Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Rockford, IL: $49,332 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Rockford, IL earns a median $49,332/year (≈ $23.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Rockford's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $53,532 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rockford, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $49,332 in 2026, placing it slightly below the national median of $49,986. The salary range in this area spans from $39,921 at the 10th percentile to $63,015 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations based on experience, specialty certification, and type of employment. These figures are derived from comprehensive BLS OEWS surveys and indicate that corporate chain hospitals, such as VCA and BluePearl, play a significant role in determining pay levels within the local veterinary market. As employers increasingly standardize pay scales, job seekers in Rockford can better understand their earning potential and negotiate terms that reflect the demand for skilled veterinary technologists and technicians.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,921 | $19.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,737 | $22.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,332 | $23.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,823 | $29.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,015 | $30.30 |
Median Salary Position
1.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockford
In Rockford, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,094 (2026 est.). At $49,332, the local median is 1.31% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Rockford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rockford Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Rockford median: $49,332/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,431 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.31% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Rockford, IL earn a median of $49,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.31% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the Illinois state average of $49,431.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockford has a cost of living 7.85% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rockford, IL has a cost-of-living index of 92.154 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,332 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,532 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.51% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,560
2025 BLS Actual
$46,760
2026 Current Est.
$49,332
2019–2027 Growth
+70.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,332 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,045 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockford metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 53.0% from $30,560 (2019) to $46,760 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,485 (70.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockford 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) | $39,921 – $46,737 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,737 – $49,332 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,332 – $61,823 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,823 – $63,015 |
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 Rockford
A total of 100 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed in the Rockford area, signaling a solid presence of this profession amid a national workforce shortage. With a cost-of-living index of 92.154, Rockford offers relatively affordable living conditions, which can enhance take-home pay. Employers providing the highest salaries for this field typically include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains, which offer structured pay scales and access to advanced career pathways. Notably, those with VTS specialty credentials in areas like emergency care or anesthesia command higher wages, particularly within 24-hour emergency facilities. For individuals seeking to maximize their compensation in Rockford, pursuing specialty certification, considering corporate employment, and gaining experience in high-demand areas of veterinary medicine can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Rockford, 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 $46,760 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Rockford 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