Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cicero, IL: $23.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cicero, IL runs $23.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,842 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cicero's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,703 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Cicero, Illinois can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $23.00 in 2026, which trails slightly behind the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in various environments, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, university clinics, and wildlife rehabilitation facilities. For those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or more flexible per-diem roles, this hourly rate translates to significant earnings potential. Entry-level technicians might start at approximately $17.52 per hour, while more experienced professionals could see wages reaching as high as $30.26 per hour, underscoring a broad wage spectrum for veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Cicero.
About the Cicero 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) | $17.52 | $140.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.85 | $150.82 |
| Median (P50) | $23.00 | $183.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.84 | $222.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.26 | $242.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cicero
Based on $23.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.00/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cicero, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,599. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cicero.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cicero
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $919.96 | $3,986 | $47,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $551.98 | $2,392 | $28,703 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $367.98 | $1,595 | $19,135 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cicero) | $23.00 |
| 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 Cicero, IL earn a median of $47,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.29% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $49,424.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.00/hr = $28,703/year (purchasing power: $29,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,838/year (purchasing power: $49,267).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cicero grew 34.1% from $16.25/hr (2019) to $21.80/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.26/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 Cicero 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 Cicero
Examining the earning potential of part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals that a typical three-day work week covering 24 hours brings home an annual income significantly less than a full-time position, yet still respectable for many. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Cicero typically ranges from $25-$40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialty technicians earning even higher rates of $35-$55 per hour. Furthermore, weekend or overnight shifts, particularly in emergency care at understaffed facilities, may offer $30-$50 per hour, reflecting the acute workforce shortage in the industry. The type of employer also plays a crucial role in determining pay rates. General practice clinics may offer lower pay than corporate chain hospitals or specialty hospitals. Some veterinary technologists make a calculated choice to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for sustainable benefits like health insurance. In negotiations, emphasizing skills and qualifications, particularly for those with VTS credentials, can make a significant impact on securing favorable pay rates.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cicero in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cicero?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cicero paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cicero?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cicero?
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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 Cicero. 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 Cicero 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