How much do veterinary technicians earn in Chicago?

Answer 1

There are a variety of positions in an animal hospital and the pay depends upon schooling and experience in the field.

The wages/salaries vary widely in the Chicago area, which but the ones cited here are pretty typical (but these numbers also hold pretty well in large city settings nation-wide).

Certified Veterinary Technicians are the best paid, starting at $15+ per hour with an increasing wage or salary dependent upon experience in the field. In some practices, experienced CVTs can make $30,000/$40,000+. In addition to the salary, some practices offer generous benefits such as health care, vacation, paid holidays, bereavement time, personal days, reimbursement for continuing education, and others.

Certified Veterinary Technicians are graduates from a college/jr. college with an accredited veterinary technology program, which is typically two years. After receiving their degree they are veterinary technicians and become certified when they pass a board accreditation examination.

Veterinary Technicians are graduates from a veterinary technology program but have not taken the board examination. Because they are a step lower than the CVT they start at a lower wage, possibly $12+ per hour and with experience the wage will increase. They may also receive a nice benefits package depending upon what the practice offers. When they pass the board examination, they will receive a bump in pay as they are then CVTs.

Veterinary Assistants have no formal schooling for veterinary technology, rather learning through on the job training. The starting pay may range from minimum wage to $10+ to start, but over time and experience the wages will definitely increase significantly. Generous benefits packages are also available depending upon the practice.

For the best possibility of getting a great job in the field of veterinary medicine and being in demand, as well as starting at the best pay grade possible, it would be recommended to consider enrolling in a veterinary technology program and becoming a CVT. It is a commitment, but if you are planning to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, it will pay off in the long run.