Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Calumet City, IL: $46,872 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Calumet City, IL earns a median $46,872/year (≈ $22.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Calumet City's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $48,272 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Calumet City, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $46,872 in 2026. This figure, while reflecting the regional market for these professionals, is approximately 6.23% lower than the national median salary of $49,986. The salary range varies significantly, with the 10th percentile earning $36,799 and the 90th percentile reaching up to $59,692. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living conditions in Calumet City. Compared to other cities, this level of compensation reveals both the competitive nature of the veterinary healthcare sector and its responsiveness to local employment dynamics, especially within corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl.
About the Calumet City Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,799 | $17.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,008 | $18.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,872 | $22.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,946 | $26.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,692 | $28.70 |
Median Salary Position
6.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Calumet City
In Calumet City, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,893 (2026 est.). At $46,872, the local median is 6.23% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Calumet City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Calumet City Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Calumet City median: $46,872/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Calumet City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,443 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.23% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Calumet City, IL earn a median of $46,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.23% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.20% below the Illinois state average of $49,443.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Calumet City 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.
Calumet City, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,872 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,272 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,119
2025 BLS Actual
$44,428
2026 Current Est.
$46,872
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Calumet City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,119 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,001 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,554 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,857 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,015 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,832 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,428 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,872 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,449 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Calumet City metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,119 (2019) to $44,428 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,449 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,330 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Calumet City 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) | $36,799 – $39,008 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,008 – $46,872 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,872 – $55,946 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,946 – $59,692 |
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 Calumet City
In Calumet City, a modest workforce of 7 veterinary technologists and technicians serves a unique demographic, underscoring their vital role in the community. With a cost-of-living index at 97.1, salaries may stretch further than in higher-cost areas, yet financial planning remains significant for maximizing take-home pay. Employers vary widely in their pay scales, with corporate chains often presenting the best compensation packages among veterinary practice types, particularly for those with VTS specialty credentials. The income disparity can be influenced by factors such as specialty training in areas like emergency care or anesthesia, work settings, and lead roles that command higher wages. For professionals aiming to enhance their earning potential, pursuing specialty certification and seeking positions within specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains emerges as the most effective approach in the Calumet City job market.
More salary data for Calumet City, 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 $44,428 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Calumet City 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 Calumet City 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