Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Rock Island, IL: $47,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Rock Island, IL earns a median $47,716/year (≈ $22.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Rock Island's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $49,141 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Island, the salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to reach a median of $47,716 in 2026. This amount reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in the field, particularly those seeking VTS specialty credentials in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, which can substantially enhance earning potential. The salary range spans from $35,442 at the 10th percentile to $60,078 at the 90th percentile, providing a breadth of opportunities for advancement based on experience and specialization. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight how veterinary technologist and technician pay in Rock Island IL remains competitive, albeit slightly lower than the national median of $49,986.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,442 | $17.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,124 | $19.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,716 | $22.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,533 | $27.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,078 | $28.89 |
Median Salary Position
4.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island
In Rock Island, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,636 (2026 est.). At $47,716, the local median is 4.54% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Rock Island: You'd be above the median
How Rock Island Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Rock Island median: $47,716/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rock Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,446 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.54% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Rock Island, IL earn a median of $47,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.50% below the Illinois state average of $49,446.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rock Island 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.
Rock Island, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $47,716 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,141 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,716
2025 BLS Actual
$45,228
2026 Current Est.
$47,716
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,613 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,176 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,503 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,753 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,749 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,340 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rock Island metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,716 (2019) to $45,228 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,340 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,624 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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) | $35,442 – $41,124 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,124 – $47,716 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,716 – $56,533 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,533 – $60,078 |
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 Rock Island
Examining the local job market, only five veterinary technologists and technicians currently work in the Rock Island area, indicating a tight labor pool and potential competition for positions. The cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, affordability remains relatively better than average, thereby preserving take-home purchasing power. Employers in specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals, such as VCA and BluePearl, often pay the highest salaries, primarily due to the increased demand for advanced skills and the premium placed on VTS credentials. Variations in pay stem from factors like facility type, level of specialization, and positions that involve mentorship or lead responsibilities. To maximize salary potential in Rock Island, pursuing specialty credentials, attending continuing education, and seeking employment at facilities that offer shift differentials can significantly enhance earnings in this evolving market for veterinary technologists and technicians.
More salary data for Rock Island, 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 $45,228 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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