Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Decatur, IL: $50,117 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Decatur, IL earns a median $50,117/year (≈ $24.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $51,614 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, IL, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $50,117 in 2026, reflecting a slight edge over the national median of $49,986. The local salary figures show a range from $37,840 at the 10th percentile to $65,454 at the 90th percentile, indicating the potential for diverse earnings based on experience, credentials, and specialization. With the rising demand for veterinary services, further enhanced by a growing veterinary technician workforce shortage, those pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency and critical care (ECC) and anesthesia have a significant opportunity to command higher salaries within this market. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for professionals seeking to maximize their earnings in Decatur.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,840 | $18.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,871 | $19.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,117 | $24.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,492 | $29.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,454 | $31.47 |
Median Salary Position
0.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,614 (2026 est.). At $50,117, the local median is 0.26% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Decatur median: $50,117/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,425 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.26% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Decatur, IL earn a median of $50,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.26% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $49,425.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur 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.
Decatur, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,117 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,614 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,412
2025 BLS Actual
$47,504
2026 Current Est.
$50,117
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,412 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,946 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,854 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,382 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,504 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,117 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,873 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,412 (2019) to $47,504 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,873 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,461 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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) | $37,840 – $40,871 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,871 – $50,117 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,117 – $60,492 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,492 – $65,454 |
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 Decatur
The job market in Decatur currently employs 13 veterinary technologists and technicians, which suggests a tight-knit community of professionals in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, salaries often stretch further than in many national contexts, allowing for increased purchasing power. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals, specifically those focused on surgery and emergency care, tend to pay the most, followed closely by corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. The variation in pay is primarily driven by the level of specialization—those with VTS credentials or experience in critical care typically secure the highest wages. Understanding trends in pay scales and actively pursuing specializations can significantly enhance earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Decatur, IL.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Decatur, IL in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Decatur?
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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 $47,504 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Decatur 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 Decatur 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