Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Peoria, IL: $46,568 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Peoria, IL earns a median $46,568/year (≈ $22.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Peoria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.2), that paycheck buys what $51,044 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Peoria, IL, is projected to reach a median of $46,568, reflecting a competitive yet slightly below-national average compared to the expected national median of $49,986. The salary range for this role will vary significantly from $39,900 at the lowest 10 percentile to $54,744 at the highest 90 percentile, illustrating the value of experience and specialization in the field. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating a positive trend in earnings within this profession. Moreover, candidates who pursue the VTS specialty credentialing pathway in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia can expect to command higher wages, further enhancing their earning potential in the Peoria job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,900 | $19.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,491 | $19.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,568 | $22.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,709 | $23.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,744 | $26.32 |
Median Salary Position
6.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
In Peoria, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,844 (2026 est.). At $46,568, the local median is 6.84% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Peoria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Peoria Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Peoria median: $46,568/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Peoria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,435 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.84% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Peoria, IL earn a median of $46,568 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.84% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.80% below the Illinois state average of $49,435.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Peoria has a cost of living 8.77% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Peoria, IL has a cost-of-living index of 91.231 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,568 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,044 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,090
2025 BLS Actual
$44,140
2026 Current Est.
$46,568
2019–2027 Growth
+53.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,568 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,129 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Peoria metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 37.6% from $32,090 (2019) to $44,140 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,129 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,039 (53.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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) | $39,900 – $40,491 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,491 – $46,568 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,568 – $48,709 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,709 – $54,744 |
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 Peoria
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Peoria comprises approximately 110 practitioners, providing a stable foundation for employment opportunities within the region. Peoria's cost of living, indexed at 91.231, suggests that salaries may stretch further than in higher-cost areas, thereby improving overall take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain veterinary practices tend to offer the most competitive pay rates, particularly for those with a VTS specialty credential. Factors driving salary variations include the setting in which one works, with specialties generally commanding higher pay than general practices. Additionally, corporate hospitals often have tiers of pay scales, with larger organizations such as VCA or BluePearl providing distinct differentials. For veterinary technologists and technicians seeking to maximize pay in Peoria, focusing on obtaining specialty certifications, pursuing positions in higher-paying facilities, and negotiating shifts can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 $44,140 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Peoria 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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