Veterinary Technician in Illinois: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Animal healthcare
Illinois employs 5,040 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $46,440 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Illinois licensing picture, and where to train.
What Veterinary technicians Earn in Illinois (May 2025)
- Illinois median pay
- $46,440 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,580
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $57,500
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $60,520
- Employed in Illinois
- 5,040
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $45,980 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major Illinois markets:
- Champaign–Urbana
- $53,110 (260 employed)
- Chicago metro
- $47,820 (3,250 employed)
- Bloomington
- $46,940 (60 employed)
- Rockford
- $46,760 (100 employed)
- Springfield
- $46,740 (60 employed)
- Peoria
- $44,140 (110 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Illinois
Prices in Illinois run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $46,440 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Illinois (2024–2034)
Illinois is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +15.3%, faster than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 580 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Illinois License and Certification Requirements
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) — regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program (~2 years).
- Pass the VTNE.
- Apply through IDFPR's CORE online system.
Official requirements: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) →
Training in Illinois
Joliet Junior College's program is the state's best-known pipeline. Chicago's specialty/emergency hospitals pay the most; the certification protects your title and scope versus uncredentialed assistants.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Illinois include:
- Black Hawk College — Associate
- Carl Sandburg College — Associate
- City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College — Associate
- City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want clinical care work outside human healthcare.
Think twice if: Lower pay, emotional cases, animal handling, or client stress would be too much.
Why it's resilient: Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
First Steps
Compare AVMA-accredited vet tech programs and state credentialing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technicians make in Illinois?
The median wage for veterinary technicians in Illinois is $46,440 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,580, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $60,520. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in Illinois?
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program (~2 years).
Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in Illinois?
Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
Which Illinois metros pay veterinary technicians the most?
Among Illinois metro areas, Champaign–Urbana leads at $53,110, followed by Chicago metro ($47,820), Bloomington ($46,940). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Veterinary Technician in Illinois?
Real Illinois options include Black Hawk College, Carl Sandburg College, City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College. Most veterinary technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Veterinary Technician a growing career in Illinois?
Illinois projects veterinary technicians employment to change +15.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 580 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Illinois statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Illinois wages · Illinois licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.