Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Carbondale, IL: $22.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Carbondale, IL runs $22.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,296 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Carbondale's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,781 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carbondale, Illinois, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $22.26 for 2026, indicating a slight drop compared to the national hourly median of $24.03. This hourly rate can significantly impact professionals seeking part-time or per-diem positions in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and zoos. For those working three days a week, the earnings translate into around $34,671 annually, providing a feasible income for individuals balancing multiple responsibilities. Entry-level roles in this sector can expect around $18.72 per hour, while seasoned professionals may earn as much as $28.25 per hour, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals amidst a nationwide shortage.
About the Carbondale 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) | $18.72 | $149.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.34 | $154.71 |
| Median (P50) | $22.26 | $178.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.62 | $212.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.25 | $226.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carbondale
Based on $22.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.26/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carbondale, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,302 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,713. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carbondale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carbondale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $890.42 | $3,858 | $46,302 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.25 | $2,315 | $27,781 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.17 | $1,543 | $18,521 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Carbondale) | $22.26 |
| 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 Carbondale, IL earn a median of $46,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.38% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $49,408.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.26/hr = $27,781/year (purchasing power: $28,611).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,302/year (purchasing power: $47,685).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carbondale grew 39.5% from $15.13/hr (2019) to $21.10/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.48/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 Carbondale 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 Carbondale
Analyzing the landscape of veterinary technologist and technician pay in Carbondale sheds light on the numerous variables influencing compensation. Part-time employees working 24 hours a week will see significantly lower annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts, who are more likely to secure stable hourly pay. Per diem veterinary technologists can expect billing rates that range from $25 to $40 per hour, while specialists with VTS credentials may command $35 to $55 per hour in specialty practices. Additionally, those willing to work overnight or weekend shifts often find themselves in high-demand situations, earning between $30 and $50 per hour. While general practice clinics generally offer lower pay than corporate chains and specialty hospitals, benefits like health insurance can motivate professionals to accept lower rates. Negotiation for increased hourly rates is essential, especially in light of the competitive labor market and growing shortage of veterinary professionals in Carbondale and beyond.
More salary data for Carbondale, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carbondale in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Carbondale?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Carbondale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Carbondale?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Carbondale?
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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 Carbondale. 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 Carbondale 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