Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Park Ridge, IL: $47,524 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Park Ridge, IL earns a median $47,524/year (≈ $22.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Park Ridge's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $48,943 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Park Ridge, Illinois, is projected to be $47,524 annually, which is slightly below the national median of $49,986. The local salary range spans from $38,378 at the 10th percentile to $61,895 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant pay gradient influenced primarily by workplace settings, such as specialty hospitals versus general practice clinics. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, and reflect the competitive market within the veterinary field, where experienced technicians and those with specializations can command substantially higher wages. As the job market for veterinary professionals continues to evolve in Park Ridge, the potential for lucrative opportunities in specialized practices remains prominent.
About the Park Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,378 | $18.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,338 | $19.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,524 | $22.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,632 | $26.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,895 | $29.76 |
Median Salary Position
4.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Park Ridge
In Park Ridge, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,517 (2026 est.). At $47,524, the local median is 4.93% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Park Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Park Ridge Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Park Ridge median: $47,524/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Park Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,452 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.93% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Park Ridge, IL earn a median of $47,524 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.93% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.90% below the Illinois state average of $49,452.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Park Ridge 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.
Park Ridge, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,524 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,943 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,580
2025 BLS Actual
$45,046
2026 Current Est.
$47,524
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Park Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,474 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,035 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,356 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,585 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,345 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,046 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,524 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,137 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Park Ridge metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,580 (2019) to $45,046 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,137 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,557 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Park Ridge 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) | $38,378 – $40,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,338 – $47,524 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,524 – $55,632 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,632 – $61,895 |
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 Park Ridge
The employment landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians in Park Ridge is modest, with only seven individuals currently holding positions in this sector. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the purchasing power in the area is slightly below the national average, which could impact the overall satisfaction around salaries. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl often provide competitive pay structures, while specialty referral hospitals that focus on emergency, critical care, or surgical services tend to pay at the higher end of the scale. Key factors affecting the disparity between low and high salaries include VTS specialty credentials that can lead to pay rates of $30-$45 or more per hour, as well as shift differentials at around-the-clock emergency facilities. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Park Ridge, pursuing specialty certifications and considering positions in high-demand settings could prove advantageous in elevating their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Park Ridge IL.
More salary data for Park Ridge, 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 $45,046 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge 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