Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Crystal Lake, IL: $22.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Crystal Lake, IL runs $22.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,068 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Crystal Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,242 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Crystal Lake, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $22.63 for 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03, reflecting a regional pay scale influenced by local economic conditions. For part-time workers offering their services three days a week, or those opting for per-diem roles in diverse environments like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or research facilities, this hourly rate can translate to variable earnings depending on the number of hours worked. Those entering the workforce might begin at around $17.91 per hour, while the highest earners in the field can take home as much as $29.86 hourly, emphasizing a range that accommodates both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the veterinary field.
About the Crystal Lake 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) | $17.91 | $143.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.95 | $151.58 |
| Median (P50) | $22.63 | $181.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.57 | $220.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.86 | $238.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Crystal Lake
Based on $22.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.63/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Crystal Lake, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,070 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,156. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Crystal Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Crystal Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $905.19 | $3,922 | $47,070 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.11 | $2,353 | $28,242 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.08 | $1,569 | $18,828 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Crystal Lake) | $22.63 |
| 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 Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $47,068 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.84% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $49,441.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.63/hr = $28,242/year (purchasing power: $29,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,070/year (purchasing power: $48,476).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Crystal Lake grew 34.1% from $15.99/hr (2019) to $21.45/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.87/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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
For a veterinary technologist or technician working part-time—let’s say approximately 24 hours weekly—the annual earnings can be considerably lower than that of full-time counterparts, reflecting both the part-time schedule and the average hourly earnings. Many per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Crystal Lake charge between $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized roles for VTS-credentialed technicians commanding rates as high as $35 to $55 per hour. Notably, for those engaged in weekend or overnight emergency coverage, the hourly pay can reach $30 to $50, particularly in a market where staffing shortages are acute. The differentiation in pay often aligns with employer type; corporate chain hospitals tend to offer more stability and benefits, albeit at potentially lower hourly rates than specialty or research institutions where the pay might be higher but without extensive benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, the emphasis should be on balancing competitive pay against the value of benefits offered, an especially pivotal aspect in a market experiencing significant workforce dynamics.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Crystal Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Crystal Lake?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Crystal Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Crystal Lake?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Crystal Lake?
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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 Crystal Lake. 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 Crystal Lake 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