Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Chicago, IL: $50,450 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Chicago, IL earns a median $50,450/year (≈ $24.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Chicago's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $48,699 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicago can anticipate a median annual salary of $50,450, positioning them slightly above the national average of $49,986. The salary range across the profession in the city varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $41,208 while the top earners can command upwards of $66,117. These figures arise from official BLS OEWS surveys and underscore the competitive nature of the job market in this urban environment. Notably, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl influence pay scales in the region, balancing between general practice and specialized veterinary hospitals, which impacts potential earnings across various settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,208 | $19.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,446 | $23.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,450 | $24.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,633 | $29.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,117 | $31.79 |
Median Salary Position
0.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
In Chicago, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,909 (2026 est.). At $50,450, the local median is 0.93% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chicago: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chicago Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Chicago median: $50,450/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,412 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.93% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Chicago, IL earn a median of $50,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.93% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% above the Illinois state average of $49,412.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicago has a cost of living 3.59% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 103.595 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,450 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,699 — a 3.47% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$36,240
2025 BLS Actual
$47,820
2026 Current Est.
$50,450
2019–2027 Growth
+46.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,450 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,225 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicago metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 32.0% from $36,240 (2019) to $47,820 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,225 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,985 (46.87%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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) | $41,208 – $48,446 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,446 – $50,450 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,450 – $61,633 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,633 – $66,117 |
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 Chicago
With approximately 3,250 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Chicago, the local job market is strong, though the cost-of-living index stands at 103.595, indicating that expenses exceed the national average. This dynamic poses a challenge to take-home purchasing power, making strategic job selection vital for financial stability. Corporate chain hospitals tend to lead in salaries, with specialty referral hospitals also offering competitive pay, particularly for roles that require VTS specialty credentials, such as in emergency and critical care. The variance between lower and higher earnings typically stems from qualifications, experience, and the specific demands of different practice environments. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking positions in high-demand specialties can significantly enhance salary potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chicago, IL in 2026?
Is Chicago, IL a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Chicago?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Chicago?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Chicago?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 $47,820 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Chicago 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