Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Northbrook, IL: $48,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Northbrook, IL earns a median $48,752/year (≈ $23.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Northbrook's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $50,208 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Northbrook, Illinois, earn a median annual salary of $48,752, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $49,986. The projected salary range for this profession local to Northbrook spans from $37,355 at the 10th percentile to $62,790 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant variation in pay based on experience, skills, and specialization. Reaching the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia can enhance earning potential substantially, putting professionals in a position to command higher salaries. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, incorporating regional cost adjustments, which is relevant in a market where veterinary talent is increasingly sought after.
About the Northbrook Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,355 | $17.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,931 | $19.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,752 | $23.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,581 | $28.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,790 | $30.18 |
Median Salary Position
2.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northbrook
In Northbrook, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,435 (2026 est.). At $48,752, the local median is 2.47% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northbrook: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northbrook Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Northbrook median: $48,752/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northbrook Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,444 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.47% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Northbrook, IL earn a median of $48,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.47% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $49,444.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northbrook 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.
Northbrook, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,752 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,208 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,448
2025 BLS Actual
$46,210
2026 Current Est.
$48,752
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,448 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,296 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,309 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,433 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northbrook metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,448 (2019) to $46,210 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,433 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,985 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northbrook 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) | $37,355 – $39,931 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,931 – $48,752 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,752 – $58,581 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,581 – $62,790 |
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 Northbrook
The local job market in Northbrook currently employs eight veterinary technologists and technicians, a modest number that speaks to the niche yet stable demand for these roles. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, residents find their take-home pay stretches further than in many other regions, offering a more favorable purchasing power. Employers in the area vary significantly in pay levels, with corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl often offering structured pay scales while specialty hospitals providing the best compensation, particularly for VTS credential holders in high-demand fields like ECC. Understanding the factors that influence salary disparities—such as shift differentials in 24-hour emergency facilities and the added value of mentorship roles—can help professionals navigate their pay trajectory effectively in Northbrook's competitive landscape. Pursuing specialization and demonstrating leadership could yield the best results for those looking to maximize their earnings in this market.
More salary data for Northbrook, 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 $46,210 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Northbrook 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 Northbrook 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