Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Champaign, IL: $56,031 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Champaign, IL earns a median $56,031/year (≈ $26.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Champaign's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $60,441 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.4% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Achieving the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, particularly in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia, can lead to significantly higher earnings in Champaign, IL. The projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in the city is $56,031, surpassing the national median of $49,986 by over 12%. In addition to a favorable median figure, salaries range widely from $44,205 at the lower end to $68,005 for those at the higher end of the spectrum. These estimates derive from official Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in Champaign's veterinary sector and the potential for career advancement through specialized training.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,205 | $21.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,920 | $23.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,031 | $26.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,570 | $29.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,005 | $32.69 |
Median Salary Position
12.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Champaign
In Champaign, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,800 (2026 est.). At $56,031, the local median is 12.09% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Champaign: You'd be above the median
How Champaign Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Champaign median: $56,031/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Champaign Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,410 | +13.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +12.09% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Champaign, IL earn a median of $56,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.09% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 13.40% above the Illinois state average of $49,410.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Champaign has a cost of living 7.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Champaign, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.704 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $56,031 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,441 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.87% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,090
2025 BLS Actual
$53,110
2026 Current Est.
$56,031
2019–2027 Growth
+59.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,031 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,113 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Champaign metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 43.2% from $37,090 (2019) to $53,110 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,113 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,023 (59.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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) | $44,205 – $48,920 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,920 – $56,031 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,031 – $61,570 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,570 – $68,005 |
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 Champaign
With approximately 260 veterinary technologists and technicians currently working in Champaign, the local job market is robust, helping to maintain competitive salaries despite a cost-of-living index of 92.704, which is below the national average. Generally, veterinary technologist and technician pay in Champaign, IL, is particularly enhanced by positions in specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals — such as VCA, BluePearl, and NVA — which often offer salary differentials that can substantially increase earnings. Factors influencing the variation in pay include the value placed on VTS credentials, the difference between corporate and general practice pay scales, and the potential for additional compensation in leadership or mentoring roles. To maximize earning potential in this market, pursuing specialty certifications or seeking positions within specialty referral practices may provide the best opportunities for higher pay.
More salary data for Champaign, 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 $53,110 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Champaign 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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