Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Veterinarian Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median veterinarian salary in Chicago, IL is $112,553 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$112,553
vs State Avg
+$12,391
vs National
+$9,293
Cost of Living
107%

Veterinarian Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median veterinarian salary of $112,553, which is $12,391 above the Illinois state average of $100,162. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for veterinarians in Chicago spans from $71,068 at the 10th percentile to $189,878 at the 90th percentile — a $118,810 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,120, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,950. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Veterinarian Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $74,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,120
+$6,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$114,450
+$9,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$168,950
+$13,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $71,068
25th Percentile $87,636
Median (50th) $112,553
75th Percentile $146,496
90th Percentile $189,878

Veterinarian Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$113,586
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$100,162
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$89,836
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$86,738
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Veterinarian in Chicago

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Chicago

Browse open veterinarian positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Chicago

How much does a Veterinarian make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Chicago, Illinois is $112,553 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $71,068 (10th percentile) to $189,878 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,553, a veterinarian in Chicago earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Chicago's median veterinarian salary of $112,553 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $100,162. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $112,553 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Chicago? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Chicago require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.