Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Downers Grove, IL: $47,155 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Downers Grove, IL earns a median $47,155/year (≈ $22.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Downers Grove's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $48,563 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downers Grove, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median annual salary of $47,155 in 2026, reflecting local estimates based on 2025 BLS data. This salary figure is accompanied by a salary range of $37,483 for the entry-level positions (P10) to $62,381 for those at the higher end of the pay scale (P90). Compared to the national median of $49,986, this position in Downers Grove falls short by approximately 5.66%. The influence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl is evident in the local pay scale, as they provide structured compensation strategies that impact the market. As the veterinary technician workforce continues to face shortages, the competitive environment in Downers Grove is expected to drive salary growth and opportunities for advancement.
About the Downers Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,483 | $18.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,584 | $19.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,155 | $22.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,560 | $27.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,381 | $29.99 |
Median Salary Position
5.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downers Grove
In Downers Grove, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,898 (2026 est.). At $47,155, the local median is 5.66% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Downers Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downers Grove Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Downers Grove median: $47,155/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downers Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,429 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -5.66% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $47,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $49,429.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downers Grove 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.
Downers Grove, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,155 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,563 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,320
2025 BLS Actual
$44,697
2026 Current Est.
$47,155
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,763 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,075 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,263 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,055 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,155 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,749 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downers Grove metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,320 (2019) to $44,697 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,749 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,429 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downers Grove 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) | $37,483 – $39,584 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,584 – $47,155 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,155 – $57,560 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,560 – $62,381 |
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 Downers Grove
In terms of local job market dynamics, only 11 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed in Downers Grove, indicating a focused market for these professionals. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, which suggests a slightly below-average cost of living that can enhance the purchasing power of salaries in the area. Corporate chain hospitals, particularly VCA and BluePearl, tend to offer the higher wages, especially for those with specialized skills and certifications like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential. Variations in compensation are often influenced by factors such as working in specialized referral hospitals, general practice settings, and any added responsibilities that may come with mentorship or management roles. For individuals looking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Downers Grove, pursuing VTS credentials or seeking positions in specialty hospitals can significantly influence salary potential, particularly given the current workforce challenges in the veterinary field.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Downers Grove, IL in 2026?
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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 $44,697 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove 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