Veterinarian Salary in Illinois
Based on 2K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$133,580
$64.22/hr
vs National Average
$124,944
+6.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$75K – $280K
2K employed in Illinois
Veterinarian salary in Illinois averages $133,580 annually, placing the state 7% above the national average. With approximately 2,330 veterinarians employed across Illinois, the profession offers competitive compensation. However, earnings vary considerably, ranging from $74,840 to $280,380 depending on individual circumstances and career trajectory.
Several factors influence veterinarian salary in Illinois, including years of experience, specialization, and practice setting. Veterinarians working in specialized fields such as surgery or emergency medicine typically earn more than those in general practice. Additionally, factors like geographic location within the state, practice ownership versus employment, and client base can significantly impact earning potential and career growth opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Veterinarian in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,840 |
| 25th percentile | $102,630 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,580 |
| 75th percentile | $168,050 |
| 90th percentile | $280,380 |
Top-Paying Industries for Veterinarian (U.S.)
Which industries pay Veterinarians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Veterinarians in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $185,480 | 140 |
| Wholesale Trade | $160,570 | 490 |
| Retail Trade | $150,920 | 640 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $146,960 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $145,940 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Veterinarian in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,530 |
| 2023 | $102,750 |
| 2024 | $128,290 |
| 2025 | $133,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,088 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,530 | $103,756 |
| 2023 | $102,750 | $112,674 |
| 2024 | $128,290 | $118,465 |
| 2025 | $133,580 | $124,944 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,088 | $130,096 |
Veterinarian Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $102,630 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $133,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $168,050 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $280,380 |
Veterinarian Salary in Other States
Related Veterinarian Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Veterinarian ($133,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Veterinarian | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +287.7% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +227.9% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +114.7% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +93.7% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +83.5% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +55.7% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +47.3% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +25.3% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +16.9% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +9.0% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +5.3% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +4.1% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Illinois?
- The median salary for veterinarians in Illinois is $133,580 per year, or $64 per hour. This is 6.9% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for veterinary professionals.
What is the salary range for vets in Illinois?
- Veterinarian salaries in Illinois range from $74,840 at the lower end to $280,380 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice type.
Is veterinarian salary in Illinois above the national average?
- Yes, Illinois veterinarians earn 6.9% above the national average salary. With a median of $133,580 per year, the state offers better compensation than most other states.
How many veterinarians work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 2,330 veterinarians currently employed in Illinois. This represents a substantial market for veterinary services across the state.