Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Wheaton, IL: $48,579 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Wheaton, IL earns a median $48,579/year (≈ $23.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Wheaton's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $50,030 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $48,579 in 2026. This figure places local pay slightly below the national median of $49,986, highlighting the nuanced market dynamics at play. The salary range for these professionals spans from $38,171 at the lower end (P10) to $65,373 at the upper end (P90). These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, indicate a competitive landscape influenced by the type of care facility. Notably, those employed in specialty hospitals typically earn more compared to those in general practice settings, reflecting the varied responsibilities and required expertise across different environments in Wheaton's veterinary field.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,171 | $18.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,699 | $19.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,579 | $23.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,679 | $28.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,373 | $31.43 |
Median Salary Position
2.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheaton
In Wheaton, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,202 (2026 est.). At $48,579, the local median is 2.81% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheaton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheaton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Wheaton median: $48,579/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheaton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,419 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.81% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Wheaton, IL earn a median of $48,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.81% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $49,419.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheaton 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.
Wheaton, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,579 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,030 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,326
2025 BLS Actual
$46,046
2026 Current Est.
$48,579
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,326 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,239 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,508 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,173 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,046 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,579 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,250 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheaton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,326 (2019) to $46,046 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,250 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,924 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheaton 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) | $38,171 – $40,699 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,699 – $48,579 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,579 – $59,679 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,679 – $65,373 |
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 Wheaton
In Wheaton, the job market shows a modest presence with only 14 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed. While the salary figures appear attractive, the cost of living index is 97.1, indicating that while housing and everyday expenses may be lower than the national average, take-home pay can still feel constrained. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl may offer competitive salaries, especially for those who have achieved VTS specialty credentials, which can lead to rates exceeding $30 to $45 per hour. Factors driving the salary disparity in Wheaton include the specialized skills in emergency care, internal medicine, or anesthesia, coupled with employment in 24-hour ER hospitals that often provide shift differentials. For aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians, enhancing qualifications through specialization and seeking positions in hospitals that prioritize advanced care can lead to better compensation opportunities in this evolving market.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 $46,046 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Wheaton 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 Wheaton 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