Vet Tech salary

Chicago vs Hanover Park: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Chicago, IL
$50,450
$24.25/hr
Hanover Park, IL
$47,505
$22.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILHanover Park, IL
Median Salary$50,450$47,505
Hourly Rate$24.25$22.84
Entry Level (P10)$41,208$38,331
25th Percentile$48,446$40,299
75th Percentile$61,633$55,587
Top Earner (P90)$66,117$63,514
Total Employed3,2506
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($50,450) and Hanover Park ($47,505) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ChicagoHanover ParkMedian Salary$50,450$47,505Entry Level (P10)$41,208$38,331Top Earner (P90)$66,117$63,514US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Chicago and Hanover Park is $2,945 (6.20%). Chicago's median is +0.93% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $24,909,Hanover Park spans $25,183. Hanover Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$41,208
P25$48,446
Median$50,450
P75$61,633
P90 (Top)$66,117
Hanover Park
P10 (Entry)$38,331
P25$40,299
Median$47,505
P75$55,587
P90 (Top)$63,514

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hanover Park ($48,924 effective) pays 0.46% more than Chicago ($48,699 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $50,450
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $48,699
Hanover Park
Nominal: $47,505
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $48,924

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,450/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,117)
  • Larger job market (3,250 employed)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Hanover Park if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,924)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Chicago grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Hanover Park over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+32.0%

$36,240 (2019) → $47,820 (2025)

Hanover Park, IL

+20.6%

$37,330 (2024) → $45,028 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Chicago or Hanover Park?

Chicago has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,450/year, compared to Hanover Park at $47,505/year — a difference of $2,945 (6.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Hanover Park?

Chicago veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.25/hr while Hanover Park hygienists earn $22.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chicago to Hanover Park as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Hanover Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $48,699, Hanover Park = $48,924), job availability (3,250 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Chicago vs Hanover Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,208 in Chicago and $38,331 in Hanover Park. The Chicago 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