Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lake in the Hills, IL: $48,341 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lake in the Hills, IL earns a median $48,341/year (≈ $23.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lake in the Hills's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $49,785 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lake in the Hills is $48,341. This figure places local earnings slightly below the national median of $49,986, highlighting a pay gradient that often separates those working in specialty hospitals from their counterparts in general practice. The salary range reflects a significant disparity in pay among professionals in this field, with entry-level positions earning as low as $36,358, while experienced technologists can achieve salaries as high as $64,437. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living in Lake in the Hills, which tends to be slightly more affordable than the national average.
About the Lake in the Hills Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,358 | $17.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,091 | $18.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,341 | $23.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,557 | $27.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,437 | $30.97 |
Median Salary Position
3.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake in the Hills
In Lake in the Hills, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,079 (2026 est.). At $48,341, the local median is 3.29% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake in the Hills: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake in the Hills Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lake in the Hills median: $48,341/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake in the Hills Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,429 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -3.29% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lake in the Hills, IL earn a median of $48,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.29% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $49,429.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake in the Hills 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.
Lake in the Hills, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,341 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,785 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,158
2025 BLS Actual
$45,821
2026 Current Est.
$48,341
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lake in the Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,158 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,637 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,982 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,301 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,987 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,821 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,341 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,000 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake in the Hills metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,158 (2019) to $45,821 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,000 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,842 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake in the Hills 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) | $36,358 – $39,091 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,091 – $48,341 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,341 – $56,557 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,557 – $64,437 |
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 Lake in the Hills
Currently, there are only six veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Lake in the Hills, a relatively small number that indicates the competitive landscape for job opportunities. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 97.1, professionals in this area find their purchasing power slightly improved, making it crucial for job seekers to consider employment options that offer the best salaries. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl typically offer higher pay scales compared to general practice clinics, while specialty referral hospitals and those with VTS credentials can command top-tier compensation. The significant pay differentiation within the market can be attributed to specialization, years of experience, and the type of practice, highlighting the importance of pursuing specialty certifications like VTS. To maximize earning potential in Lake in the Hills, veterinary technologists and technicians should focus on gaining additional certifications, seeking positions in specialty practices, and taking advantage of shift differentials and leadership roles when available.
More salary data for Lake in the Hills, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lake in the Hills, IL in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Lake in the Hills?
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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 $45,821 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lake in the Hills 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 Lake in the Hills 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