Vet Tech salary

Champaign vs Tinley Park: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Champaign, IL
$56,031
$26.94/hr
Tinley Park, IL
$48,801
$23.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChampaign, ILTinley Park, IL
Median Salary$56,031$48,801
Hourly Rate$26.94$23.46
Entry Level (P10)$44,205$38,502
25th Percentile$48,920$41,152
75th Percentile$61,570$60,220
Top Earner (P90)$68,005$66,118
Total Employed2608
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Champaign ($56,031) and Tinley Park ($48,801) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ChampaignTinley ParkMedian Salary$56,031$48,801Entry Level (P10)$44,205$38,502Top Earner (P90)$68,005$66,118US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Champaign and Tinley Park is $7,230 (14.82%). 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,Tinley Park spans $27,616. Tinley Park 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
Tinley Park
P10 (Entry)$38,502
P25$41,152
Median$48,801
P75$60,220
P90 (Top)$66,118

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($60,441 effective) pays 20.26% more than Tinley Park ($50,258 effective).

Champaign
Nominal: $56,031
CoL Index: 92.704
Adjusted: $60,441
Tinley Park
Nominal: $48,801
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $50,258

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 Tinley Park 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 Tinley Park over the same period.

Champaign, IL

+43.2%

$37,090 (2019) → $53,110 (2025)

Tinley Park, IL

+20.6%

$38,349 (2024) → $46,257 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Champaign has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,031/year, compared to Tinley Park at $48,801/year — a difference of $7,230 (14.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Tinley Park?

Champaign veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.94/hr while Tinley Park hygienists earn $23.46/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Champaign and Tinley Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Champaign = $60,441, Tinley Park = $50,258), job availability (260 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $44,205 in Champaign and $38,502 in Tinley Park. 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