HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Veterinarian Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$97,218/yr
Typical range: $98,248 – $115,775
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Veterinarian salary by experience level in Chicago
Veterinarian Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $97,218 | $8,102 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $119,439 | $9,953 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $132,402 | $11,034 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $146,660 | $12,222 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $177,770 | $14,814 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $204,436 | $17,036 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $211,102 | $17,592 | +117% |
Current Salary
$97,218
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $47/hr
Next Level Target
$119,439
Junior · 2
+$22Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
62/100
Good
+19% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Veterinarian salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Veterinarians in Chicago, IL earn approximately $97K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Veterinarian make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $97K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $47/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Veterinarian in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Veterinarian in Chicago, IL earns $167K–$196K/yr.