Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Joliet, IL: $49,108 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Joliet, IL earns a median $49,108/year (≈ $23.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Joliet's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $50,575 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Joliet is projected to be $49,108, slightly below the national median of $49,986. The pay scale varies significantly, with salaries ranging from $37,134 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $66,502 at the upper end (90th percentile). These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. Joliet's employment opportunities in veterinary medicine, influenced by the presence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, provide a robust platform for growth, making it essential for job seekers to understand the local market for their career advancement.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,134 | $17.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,209 | $19.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,108 | $23.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,392 | $29.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,502 | $31.98 |
Median Salary Position
1.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
In Joliet, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,368 (2026 est.). At $49,108, the local median is 1.76% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Joliet: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joliet Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Joliet median: $49,108/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joliet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,405 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.76% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Joliet, IL earn a median of $49,108 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $49,405.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joliet 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.
Joliet, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,108 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,575 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,700
2025 BLS Actual
$46,548
2026 Current Est.
$49,108
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,623 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,203 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,972 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,548 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,108 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,809 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joliet metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,700 (2019) to $46,548 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,809 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,109 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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) | $37,134 – $40,209 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,209 – $49,108 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,108 – $60,392 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,392 – $66,502 |
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 Joliet
Currently, there are 25 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the Joliet area, reflecting a competitive job market amidst an acute vet tech workforce shortage. The local cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, indicating affordability compared to the national average. This slightly lower cost of living may enhance purchasing power for professionals in the field. Employers such as general practice veterinary clinics, specialty referral hospitals, and corporate chains typically have varying pay scales, with those in specialty areas—like emergency and critical care—attracting higher compensation. To maximize earning potential, credentialing through VTS specialties, pursuing roles in corporate environments, and seeking positions at 24-hour emergency hospitals are effective strategies for increasing pay in Joliet, IL.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Joliet, 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 $46,548 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Joliet 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 Joliet 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