Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Wheeling, IL: $48,249 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Wheeling, IL earns a median $48,249/year (≈ $23.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Wheeling's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $49,690 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $48,249 in 2026. This figure demonstrates a competitive edge, although it falls slightly below the national median of $49,986. The salary range for these professionals in Wheeling stretches from $38,665 at the 10th percentile to $64,136 at the 90th percentile. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, suggest that this market is well-aligned with those offered by larger corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which typically follow a structured pay-scale system. This consistency presents a stable opportunity for veterinary technicians and technologists and highlights Wheeling's unique position within the broader landscape of animal healthcare.
About the Wheeling Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,665 | $18.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,770 | $19.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,249 | $23.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,192 | $28.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,136 | $30.84 |
Median Salary Position
3.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheeling
In Wheeling, IL, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,471 (2026 est.). At $48,249, the local median is 3.47% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheeling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheeling Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Wheeling median: $48,249/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheeling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $49,436 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -3.47% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Wheeling, IL earn a median of $48,249 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.47% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $49,436.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheeling 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.
Wheeling, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $48,249 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,690 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,093
2025 BLS Actual
$45,734
2026 Current Est.
$48,249
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,093 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,912 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,914 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,734 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,249 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,903 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheeling metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,093 (2019) to $45,734 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,903 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,810 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling 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) | $38,665 – $40,770 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,770 – $48,249 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,249 – $59,192 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,192 – $64,136 |
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 Wheeling
The local job market supports a modest employment number of six veterinary technologists and technicians, a figure that speaks to the niche demand within the area. Given Wheeling's cost of living index of 97.1, professionals can enjoy a reasonably comfortable lifestyle, albeit with some limitations in purchasing power compared to national averages. Among potential employers, corporate hospital chains such as VCA and BluePearl tend to offer higher salaries than general practice veterinary clinics, while specialty hospitals specializing in emergency care or oncology may also present more lucrative positions. The disparity in earnings arises from various factors, including the value of having a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, which can propel pay significantly upward. Those seeking to maximize their earnings in Wheeling should focus on obtaining such credentials or exploring opportunities with specialty facilities where differential pay and increased responsibilities may lead to greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Wheeling, 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 $45,734 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Wheeling 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 Wheeling 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