoffman Estates: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Champaign, IL and Hoffman Estates, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Champaign, IL
$56,031
$26.94/hr
Hoffman Estates, IL
$49,243
$23.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChampaign, ILHoffman Estates, IL
Median Salary$56,031$49,243
Hourly Rate$26.94$23.67
Entry Level (P10)$44,205$35,826
25th Percentile$48,920$39,105
75th Percentile$61,570$59,423
Top Earner (P90)$68,005$64,478
Total Employed2608
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Champaign ($56,031) and Hoffman Estates ($49,243) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ChampaignHoffman EstatesMedian Salary$56,031$49,243Entry Level (P10)$44,205$35,826Top Earner (P90)$68,005$64,478US Median $49,986

Verdict

Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hoffman Estates.

The salary gap between Champaign and Hoffman Estates is $6,788 (13.78%). Champaign's median is +12.09% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $23,800,Hoffman Estates spans $28,652. Hoffman Estates has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Champaign
P10 (Entry)$44,205
P25$48,920
Median$56,031
P75$61,570
P90 (Top)$68,005
Hoffman Estates
P10 (Entry)$35,826
P25$39,105
Median$49,243
P75$59,423
P90 (Top)$64,478

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($60,441 effective) pays 19.18% more than Hoffman Estates ($50,714 effective).

Champaign
Nominal: $56,031
CoL Index: 92.704
Adjusted: $60,441
Hoffman Estates
Nominal: $49,243
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $50,714

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Champaign if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,031/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($68,005)
  • Larger job market (260 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,441)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Hoffman Estates if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Champaign grew 43.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Hoffman Estates over the same period.

Champaign, IL

+43.2%

$37,090 (2019) → $53,110 (2025)

Hoffman Estates, IL

+20.6%

$38,696 (2024) → $46,676 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Champaign or Hoffman Estates?

Champaign has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,031/year, compared to Hoffman Estates at $49,243/year — a difference of $6,788 (13.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Hoffman Estates?

Champaign veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.94/hr while Hoffman Estates hygienists earn $23.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Champaign to Hoffman Estates as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Champaign and Hoffman Estates. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Champaign = $60,441, Hoffman Estates = $50,714), job availability (260 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Champaign vs Hoffman Estates?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $44,205 in Champaign and $35,826 in Hoffman Estates. The Champaign area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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 Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov