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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Veterinary Technician in Illinois is $46,169 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Registered Veterinary Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Registered Veterinary Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $51,217 | $4,268 | $985 | $25 |
| Average | $46,169 | $3,847 | $888 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,508 | $3,542 | $817 | $20 |
Animal Hospital of Springfield, LLC - Springfield, IL
National Veterinary Association - Chicago, IL
SuVeto - Chicago, IL
The Castro Animal Hospital - Godfrey, IL
A Registered Veterinary Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Registered Veterinary Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Registered Veterinary Technician | $45,559 |
| Intermediate Level Registered Veterinary Technician | $45,813 |
| Senior Level Registered Veterinary Technician | $46,576 |
| Specialist Level Registered Veterinary Technician | $48,856 |
| Expert Level Registered Veterinary Technician | $49,993 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Registered Veterinary Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Registered Veterinary Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Registered Veterinary Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Registered Veterinary Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $60,020 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $55,403 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $50,786 | $24.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Registered Veterinary Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $51,217 | $4,268 | $985 | $25 |
| Average | $46,169 | $3,847 | $888 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,508 | $3,542 | $817 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Registered Veterinary Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
GoodVets
Elmwood Park, IL
GoodVets | Elmwood Park, IL
Who We Are:GoodVets is a nationwide network of modern animal hospitals, co-owned with local veterinarians who are passionate about delivering gold-standard... more
9 Days Ago
TAD-CRYSTAL LAKE LTD
Cary, IL
TAD-CRYSTAL LAKE LTD | Cary, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits/Perks. Flexible Scheduling. Career Advancement Opportunities. Competitive Compensation. Fun Working Environment ... more
9 Days Ago
National Veterinary Association
Lombard, IL
National Veterinary Association | Lombard, IL
Veterinary Technician. City: Lombard. State: Illinois. Hospital Name: Carriage Animal Hospital more
9 Days Ago
Veterinary Practice Partners
Lemont, IL
Veterinary Practice Partners | Lemont, IL
Veterinary Technician. Archer Veterinary Clinic is a full service animal hospital located in Lemont, IL, a suburb of Chicago. We have been in the community... more
9 Days Ago
VCA Animal Hospitals
Westmont, IL
VCA Animal Hospitals | Westmont, IL
Veterinary Technician Opportunity. VCA West Suburban Veterinary Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Technician to join our exceptional team. Schedule: Full-ti... more
9 Days Ago
Prospect Animal Hospital
Arlington Heights, IL
Prospect Animal Hospital | Arlington Heights, IL
We are looking for a part time veterinary technician that has a minimum of 2 years experience working with dogs and cats and that can work the front desk a... more
10 Days Ago
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