Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Evanston, IL: $49,149 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Evanston, IL earns a median $49,149/year (≈ $23.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $50,617 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
At an annual salary of $49,149, the compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians in Evanston, Illinois positions itself slightly below the national median of $49,986 for 2026. The salary range in the area spans from $35,606 at the 10th percentile to $67,163 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse market influenced by the types of practices—general versus specialty hospitals. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, showcasing the unique employment landscape in Evanston where specialized care often commands higher wages. The demand for skilled professionals, particularly those with advanced credentials, indicates a promising job outlook for this field within the community.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,606 | $17.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,917 | $18.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,149 | $23.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,145 | $29.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,163 | $32.29 |
Median Salary Position
1.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,557 (2026 est.). At $49,149, the local median is 1.67% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Evanston Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Evanston median: $49,149/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,446 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.67% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Evanston, IL earn a median of $49,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.67% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $49,446.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston 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.
Evanston, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,149 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,617 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,729
2025 BLS Actual
$46,587
2026 Current Est.
$49,149
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,653 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,233 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,008 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,149 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,852 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,729 (2019) to $46,587 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,123 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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) | $35,606 – $38,917 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,917 – $49,149 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,149 – $61,145 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,145 – $67,163 |
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 Evanston
As of 2026, Evanston's job market for veterinary technologists and technicians remains relatively compact, with only 16 professionals employed locally. The cost of living index at 97.1 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may not fully match higher urban areas, potentially impacting the financial satisfaction of these workers. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer higher pay scales compared to general practice clinics, while specialty hospitals often reward those with VTS credentials in emergency care or anesthesia. Factors such as shift differentials and mentor roles also contribute to the salary variance within this niche market. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Evanston, pursuing specialty certifications, considering opportunities in corporate practices, and gaining experience in high-demand fields like surgery or oncology can be strategic moves.
More salary data for Evanston, 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 $46,587 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Evanston 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 Evanston 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