HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Veterinarian Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$146,660/yr
Typical range: $166,603 – $196,325
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$146,660
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $71/hr
Next Level Target
$177,770
Staff · 10
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
62/100
Good
+19% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Veterinarian salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Veterinarians in Chicago, IL earn approximately $147K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Veterinarian make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $147K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $71/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Veterinarian in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Veterinarian in Chicago, IL earns $167K–$196K/yr.