Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Waukegan, IL: $49,498 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Waukegan, IL earns a median $49,498/year (≈ $23.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Waukegan's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $50,976 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Waukegan, Illinois are projected to earn a median annual salary of $49,498, which is slightly below the national median of $49,986. This role commands a salary range from $36,423 at the lowest end (P10) to as high as $68,472 (P90) for those at the peak of their field. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, incorporating regional price adjustments that account for the area's cost of living. Waukegan’s job market for veterinary professionals encompasses corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which significantly influence pay scales, making this local market an essential factor for prospective veterinary technologists and technicians considering their career options in the area.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,423 | $17.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,616 | $19.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,498 | $23.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,040 | $28.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,472 | $32.92 |
Median Salary Position
0.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
In Waukegan, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,049 (2026 est.). At $49,498, the local median is 0.98% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Waukegan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukegan Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waukegan median: $49,498/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukegan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,449 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.98% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waukegan, IL earn a median of $49,498 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $49,449.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukegan 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.
Waukegan, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,498 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,976 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,976
2025 BLS Actual
$46,918
2026 Current Est.
$49,498
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,976 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,906 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,491 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,867 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,313 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,896 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,498 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,221 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukegan metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,976 (2019) to $46,918 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,221 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,245 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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) | $36,423 – $39,616 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,616 – $49,498 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,498 – $60,040 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,040 – $68,472 |
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 Waukegan
The local employment scene comprises around 18 veterinary technologists and technicians, which highlights a concentrated yet competitive job market. A cost-of-living index of 97.1 indicates that Waukegan is below the national average, suggesting that salaries for veterinary technologists and technicians, while respectable, may not stretch as far in terms of purchasing power compared to higher-cost regions. Corporate hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl generally offer the most competitive salaries, especially as they tend to pay more than traditional general practice settings. The spread in pay is often dictated by factors like VTS specialty credentials, which can elevate earnings significantly, as well as shift differentials in emergency care settings. Veterinary professionals looking to optimize their salaries here should consider pursuing specialty certifications and leveraging their expertise within the corporate chain framework to achieve higher compensation.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waukegan, IL in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Waukegan?
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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 $46,918 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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