Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Arlington Heights, IL: $48,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Arlington Heights, IL earns a median $48,641/year (≈ $23.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Arlington Heights's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $50,094 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Arlington Heights, IL have a median annual salary of $48,641, slightly below the national average of $49,986 for 2026. This salary typically ranges from $38,320 at the 10th percentile to $65,581 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the various levels of specialization and experience within the field. Those pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in areas such as emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia stand to significantly enhance their earning potential and may command higher salaries within this competitive job market. As the demand for skilled veterinary professionals continues to grow, the opportunity for advancement and specialization is strong in Arlington Heights.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,320 | $18.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,825 | $19.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,641 | $23.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,831 | $28.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,581 | $31.53 |
Median Salary Position
2.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington Heights
In Arlington Heights, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,261 (2026 est.). At $48,641, the local median is 2.69% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Heights Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Arlington Heights median: $48,641/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,432 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.69% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $48,641 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.69% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $49,432.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington Heights has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington Heights, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,641 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,094 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,370
2025 BLS Actual
$46,105
2026 Current Est.
$48,641
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,284 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,858 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,211 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,563 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,105 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,316 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington Heights metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,370 (2019) to $46,105 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,316 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,946 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington Heights 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,320 – $40,825 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,825 – $48,641 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,641 – $59,831 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,831 – $65,581 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Arlington Heights
The job market in Arlington Heights for veterinary technologists and technicians includes 18 professionals currently employed in the area, providing a modestly competitive environment. The cost-of-living index at 97.1 indicates that, while salaries might be lower than the national average, the local purchasing power remains accessible. Employers that tend to provide the highest compensation include specialty referral hospitals, particularly those focusing on emergency and critical care, and large corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which often offer pay differentials that enhance overall earnings. Factors influencing the salary range include the presence of VTS specialties, which significantly boost base pay, as well as variations in compensation for roles in general practice versus specialty settings. For those looking to maximize their pay in Arlington Heights, pursuing certification, seeking positions in high-demand specialty practices, and being open to night or weekend shifts where additional pay may be offered are proactive strategies that could prove beneficial.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,105 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Arlington Heights metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington Heights 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