Chicago vs Naperville: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $156,999 | $158,639▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $75.49 | $76.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,261 | $92,010▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,908▲ | $119,006 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,352▲ | $200,369 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $305,396▲ | $245,890 |
| Total Employed | 1,530▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Chicago and Naperville are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $1,640 (1.04%). Naperville's median is +15.51% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $220,135,Naperville spans $153,880. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Naperville ($163,377 effective) pays 7.80% more than Chicago ($151,551 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($305,396)
- ✓Larger job market (1,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($158,639/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,377)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Chicago grew 52.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$97,690 (2019) → $148,730 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$120,896 (2024) → $150,283 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
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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.
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