Agriculture & Environment Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Veterinary Technician Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median veterinary technician salary in Chicago, IL is $40,928 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$40,928
vs State Avg
+$4,590
vs National
+$2,678
Cost of Living
107%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median veterinary technician salary of $40,928, which is $4,590 above the Illinois state average of $36,338. Compared to the national median of $38,250, 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 veterinary technicians in Chicago spans from $28,890 at the 10th percentile to $58,850 at the 90th percentile — a $29,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,030, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,710. 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.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $31,030, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,710 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,030
+$2,030 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,730
+$2,730 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,710
+$3,710 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $28,890
25th Percentile $34,240
Median (50th) $40,928
75th Percentile $49,220
90th Percentile $58,850

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$41,310
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$36,338
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$32,513
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$31,365
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Chicago

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Chicago

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Chicago

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Chicago, Illinois is $40,928 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $28,890 (10th percentile) to $58,850 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,928, a veterinary technician in Chicago earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Chicago's median veterinary technician salary of $40,928 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $36,338. 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 veterinary technician salary of $40,928 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Chicago? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Chicago require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.