RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians salary in Chicago, Illinois

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Chicago metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$49,290
Mean annual$49,240
Range (10th to 90th)$35,980 to $59,370
Chicago, Illinois employment3,520
State vs national+9.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Chicago veterinary technologists and technicians fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$35,98025TH$40,700MEDIAN$49,29075TH$57,84090TH$59,370

The middle 50% of workers earn between $40,700 and $57,840, with a median of $49,290.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Associate's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Biology

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Inductive Reasoning

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Deductive Reasoning

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.

  2. 02

    Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.

  3. 03

    Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.

  4. 04

    Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.

  5. 05

    Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.

  6. 06

    Restrain animals during exams or procedures.

  7. 07

    Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.

  8. 08

    Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chicago, Illinois?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in the Chicago metropolitan area is $49,290.
Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?
The Chicago metro median is +3.0% versus the Illinois state median of $47,860.
How does Chicago compare to the national median for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?
The Chicago metro median is +9.8% versus the BLS national figure of $44,872.
What is the salary range for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chicago?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $35,980 and the 90th-percentile at $59,370 for the Chicago metro area.
What education is required for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Chicago CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.