VeterinaryUpdated Q1 2026

Veterinary Technician Salary
in Rockford, IL

Assist veterinarians with procedures, administer medications, and care for animals. Median salary in Rockford: $34K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$34K
per year
Take-home: $22K

Salary range in Rockford

Entry level (25th)$26,000
Median (50th)$34,000
Senior (75th)$43,000
Top earner (90th)$54,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Rockford, Illinois. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Rockford

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

19% discount vs national median

Veterinary Technicians in Rockford earn approximately 19% lower than the US national median for this role — a $8,000 discount on annual base salary. Rockford's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 80 (US avg = 100).

Strong 6.5% annual wage growth

This role's national salaries are growing at 6.5% year-over-year, well above the BLS all-occupations average of ~3.5%. If that pace holds, the Rockford median reaches $46,583 in five years.

Rent eats 51% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Rockford ($950/mo) consumes approximately 51% of an after-tax median Veterinary Technician salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($43K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Rockford

Median salary
$34K
annual
Take-home pay
$22K
after fed/state tax
COL index
80
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.95%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$950
per month
YoY growth
+6.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Rockford Veterinary Technician to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $34K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Rockford

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Veterinary Technician salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$28K$31K$33K$36K$38K201920212023202520272029
2026
$35K
projected
2027
$36K
projected
2028
$37K
projected
2029
$38K
projected
2030
$38K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$34,000+$0
2028 projected$34,000+$0
2029 projected$34,000+$0
2030 projected$34,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Veterinary Technician Salary in Rockford, Illinois: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Veterinary Technician salary in Rockford, IL is $34,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Rockford–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Veterinary Technician in Rockford

Entry-level Veterinary Technicians in Rockford with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $26,000 and $34,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $34,000 to $43,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $43,000 to $54,000 or more.

Cost of living in Rockford for Veterinary Technicians

Rockford has a cost of living index of 80 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 20% further in Rockford than the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Veterinary Technician

Associate's in Veterinary Technology; VTNE certification. 0% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Veterinary Technician salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Rockford (current)$34K80
Chicago$47K107
Aurora$40K95
Joliet$38K90
Naperville$50K118