Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Urbana, IL: $55,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Urbana, IL earns a median $55,827/year (≈ $26.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Urbana's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $57,494 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.9% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbana, Illinois, the 2026 median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to be $55,827, which reflects a competitive position in the job market compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary landscape in this region ranges from $45,555 for the lowest ten percent to $73,263 for those in the top tier, offering opportunities for growth based on experience and specialization. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, indicate that the local pay scale for veterinary technicians is on the rise, likely influenced by the ongoing workforce shortage in the industry. Corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl represent a significant segment of the market, often setting pay scales that affect overall compensation trends in Urbana.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,555 | $21.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,735 | $22.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,827 | $26.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,786 | $32.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,263 | $35.23 |
Median Salary Position
11.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urbana
In Urbana, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,708 (2026 est.). At $55,827, the local median is 11.69% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Urbana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Urbana Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Urbana median: $55,827/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Urbana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,449 | +12.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +11.69% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Urbana, IL earn a median of $55,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.69% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 12.90% above the Illinois state average of $49,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Urbana 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.
Urbana, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $55,827 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,494 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,448
2025 BLS Actual
$52,917
2026 Current Est.
$55,827
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,448 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,497 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,156 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,709 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,852 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,538 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,917 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,898 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Urbana metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $39,448 (2019) to $52,917 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,898 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,450 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbana 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) | $45,555 – $47,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,735 – $55,827 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,827 – $67,786 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,786 – $73,263 |
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 Urbana
Employment opportunities in Urbana for veterinary technologists and technicians remain limited, with only six professionals currently employed in the area. This scarcity impacts job competition and overall salary negotiations. The cost-of-living index in Urbana stands at 97.1, suggesting that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the relative purchasing power is still affected. Veterinary technologists and technicians may find that specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains offer the highest pay. The variation in compensation reflects the importance of credentials such as the VTS specialty designation, as well as the differences in pay scales dictated by the type of practice. Those aiming to optimize their earnings in this market should consider pursuing additional certifications and exploring positions in high-demand areas, particularly hospitals that operate around the clock or that have specialty services, as these often come with higher pay rates and shift differentials.
More salary data for Urbana, 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 $52,917 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Urbana 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 Urbana 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