Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Champaign, IL: $26.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Champaign, IL runs $26.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Champaign's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,627 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Champaign, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $26.94, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This rate opens avenues for part-time professionals working three days a week, providing stable incomes in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals' ICU wards, and university teaching hospitals. For those considering per-diem work, the typical hourly range spans from $21.25 to $32.69, accommodating entry-level positions to experienced technicians. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights a salary range from $21.25 at the 10th percentile to $32.69 at the 90th percentile, aligning with the competitive wage landscape that continues to evolve in Champaign's veterinary field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.25 | $169.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.52 | $188.13 |
| Median (P50) | $26.94 | $215.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.60 | $236.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.69 | $261.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Champaign
Based on $26.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.94/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Champaign, IL can expect to earn approximately $56,045 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,334. With a cost-of-living index of 92.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Champaign.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Champaign
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,077.79 | $4,670 | $56,045 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $646.67 | $2,802 | $33,627 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.12 | $1,868 | $22,418 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Champaign) | $26.94 |
| 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 Champaign, IL earn a median of $56,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.09% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 13.40% above the Illinois state average of $49,410.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.94/hr = $33,627/year (purchasing power: $36,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,045/year (purchasing power: $60,456).
CoL index: 92.704 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Champaign grew 43.2% from $17.83/hr (2019) to $25.54/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.43/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 Champaign 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 Champaign
Turning to the potential earnings of part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, a worker engaging in a 24-hour work week can expect to earn approximately $34,480 annually, which is substantially lower than a full-time position. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians typically command an hourly billing rate of $25 to $40; those with VTS credentials can expect rates between $35 and $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight shifts in emergency and critical care often command even higher rates, reflecting demand. Hourly compensation varies significantly based on the type of employer in Champaign; general practice clinics may offer lower rates, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals provide more competitive pay. Choosing a job with benefits may come at the expense of a higher hourly rate, forcing workers to weigh their priorities carefully. For those seeking to negotiate their pay, local knowledge about typical rates and willingness to discuss both hourly compensation and benefits can be vital in ensuring fair remuneration.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Champaign in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Champaign?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Champaign paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Champaign?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Champaign?
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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 Champaign. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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