Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Moline, IL: $37,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,055 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,162 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,467) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the veterinary field in Moline, Illinois, the starting veterinary technologist and technician salary presents an opportunity for growth, albeit at a modest entry point. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to pay around $37,055, which is significantly lower than the city median of $48,467. However, as new techs gain experience, there is a pathway to increase earnings, with salaries rising through the 25th percentile of $39,749 and towards the median within the first few years. Moline can be viewed as a favorable market for recent graduates due to the consistent demand for veterinary services, contributing to a healthy growth trajectory of 5.50% annually. The competitive salary landscape highlights the importance of strategic career moves in order to enhance earning potential early on.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
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 Moline
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Moline, IL typically start between $37,055 and $39,749 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,856 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,467 — 3.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Illinois of $26,000 represents just 70.17% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($37,055/year) in Moline. 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 Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $37,055 to $39,749, 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 Moline, 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 Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline'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 Moline is $23,856 ( 64.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,055, experienced hygienists can earn up to $60,911.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,127
2025 BLS Actual
$35,123
2026 Current Est.
$37,055
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,904 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,523 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,684 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,135 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,123 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,093 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,127 in 2019 to $35,123 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,093. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
Many employers across Moline's veterinary landscape are keen on hiring new graduates, especially in general practice clinics where hands-on experience is plentiful. Corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl are often preferred for their structured mentorship programs and sign-on bonuses, making them attractive options for new techs. Specialty hospitals may offer higher salaries but usually require prior experience, which can delay entry for recent grads. To boost starting pay in Illinois, credentials such as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and successful completion of the VTNE are essential. The intensive vet tech workforce shortage has also led to notable salary increases across many markets, making it an advantageous time for new veterinary technologists and technicians to consider specializing, such as through the VTS credential, which can elevate pay to between $30 and $45 or more per hour as they advance their careers.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Moline in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Moline?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Moline?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Moline?
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 Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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