Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Northwest Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $36,380 -2.5% vs national
Median hourly $17.49
10th percentile $29,470
90th percentile $46,570
Employed locally 120
National median $37,320

Compare Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary & buying power

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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
in
Northwest Illinois
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,470
    25th
    $30,190
    50th (median)
    $36,380
    75th
    $37,070
    90th
    $46,570

    Top-paying metros for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area $58,120
    New Haven, CT $57,320
    Rhode Island $48,050
    Providence-Warwick, RI-MA $48,010
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $47,460
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $47,040

    Related occupations in Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Nursing Assistants $38,500
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $35,820
    Dental Assistants $45,850
    Medical Assistants $37,460
    Phlebotomists $38,620
    Physical Therapist Assistants $62,730

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Northwest Illinois is $17.49, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.04 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Northwest Illinois is 2.5% below the national median of $37,320. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $29,470 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,190.