Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Buffalo Grove, IL: $48,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Buffalo Grove, IL earns a median $48,525/year (≈ $23.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Buffalo Grove's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $49,974 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Buffalo Grove is projected to reach a median of $48,525, slightly lower than the national median of $49,986. Local salaries span from $39,346 at the 10th percentile to as much as $65,044 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse pay range influenced by various factors in the region. Given the ongoing shortage of veterinary professionals, those who pursue the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) specialty credential, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, may find enhanced opportunities for higher compensation. This offers a promising avenue for career advancement in Buffalo Grove's veterinary market, which demands skilled technologists to support its growing pet and animal healthcare needs.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,346 | $18.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,343 | $19.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,525 | $23.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,992 | $27.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,044 | $31.27 |
Median Salary Position
2.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buffalo Grove
In Buffalo Grove, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,698 (2026 est.). At $48,525, the local median is 2.92% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buffalo Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buffalo Grove Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Buffalo Grove median: $48,525/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buffalo Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,414 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.92% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $48,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $49,414.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buffalo Grove 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.
Buffalo Grove, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,525 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,974 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,288
2025 BLS Actual
$45,995
2026 Current Est.
$48,525
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,288 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,773 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,122 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,461 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,131 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,995 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buffalo Grove metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,288 (2019) to $45,995 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,906 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo Grove 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) | $39,346 – $41,343 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,343 – $48,525 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,525 – $56,992 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,992 – $65,044 |
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 Buffalo Grove
As of now, there are seven veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the Buffalo Grove area, reflecting a localized but vital segment of the veterinary workforce. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, suggesting that while wages are slightly below the national average, the relatively lower living costs allow for more favorable purchasing power for those working in the field. Employers, particularly specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, tend to offer the highest pay scales, often influenced by the veterinary technician's specialization and experience. Factors such as overtime in emergency settings or mentorship roles can significantly raise overall earnings. For increased compensation, aspiring technicians should consider pursuing VTS designations and leveraging any advanced critical skills, as these often relate directly to the pay incentives available within Buffalo Grove’s competitive veterinary practice environment.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, 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 $45,995 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove 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