Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Aurora, IL: $48,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Aurora, IL earns a median $48,809/year (≈ $23.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $50,267 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median salary of $48,809 in 2026, reflecting the competitive nature of the job market. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $49,986, demonstrating how local economic factors can influence pay. Earnings vary considerably, with salaries ranging from $36,448 at the 10th percentile to $65,499 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. This range highlights opportunities for growth based on experience and specialization. The presence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl plays a significant role in shaping the pay scale in the area, with these employers often providing structured compensation packages that may better support technicians on their career paths.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,448 | $17.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,558 | $18.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,809 | $23.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,669 | $28.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,499 | $31.49 |
Median Salary Position
2.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,051 (2026 est.). At $48,809, the local median is 2.35% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Aurora median: $48,809/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,451 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.35% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Aurora, IL earn a median of $48,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $49,451.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora 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.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,809 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,267 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,488
2025 BLS Actual
$46,264
2026 Current Est.
$48,809
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,488 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,406 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,982 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,339 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,264 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,493 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,488 (2019) to $46,264 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,493 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,005 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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) | $36,448 – $38,558 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,558 – $48,809 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,809 – $59,669 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,669 – $65,499 |
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 Aurora
As of now, there are 44 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Aurora, indicating a modest yet stable job market. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, which is below the national average, allowing for slightly more favorable purchasing power in the region. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals typically offer the most competitive pay, particularly for those with advanced credentials and specializations. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) pathways that command higher rates in specialty practices, as well as the structured tiered salaries utilized by larger veterinary organizations. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Aurora, pursuing VTS certification and gaining experience in high-demand specialties or emergency care can be effective strategies. Additionally, seeking positions in corporate environments may yield better financial benefits compared to general practice roles, given the existing trends in salary offerings and job availability.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Aurora?
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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 $46,264 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Aurora 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 Aurora 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