Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $24.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chicago, IL runs $24.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,450 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,270 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicago are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $24.25 in 2026, which slightly exceeds the national median of $24.03 per hour. This competitive hourly pay opens opportunities for various work schedules, enabling part-time employees working three days a week to maintain a reasonable income while balancing other commitments. This position spans a spectrum of job settings, from general practice clinics to specialized hospitals and even pharmaceutical research facilities, with entry-level technicians earning roughly $19.81 per hour, while those at the top end of the pay scale can make as much as $31.79 per hour based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. These figures illustrate the flexible earning potential offered to veterinary professionals in Chicago, highlighting the diverse environments where they can apply their skills.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.81 | $158.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.29 | $186.36 |
| Median (P50) | $24.25 | $194.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.63 | $237.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.79 | $254.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $24.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.25/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $50,449 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,105. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $970.18 | $4,204 | $50,449 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.11 | $2,522 | $30,270 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.07 | $1,682 | $20,180 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chicago) | $24.25 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $50,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.93% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% above the Illinois state average of $49,412.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.25/hr = $30,270/year (purchasing power: $29,219).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,449/year (purchasing power: $48,699).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicago grew 31.9% from $17.43/hr (2019) to $22.99/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.59/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working an average of 24 hours per week, can expect to take home around $30,240 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Those engaged in per diem roles may find even greater earning potential; per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicago typically charge between $25 and $40 per hour. Notably, specialty technicians with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can command rates from $35 to $55 per hour, particularly during weekend or overnight shifts in high-demand emergency settings. Hourly rates can vary dramatically based on the type of employer, with general practice clinics and corporate chains often offering different pay scales compared to specialty or research facilities. Many technicians face a choice between higher hourly wages with fewer benefits or lower pay paired with health insurance and other job securities. For those negotiating hourly pay in Chicago, understanding the specific demands of different employers and leveraging credentials can be crucial to maximizing compensation while securing a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chicago?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicago paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chicago?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chicago?
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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 Chicago. 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