Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $36,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Des Plaines, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,305 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Plaines's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,389 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,783) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in Des Plaines, Illinois, can expect starting salaries around $36,305 in 2026. This entry-level position presents a significant gap when compared to the city's median salary of $47,783, illustrating the typical fiscal journey new graduates must navigate. Over the first few years, entry-level technicians can anticipate gradual salary growth moving from the P10 threshold to the P25 benchmark of $38,055, eventually reaching the city's median as they gain experience. Given that the anticipated growth rate for this profession is 5.50% annually, Des Plaines appears to offer a favorable employment environment for aspiring veterinary professionals, particularly as demand for qualified technicians continues to rise.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Plaines
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Des Plaines, IL typically start between $36,305 and $38,055 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,445 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,783 — 4.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Illinois of $26,000 represents just 71.62% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($36,305/year) in Des Plaines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Des Plaines
- 1Research the Des Plaines market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $36,305 to $38,055, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Plaines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Des Plaines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Plaines's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Des Plaines is $26,445 ( 72.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,305, experienced hygienists can earn up to $62,750.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,638
2025 BLS Actual
$34,412
2026 Current Est.
$36,305
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,638 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,592 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,339 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,946 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,083 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,301 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Des Plaines, IL grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,638 in 2019 to $34,412 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,301. New graduates entering the Des Plaines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Des Plaines
In the local job market, general practice clinics are the primary employers for new veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Plaines, often providing essential on-the-job training. Many larger corporate chains, like VCA and BluePearl, actively recruit new graduates, often offering structured mentorship programs and attractive sign-on bonuses that help ease the entry into the profession. To maximize starting pay, candidates should complete an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, pass the VTNE national exam, and secure state credentials such as CVT, RVT, or LVT. As the field grapples with a workforce shortage—evidenced by significant pay increases of 25-40% since 2020—pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential can be an advantageous career strategy. This credentialing path not only opens doors to advanced salary brackets but can elevate hourly wages to the range of $30-$45+/hr, reflecting a strong return on the educational investment made during the early stages.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Plaines in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Des Plaines?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Des Plaines?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Des Plaines?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Illinois?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Des Plaines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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