Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $23.46 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Aurora, IL runs $23.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,282 per year.

$48,809
Median Annual Salary
$23.46/hr
Hourly Rate
$36,448
Entry Level (P10)
$65,499
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Rate in Aurora, IL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Aurora, IL veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those working in the role of veterinary technologist and technician in Aurora, Illinois, the projected median hourly rate is $23.46 for 2026, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly pay reflects both the opportunities and challenges faced by professionals in this field, especially for part-time employees who may work three days a week, earning a stable income without the commitment of full-time hours. The typical range for hourly wages spans from $17.52 for entry-level positions to $31.49 for experienced practitioners or specialists. Hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data, making it crucial for workers in various settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, teaching hospitals, and research facilities, to understand how these figures translate into their potential earnings in Aurora, IL.

About the Aurora Market

Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$17.52$140.19
Lower Range (P25)$18.54$148.29
Median (P50)$23.46$187.71
Upper Range (P75)$28.69$229.48
Top Earners (P90)$31.49$251.93

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora

Based on $23.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in Aurora earning $23.46/hr would make approximately $28,156 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $48,803 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$28,156Reduced (32 hr/wk)$37,541Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$48,803

At $23.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,803 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,156. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$187.71
per 8hr shift
$938.53
per week
$4,067
per month
$48,803
per year

Schedule Comparison in Aurora

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$938.53$4,067$48,803
Part-Time (24 hrs)$563.12$2,440$29,282
Per Diem (16 hrs)$375.41$1,627$19,521

Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Aurora)$23.46
Veterinary Assistant (National Avg)$17.99
Veterinarian (National Avg)$60.38
Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg)$15.87
Medical Lab Technician (National Avg)$28.18
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Aurora ($48,809) with Illinois average ($49,451) and the US national median ($49,986).Aurora$48,809Illinois Avg$49,451-1.30%US National$49,986-2.35%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Aurora, IL earn a median of $48,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $49,451.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $23.46/hr = $29,282/year (purchasing power: $30,157).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,803/year (purchasing power: $50,261).

CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$16.58/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$22.24/hr

2026 Current Est.

$23.46/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Aurora (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora. Baseline $16.58/hr in 2025, projected to $24.75/hr by 2027.$15$18$21$24$262019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$16.58$17.02$17.30$17.95$20.53$18.44$22.24$23.46$24.75
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$16.58/hrActual
2020$17.02/hrActual
2021$17.30/hrActual
2022$17.95/hrActual
2023$20.53/hrActual
2024$18.44/hrActual
2025$22.24/hrActual
2026(current)$23.46/hrEstimated
2027$24.75/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora grew 34.1% from $16.58/hr (2019) to $22.24/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.75/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Aurora

Evaluating the part-time earnings potential reveals that a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week might take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, highlighting the trade-offs inherent in part-time work. In addition to standard roles, many professionals consider per diem or agency work, where hourly rates can greatly increase; commonly, per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora can bill between $25 and $40 per hour. Credentialed specialists, such as those with the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency care. Factors such as employer type also influence hourly variations, with corporate hospital chains, specialty referral hospitals, and research labs often offering different pay scales. In negotiations, veterinarians and technicians might face the dilemma of accepting lower hourly wages for the benefits associated with full-time roles or opting for higher pay without benefits in a per diem arrangement. Being informed about the market rates and adjusting based on demand will help professionals maximize their earning potential in the evolving veterinary field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora is $23.46/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $17.52 at entry level (10th percentile) to $31.49 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 2.4% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Aurora?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Aurora earns approximately $2,440/month, or $29,282/year at the median hourly rate of $23.46. Many veterinary technologists and technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora are paid hourly at a median rate of $23.46/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $48,803/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Aurora?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Aurora earns approximately $48,803/year at the median hourly rate of $23.46. This is 2.4% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $65,503/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $31.49/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Aurora is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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