Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Buffalo Grove, IL: $23.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Buffalo Grove, IL runs $23.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,525 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Buffalo Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,111 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buffalo Grove, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.33, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate allows part-time practitioners—working typically three days a week—to earn a reasonable income while maintaining a flexible schedule, which can be ideal for those balancing multiple commitments. Per-diem workers in a variety of settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research labs, can also benefit from this hourly structure. The hourly compensation varies, with entry-level positions starting at about $18.92 (P10) and seasoned professionals potentially earning up to $31.27 (P90), indicating a wide range of opportunities for growth and specialization within the field.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.92 | $151.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.88 | $159.01 |
| Median (P50) | $23.33 | $186.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.40 | $219.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.27 | $250.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo Grove
Based on $23.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.33/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,991. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $933.04 | $4,043 | $48,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $559.83 | $2,426 | $29,111 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.22 | $1,617 | $19,407 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Buffalo Grove) | $23.33 |
| 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 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $48,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $49,414.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.33/hr = $29,111/year (purchasing power: $29,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,518/year (purchasing power: $49,967).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Buffalo Grove grew 34.1% from $16.48/hr (2019) to $22.11/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.61/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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo Grove 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 5.50% 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 Buffalo Grove
When considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician in Buffalo Grove working 24 hours a week could expect to bring home around $29,165 annually, compared to a full-time professional whose earnings could be significantly higher given a standard workweek. For those gravitating towards per-diem roles, billed rates can see substantial variation, typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general coverage, while those with VTS certifications can command up to $55 per hour in specialized settings. Hourly rates fluctuate depending on the type of employer; professionals at corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl might earn differently than those at independent clinics or specialty hospitals. It's essential to weigh the benefits of consistent pay and health insurance against potentially higher hourly rates without benefits, as these factors significantly shape overall compensation. For those negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing skills and certifications—especially for specialty credentials—can lead to better offers in the competitive Buffalo Grove job market.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Buffalo Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Buffalo Grove?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Buffalo Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Buffalo Grove?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Buffalo Grove?
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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.
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 Buffalo Grove. 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 Buffalo Grove 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 5.50%, 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