Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Decatur, IL: $24.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Decatur, IL runs $24.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,117 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,072 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $24.10, which is slightly above the national median of $24.03. This rate signifies solid earning potential for part-time workers or those considering per-diem roles, typically in diverse settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, university teaching hospital clinics, and zoos. For those working three days a week, maybe 24 hours total, the annual income can still reflect a decent living, especially given the prevailing cost of living index in the area is below the national average. Entry-level positions might see hourly rates at $18.19, while experienced professionals in specialist roles can command as much as $31.47, showcasing the range of opportunities available for veterinary staff within the city.
About the Decatur 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) | $18.19 | $145.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.65 | $157.24 |
| Median (P50) | $24.10 | $192.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.09 | $232.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.47 | $251.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $24.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.10/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, IL can expect to earn approximately $50,120 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,915. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $963.85 | $4,177 | $50,120 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $578.31 | $2,506 | $30,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.54 | $1,671 | $20,048 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Decatur) | $24.10 |
| 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 Decatur, IL earn a median of $50,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.26% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $49,425.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.10/hr = $30,072/year (purchasing power: $30,970).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,120/year (purchasing power: $51,617).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Decatur grew 34.1% from $17.03/hr (2019) to $22.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.42/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working in Decatur, the differences in annual earnings compared to full-timers can be stark. A 24-hour week would yield approximately $25,201, significantly lower than a full-time salary but still a viable option for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem positions tend to offer greater flexibility and can bring in $25 to $40 an hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists potentially earning between $35 and $55. Those covering weekends or overnight shifts at busy veterinary emergency clinics often see higher hourly rates of $30 to $50 — lucrative compensation in a market undersupplied with workers. Rates can vary greatly depending on the type of employer, with corporate chains and specialty hospitals frequently providing better pay but possibly fewer benefits. As many in the field negotiate their hourly pay in Decatur, balancing the choice between higher rates without benefits or lower rates that include health insurance becomes essential. Understanding both the market demand and your own needs is crucial for maximizing your compensation as a veterinary technician in this local landscape.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Decatur in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Decatur?
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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 Decatur. 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 Decatur 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