Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $46,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Elmhurst, IL earns a median $46,757/year (≈ $22.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Elmhurst's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $48,153 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Elmhurst, IL, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $46,757, which represents a 6.46% decrease compared to the national median of $49,986. This figure offers a comprehensive view of the local market, with salaries ranging from $36,524 at the lower end of the spectrum (P10) to $59,444 for those at the high end (P90). These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the regional cost of living adjustments, and they indicate where Elmhurst fits within the wider landscape of veterinary healthcare pay. Given the prominence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl in the area, the pay scales can differ significantly based on the specific employer and setting, which is essential for job seekers to consider.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,524 | $17.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,775 | $18.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,757 | $22.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,605 | $26.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,444 | $28.58 |
Median Salary Position
6.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,920 (2026 est.). At $46,757, the local median is 6.46% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elmhurst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elmhurst Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Elmhurst median: $46,757/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmhurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,426 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.46% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $46,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.46% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $49,426.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmhurst 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.
Elmhurst, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,757 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,153 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,038
2025 BLS Actual
$44,319
2026 Current Est.
$46,757
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,038 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,917 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,469 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,769 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,742 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,319 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,328 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmhurst metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,038 (2019) to $44,319 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,328 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,290 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst 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) | $36,524 – $38,775 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,775 – $46,757 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,757 – $55,605 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,605 – $59,444 |
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 Elmhurst
With only nine veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Elmhurst, job competition remains moderate, further contextualized by a cost-of-living index of 97.1, below the national average. This lower index can impact take-home pay, as living expenses may afford a worker reduced purchasing power compared to other regions. While general practice veterinary clinics offer foundational roles, corporate chain hospitals generally provide higher compensation due to structured pay scales, which can be further enhanced by working in specialty or emergency practices. Factors driving the wage range include the demand for VTS specialty credentials in areas like ECC and anesthesia, which can command the highest salaries, along with experience in specialty facilities versus traditional practices. To maximize earnings in Elmhurst, prospective employees would benefit from pursuing advanced certifications, gaining experience in high-demand settings, and negotiating pay based on shifts or mentorship roles within their teams.
More salary data for Elmhurst, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elmhurst, IL in 2026?
Is Elmhurst, IL a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Elmhurst?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Elmhurst?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Elmhurst?
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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 $44,319 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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