Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Carbondale, IL: $46,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Carbondale, IL earns a median $46,296/year (≈ $22.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Carbondale's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $47,679 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carbondale, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician salary stands at a median annual figure of $46,296 for 2026. The local salary range extends from $38,939 at the 10th percentile to $58,771 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diversity in pay based on experience and specialization. These numbers derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. When comparing the local figures to the national median salary of $49,986 for the same year, Carbondale's pay shows a decrease of approximately 7.38%. The local job market reflects the broader trends influenced by corporate chain pay scales and the acute workforce shortage in the veterinary field.
About the Carbondale Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,939 | $18.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,225 | $19.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,296 | $22.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,375 | $26.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,771 | $28.25 |
Median Salary Position
7.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carbondale
In Carbondale, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,832 (2026 est.). At $46,296, the local median is 7.38% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carbondale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carbondale Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Carbondale median: $46,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carbondale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,408 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -7.38% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Carbondale, IL earn a median of $46,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.38% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $49,408.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carbondale 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.
Carbondale, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,296 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,679 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,470
2025 BLS Actual
$43,882
2026 Current Est.
$46,296
2019–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,129 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,417 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,511 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,380 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,842 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carbondale metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 39.4% from $31,470 (2019) to $43,882 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,842 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,372 (55.20%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carbondale 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) | $38,939 – $40,225 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,225 – $46,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,296 – $55,375 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,375 – $58,771 |
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 Carbondale
As for the local employment context, Carbondale currently employs five veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a tight-knit job market. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the area offers a slightly favorable living situation, which can affect the take-home income and purchasing power of those in the profession. Among the employers, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl often offer competitive salaries compared to general practice veterinary clinics, especially for those with specialized credentials like the VTS. The substantial difference in pay is influenced by various factors, including experience, specialty areas, and whether one is employed by a specialty referral hospital or a traditional practice. Aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing specialty certifications to maximize their potential earnings and advance their careers in the Carbondale market.
More salary data for Carbondale, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Carbondale, IL in 2026?
Is Carbondale, IL a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Carbondale?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Carbondale?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Carbondale?
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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 $43,882 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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