Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Quincy, IL: $35,506 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,506 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,566 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,965) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Illinois, new graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $35,506 in 2026. This starting point is below the median annual salary for the region, which is projected at $47,965, creating a significant gap for early-career professionals. As they gain experience, these individuals can anticipate their earnings to rise steadily; they might see salaries increase to around $40,184 after a couple of years, and eventually reach the median as they establish themselves within the industry. Given the ongoing demand for veterinary professionals, Quincy presents a reasonable market for new graduates, especially as pay in this sector has been increasing overall.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Quincy, IL typically start between $35,506 and $40,184 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,818 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,965 — 4.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Illinois of $26,000 represents just 73.23% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($35,506/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $35,506 to $40,184, 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 Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy'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 Quincy is $27,818 ( 78.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,506, experienced hygienists can earn up to $63,324.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,118
2025 BLS Actual
$33,655
2026 Current Est.
$35,506
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,118 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,051 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,331 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,759 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,655 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,506 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,459 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,118 in 2019 to $33,655 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,459. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
Employers hiring new veterinary technologist and technician graduates in Quincy primarily include general practice clinics and corporate veterinary chains like VCA and BluePearl. These organizations often provide structured mentorship programs and even sign-on bonuses to attract talent. While specialty hospitals offer advanced career opportunities, they usually require 1-2 years of experience before consideration. To boost earning potential, new technicians should pursue credentials such as the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and a state credential, along with specialized training that could lead to Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification. The industry is currently experiencing a severe workforce shortage, leading to projected salary growth of about 5.50% annually. In the first three years, committed individuals can realistically expect to grow their pay considerably, aiming for $30 to $45 per hour as they enhance their skills and qualifications.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Quincy in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Quincy?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Quincy?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Quincy?
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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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