Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Gurnee, IL: $48,709 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Gurnee, IL earns a median $48,709/year (≈ $23.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Gurnee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $50,164 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, the projected salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is approximately $48,709 per year. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $49,986, reflecting a local market that is influenced by significant corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. The salary range for this occupation in Gurnee runs from $37,304 at the lower end (P10) to $61,050 at the higher end (P90), illustrating the variance in compensation depending on experience, specialization, and the employee's role. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, placing Gurnee's pay scale in a competitive context. The current economic landscape suggests opportunities for growth, considering the ongoing demand for qualified veterinary technologists and technicians.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,304 | $17.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,844 | $19.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,709 | $23.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,393 | $27.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,050 | $29.35 |
Median Salary Position
2.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gurnee
In Gurnee, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,746 (2026 est.). At $48,709, the local median is 2.55% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Gurnee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gurnee Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Gurnee median: $48,709/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gurnee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,451 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.55% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Gurnee, IL earn a median of $48,709 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.55% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $49,451.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gurnee 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.
Gurnee, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,709 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,164 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,418
2025 BLS Actual
$46,170
2026 Current Est.
$48,709
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,418 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,334 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,909 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,263 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,623 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,276 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,709 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,388 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gurnee metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,418 (2019) to $46,170 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,388 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,970 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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) | $37,304 – $39,844 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,844 – $48,709 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,709 – $57,393 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,393 – $61,050 |
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 Gurnee
With only eight veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Gurnee, the local job market is relatively niche yet provides decent compensation compared to the cost of living index of 97.1, which indicates affordability relative to the national average. Considering this cost index, professionals in Gurnee might find that their salaries maintain reasonable purchasing power, but carefully evaluating job options is essential. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl typically offer competitive pay scales, especially for those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, whose pay can soar to between $30 and $45 an hour. The disparity in earnings hinges on various factors, such as specialty certifications, the type of veterinary practice, and additional responsibilities like mentorship or leadership roles. For those aiming to maximize their income, pursuing specialty credentials and seeking positions in high-paying corporate establishments could be beneficial strategies in Gurnee's evolving veterinary market.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 $46,170 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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