Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Oak Lawn, IL: $48,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Oak Lawn, IL earns a median $48,163/year (≈ $23.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Oak Lawn's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $49,601 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Lawn, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is estimated to be $48,163 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $49,986, reflecting the local pay landscape influenced by corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl, which often set the wage standards in the market. The salary range in this area varies significantly, from $36,994 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $63,996 at the higher end (90th percentile). These estimates are derived from state-level data and adjustments for regional cost of living, highlighting how local conditions affect compensation. Despite a slightly lower salary level, Oak Lawn's proximity to major veterinary employers allows for a range of opportunities that could contribute positively to the job market.
About the Oak Lawn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,994 | $17.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,806 | $18.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,163 | $23.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,679 | $28.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,996 | $30.76 |
Median Salary Position
3.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Lawn
In Oak Lawn, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,002 (2026 est.). At $48,163, the local median is 3.65% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Lawn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Lawn Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Oak Lawn median: $48,163/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Lawn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,449 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -3.65% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $48,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.65% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $49,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Lawn 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.
Oak Lawn, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,163 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,601 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,032
2025 BLS Actual
$45,652
2026 Current Est.
$48,163
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,032 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,938 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,506 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,845 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,145 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,847 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,652 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,812 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Lawn metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,032 (2019) to $45,652 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,812 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,780 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Lawn 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) | $36,994 – $38,806 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,806 – $48,163 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,163 – $58,679 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,679 – $63,996 |
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 Oak Lawn
With 14 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Oak Lawn, the local job market remains competitive, particularly for those with specialized credentials. The cost of living index in this area is at 97.1, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further here than in many urban markets. Employers such as specialty hospitals and corporate chains tend to offer the highest salaries, while general practice clinics might pay less. The variance in wages often depends on factors like specialization in fields such as emergency and critical care, corporate pay scales, and experience level. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential and considering roles in 24-hour emergency hospitals can lead to significantly higher pay. Understanding the local dynamics, including shift differentials and mentoring opportunities, is essential for navigating the veterinary technologist and technician pay in Oak Lawn, IL.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Oak Lawn, IL in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Oak Lawn?
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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 $45,652 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn 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