Veterinarian Salary

Algonquin vs Champaign: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Algonquin, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Algonquin, IL
$135,956
$65.36/hr
Champaign, IL
$112,443
$54.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlgonquin, ILChampaign, IL
Median Salary$135,956$112,443
Hourly Rate$65.36$54.06
Entry Level (P10)$78,854$55,039
25th Percentile$111,212$88,945
75th Percentile$173,782$136,299
Top Earner (P90)$210,732$175,863
Total Employed580
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Algonquin ($135,956) and Champaign ($112,443) veterinarian salaries.AlgonquinChampaignMedian Salary$135,956$112,443Entry Level (P10)$78,854$55,039Top Earner (P90)$210,732$175,863US Median $137,334

Verdict

Algonquin, IL offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.

The salary gap between Algonquin and Champaign is $23,513 (20.91%). Algonquin's median is -1.00% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Algonquin spans $131,878,Champaign spans $120,824. Algonquin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Algonquin
P10 (Entry)$78,854
P25$111,212
Median$135,956
P75$173,782
P90 (Top)$210,732
Champaign
P10 (Entry)$55,039
P25$88,945
Median$112,443
P75$136,299
P90 (Top)$175,863

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Algonquin ($140,016 effective) pays 15.44% more than Champaign ($121,293 effective).

Algonquin
Nominal: $135,956
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $140,016
Champaign
Nominal: $112,443
CoL Index: 92.704
Adjusted: $121,293

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Algonquin if…

  • Higher median salary ($135,956/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($210,732)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,016)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Champaign if…

  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Algonquin grew 12.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in Champaign over the same period.

Algonquin, IL

+12.0%

$114,959 (2024) → $128,795 (2025)

Champaign, IL

+11.7%

$95,380 (2019) → $106,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Algonquin or Champaign?

Algonquin has a higher median veterinarian salary at $135,956/year, compared to Champaign at $112,443/year — a difference of $23,513 (20.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Algonquin and Champaign?

Algonquin veterinarians earn $65.36/hr while Champaign hygienists earn $54.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Algonquin to Champaign as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Algonquin and Champaign. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Algonquin = $140,016, Champaign = $121,293), job availability (5 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Algonquin vs Champaign?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $78,854 in Algonquin and $55,039 in Champaign. The Algonquin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM

Career Analyst

Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov