Vet Tech salary

Champaign vs Skokie: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Champaign, IL
$56,031
$26.94/hr
Skokie, IL
$48,320
$23.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChampaign, ILSkokie, IL
Median Salary$56,031$48,320
Hourly Rate$26.94$23.23
Entry Level (P10)$44,205$37,511
25th Percentile$48,920$39,118
75th Percentile$61,570$59,075
Top Earner (P90)$68,005$64,360
Total Employed26012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Champaign ($56,031) and Skokie ($48,320) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ChampaignSkokieMedian Salary$56,031$48,320Entry Level (P10)$44,205$37,511Top Earner (P90)$68,005$64,360US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Champaign and Skokie is $7,711 (15.96%). 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,Skokie spans $26,849. Skokie 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
Skokie
P10 (Entry)$37,511
P25$39,118
Median$48,320
P75$59,075
P90 (Top)$64,360

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($60,441 effective) pays 21.46% more than Skokie ($49,763 effective).

Champaign
Nominal: $56,031
CoL Index: 92.704
Adjusted: $60,441
Skokie
Nominal: $48,320
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $49,763

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 Skokie 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 Skokie over the same period.

Champaign, IL

+43.2%

$37,090 (2019) → $53,110 (2025)

Skokie, IL

+20.6%

$37,970 (2024) → $45,801 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Champaign has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,031/year, compared to Skokie at $48,320/year — a difference of $7,711 (15.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Skokie?

Champaign veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.94/hr while Skokie hygienists earn $23.23/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Champaign and Skokie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Champaign = $60,441, Skokie = $49,763), job availability (260 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $44,205 in Champaign and $37,511 in Skokie. 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