Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Illinois: $50,375 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Illinois's 64 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinary technologist and technician pay sits at $50,375/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2056. Because Illinois sits at BEA RPP 97.1 (3% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $51,880 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Champaign ($53,110), Urbana ($52,917), Naperville ($48,319).
In Illinois, the projected average median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $50,374, which is slightly above the national median of $49,986, indicating a 0.8% advantage. The salary range varies significantly across the state, with Champaign offering the highest average at $56,031 and Carbondale the lowest at $46,296, creating a gap of $9,735. This pay disparity is often influenced by the local cost of living, demand for services, and funding for veterinary care within different municipalities. Illinois mandates specific licensing requirements and outlines the scope of practice laws for veterinary technicians, which may also impact salary scales. High demand in urban areas like Champaign and Urbana, where the salaries are projected at $56,031 and $55,827 respectively, drives competition for skilled professionals. The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Illinois is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, reflecting an increasing need for pet care and veterinary services. Overall, the combination of salary potential, licensing considerations, and job growth presents a favorable environment for those entering this field in Illinois.
Illinois Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Illinois: $34,888 (lowest entry-level) to $73,263 (highest top earner)
Illinois vs National Average
Illinois veterinary technologists and technicians earn 0.78% more than the national median (+$389/year difference).
Illinois Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinary Technologist and Technician salaries in Illinois range from $40,704 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $65,557 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $50,375. The Illinois median is $389 above the US national median of $49,986. The average hourly rate is $24.22/hr. Approximately 4,464 veterinary technologist and technicians are employed across 64 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,741
2025 BLS Actual
$47,748
2026 Current Est.
$50,375
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Illinois (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,741 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,997 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,016 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,314 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,522 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,748 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,375 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,145 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Illinois metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 33.6% from $35,741 (2019) to $47,748 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,145 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,404 (48.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Illinois 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Illinois
Lowest Paying Cities in Illinois
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Carbondale | $46,296 |
| Peoria | $46,568 |
| Elmhurst | $46,757 |
| Calumet City | $46,872 |
| Galesburg | $46,887 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Illinois
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Illinois cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign | $56,031 | 92.704 | $60,441 |
| Urbana | $55,827 | 97.1 | $57,494 |
| Rockford | $49,332 | 92.154 | $53,532 |
| Springfield | $49,311 | 92.745 | $53,168 |
| Bloomington | $49,522 | 93.537 | $52,944 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $40,704 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $50,375 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $65,557 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Illinois metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 64 Cities in Illinois
More Illinois Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Illinois cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new veterinary technologists and technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians.
Compare Cities in Illinois
View all comparisons →Explore More Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Illinois in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinary technologists and technicians in Illinois?
How does Illinois veterinary technologist and technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary in Illinois?
How many veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Illinois?
Which Illinois city offers the best value for veterinary technologists and technicians?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinary technologist and technician compensation across Illinois. State averages are employment-weighted across 64 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinary technologists and technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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