Veterinarian Salary in Woodridge, IL: $137,652 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinarian in Woodridge, IL earns a median $137,652/year (≈ $66.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Once you factor in Woodridge's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $141,763 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinarians in Woodridge, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $137,652, which positions them slightly above the national average of $137,334 for 2026. Compensation in this field varies significantly, with salaries ranging from $79,838 at the 10th percentile to $213,361 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. As specialty board certification in areas such as surgery, internal medicine, or emergency care continues to heighten in prevalence, it drives higher premiums within the job market for veterinarians in Woodridge, reflecting the growing demand for advanced veterinary services.
In Woodridge, the local job market currently employs nine veterinarians, which indicates a stabilized yet competitive environment for veterinary professionals. With a cost of living index of 97.1, the take-home purchasing power for veterinarians in the area remains favorable, although slightly below national averages. The market is influenced by a variety of employers, including corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl, which account for about 25% of the local landscape. This brings forth variations in compensation, fueled by factors like specialty certifications, production-based payment models, and potential sign-on bonuses ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for new graduates in shortage areas. Veterinarians in Woodridge might consider advancing their skills in specialties or seeking ownership opportunities in independent practices to maximize their earning potential in this evolving market.
About the Woodridge Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,838 | $38.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,307 | $51.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,652 | $66.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,951 | $81.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,361 | $102.57 |
Median Salary Position
0.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woodridge
In Woodridge, IL, the veterinarian salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,523 (2026 est.). At $137,652, the local median is 0.23% above the national median of $137,334.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Woodridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Woodridge Veterinarian Pay Compares
Woodridge median: $137,652/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Woodridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $140,033 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $137,334 | +0.23% more |
Veterinarians in Woodridge, IL earn a median of $137,652 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.23% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $140,033.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Woodridge has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Woodridge, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A veterinarian earning $137,652 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,763 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$95,682
2025 BLS Actual
$130,402
2026 Current Est.
$137,652
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Woodridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,682 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,376 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,393 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,402 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,652 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,306 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Woodridge metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 36.3% from $95,682 (2019) to $130,402 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,306 by 2027 — a total increase of $49,624 (51.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodridge metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,838 – $106,307 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,307 – $137,652 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,652 – $169,951 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,951 – $213,361 |
DVM salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinarian compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
More salary data for Woodridge, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Woodridge, IL in 2026?
Is Woodridge, IL a good place to work as a veterinarian?
Can veterinarians make $100K in Woodridge?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinarian salary in Woodridge?
How much does a veterinarian make per hour in Woodridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $130,402 for veterinariansin the Woodridge metropolitan area. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodridge is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov