HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Veterinarian Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$177,770/yr
Typical range: $166,603 – $196,325
P90 · 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% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $146,660 | $12,222 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$177,770
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$204,436
Principal · 14
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
62/100
Good
+19% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Veterinarian salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Veterinarians in Chicago, IL earn approximately $178K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Veterinarian make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $178K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.