Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Carol Stream, IL: $23.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Carol Stream, IL runs $23.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,923 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Carol Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carol Stream, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $23.04 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $24.03. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this rate translates to a weekly income that can significantly enhance their overall financial stability, especially when coupled with other income sources or benefits from different roles. The hourly range for this profession varies notably, with entry-level positions starting at around $17.02, while experienced professionals can earn up to $30.38 per hour. This range reflects the diverse opportunities available in various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university teaching clinics, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. Predicted rates are derived from detailed annual salary data and provide an essential overview for those considering careers in this field.
About the Carol Stream 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) | $17.02 | $136.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.79 | $158.33 |
| Median (P50) | $23.04 | $184.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.06 | $224.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.38 | $243.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carol Stream
Based on $23.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.04/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carol Stream, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,926 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,649. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carol Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $921.65 | $3,994 | $47,926 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $552.99 | $2,396 | $28,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.66 | $1,598 | $19,170 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Carol Stream) | $23.04 |
| 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 Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $47,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $49,406.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.04/hr = $28,755/year (purchasing power: $29,614).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,926/year (purchasing power: $49,357).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carol Stream grew 34.1% from $16.28/hr (2019) to $21.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.31/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 Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream
When evaluating the financial landscape further, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours per week might take home significantly varied annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts, who work around 40-hour weeks. Per diem positions present even more enticing opportunities, with veterinary technologist and technician pay in Carol Stream significantly increasing for these roles to between $25 and $40 per hour. Credentialing as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) can boost earning potential even higher, with specialized technicians commanding rates between $35 and $55 per hour. This trend reflects market demands, particularly in specialty referral hospitals and emergency care, where understaffing often leads to increased pay for weekend and overnight shifts, reaching $30 to $50. Those considering a position should weigh the benefits of job stability and health insurance against potentially higher hourly pay in more flexible, but less secure, roles. Negotiating hourly rates effectively can lead to improved job satisfaction and financial security, particularly with the ongoing workforce shortage in the veterinary sector impacting compensation across the board.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carol Stream in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Carol Stream?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Carol Stream paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Carol Stream?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Carol Stream?
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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 Carol Stream. 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 Carol Stream 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