Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Normal, IL: $47,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Normal, IL earns a median $47,920/year (≈ $23.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Normal's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $49,351 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Normal, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $47,920, reflecting the impact of corporate pay scales established by major employers like VCA and BluePearl. Salary ranges for this profession within the area fluctuate from $35,224 at the 10th percentile to $63,199 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, indicating a competitive compensation environment in relation to local living costs. With strong demand for pet care services and a growing workforce shortage in veterinary medicine, these salaries place Normal slightly below the national median of $49,986, suggesting graduates and experienced technicians may find opportunities for growth and advancement.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,224 | $16.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,325 | $18.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,920 | $23.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,098 | $27.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,199 | $30.38 |
Median Salary Position
4.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Normal
In Normal, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,975 (2026 est.). At $47,920, the local median is 4.13% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Normal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Normal Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Normal median: $47,920/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Normal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,402 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.13% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Normal, IL earn a median of $47,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $49,402.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Normal 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.
Normal, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,920 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,351 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,860
2025 BLS Actual
$45,422
2026 Current Est.
$47,920
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,762 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,327 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,932 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,656 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,422 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,556 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Normal metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,860 (2019) to $45,422 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,556 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,696 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Normal 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) | $35,224 – $38,325 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,325 – $47,920 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,920 – $58,098 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,098 – $63,199 |
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 Normal
Looking at the job market specifically in Normal, there are currently eight veterinary technologists and technicians employed, which presents a unique combination of opportunities and competitive pressures. The local cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, meaning that while salaries are somewhat lower, the purchasing power remains relatively favorable compared to other regions. Among the top-paying employers in the area are corporate chains and specialty hospitals, with positions in veterinary specialty areas, such as emergency and critical care, commanding higher pay rates. Factors influencing compensation disparities include VTS specialty credentials, which can position professionals in a high salary tier, along with experience at corporate facilities versus general practices. Those seeking to maximize their earnings should actively pursue additional certifications, consider roles at specialty hospitals, and leverage shift differentials to enhance their overall pay structure in Normal, IL.
More salary data for Normal, 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 $45,422 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Normal 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 Normal 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