Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $47,783 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Des Plaines, IL earns a median $47,783/year (≈ $22.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Des Plaines's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $49,210 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, the pathway to advanced veterinary roles is significantly influenced by the VTS specialty credential, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia. With a projected 2026 median annual salary of $47,783, this position offers compensation that is slightly lower than the national median of $49,986, reflecting local market dynamics. Salaries for veterinary technologists and technicians in the area range from $36,305 at the 10th percentile to $62,750 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse wage structure based on experience and specialization. The figures presented here are local estimates derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, effectively contextualizing the potential earnings within the Des Plaines job market.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,305 | $17.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,055 | $18.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,783 | $22.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,771 | $27.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,750 | $30.17 |
Median Salary Position
4.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
In Des Plaines, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,445 (2026 est.). At $47,783, the local median is 4.41% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Des Plaines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Plaines Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Des Plaines median: $47,783/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Plaines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,414 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.41% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $47,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.41% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $49,414.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Plaines 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.
Des Plaines, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,783 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,210 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,763
2025 BLS Actual
$45,292
2026 Current Est.
$47,783
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,763 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,226 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,555 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,292 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,783 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,411 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Plaines metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,763 (2019) to $45,292 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,411 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,648 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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) | $36,305 – $38,055 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,055 – $47,783 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,783 – $57,771 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,771 – $62,750 |
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 Des Plaines
The employment landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Plaines includes approximately 12 professionals currently in the field, amidst a cost-of-living index rated at 97.1, indicating it is below the national average. This lower cost of living can positively affect take-home pay, even with local salary figures. The highest compensatory opportunities are commonly found within specialty referral hospitals, particularly those offering surgery, ECC, and internal medicine, as these institutions tend to pay more than general practice clinics and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. Differences in pay can be attributed to factors such as VTS specialty credentials, experience in high-stakes environments, and specific employer tiers. For those looking to enhance their earnings, pursuing additional VTS credentials or seeking roles in emergency and critical care settings can significantly boost pay potential, reaching up to $30-$45 per hour.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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 $45,292 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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