Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Oak Park, IL: $49,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Oak Park, IL earns a median $49,068/year (≈ $23.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Oak Park's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $50,533 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Park, Illinois, can expect to see a median annual salary of $49,068, slightly below the national median of $49,986. Salaries in this field exhibit a broad range, from $35,415 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $63,896 at the upper end (90th percentile), indicating substantial variability based on experience, skills, and specific job settings. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences. Given the presence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, the local salary landscape reflects competitive pay scales influenced by these larger entities. Oak Park's job market remains promising for aspiring veterinary professionals, especially amidst ongoing workforce shortages in the veterinary field.
About the Oak Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,415 | $17.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,698 | $20.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,068 | $23.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,000 | $28.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,896 | $30.72 |
Median Salary Position
1.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Park
In Oak Park, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,481 (2026 est.). At $49,068, the local median is 1.84% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Park Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Oak Park median: $49,068/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,414 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.84% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Oak Park, IL earn a median of $49,068 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.84% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $49,414.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Park 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 Park, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,068 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,533 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,671
2025 BLS Actual
$46,510
2026 Current Est.
$49,068
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,173 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,538 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,558 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,767 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Park metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,671 (2019) to $46,510 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,767 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,096 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Park 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) | $35,415 – $41,698 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,698 – $49,068 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,068 – $59,000 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,000 – $63,896 |
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 Park
In Oak Park, there are currently 10 employed veterinary technologists and technicians, making the local job market relatively tight but with opportunities for advancement. The cost of living index sits at 97.1, which is below the national average, potentially enhancing take-home pay for local technicians. Corporate chains, particularly VCA and BluePearl, tend to offer higher wages compared to general practice veterinary clinics, particularly for those with VTS specialties such as emergency and critical care. Factors leading to the significant pay range include the level of specialization, corporate pay scales, and additional responsibilities like mentorship roles. For local veterinary technologists and technicians looking to enhance their earnings, pursuing VTS credentials and seeking positions in corporate or specialty hospitals are advisable strategies.
More salary data for Oak Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Oak Park, IL in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Oak Park?
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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 $46,510 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Oak Park 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 Park 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