Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $22.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in DeKalb, IL runs $22.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,563 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,532 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians reflects the local market dynamics, with a median of $22.86, which is 4.85% below the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate is crucial for both part-time employees and those working on a per-diem basis, as many in the profession often find themselves in general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even academic settings like university teaching hospitals. For those working three days a week, this hourly wage allows for a reasonable living, although the compensation may not always align with efforts in high-demand areas such as emergency and critical care units. The hourly pay range spans from $18.49 for entry-level positions to $30.63 for the most experienced and skilled individuals in the field, offering a clear trajectory for career growth.
About the DeKalb 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) | $18.49 | $147.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.43 | $155.46 |
| Median (P50) | $22.86 | $182.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.79 | $214.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.63 | $245.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $22.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.86/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,553 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,434. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $914.47 | $3,963 | $47,553 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.68 | $2,378 | $28,532 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.79 | $1,585 | $19,021 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (DeKalb) | $22.86 |
| 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 DeKalb, IL earn a median of $47,563 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.85% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $49,441.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.86/hr = $28,532/year (purchasing power: $29,384).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,553/year (purchasing power: $48,973).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in DeKalb grew 34.1% from $16.15/hr (2019) to $21.67/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.12/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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb
Evaluating the earning potential, a part-time veterinary technologist working 24 hours a week would net significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts, which can impact financial stability. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in DeKalb often ranges between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty credentialed technicians, such as those holding a VTS certification, earning upwards of $35 to $55 per hour. Additionally, weekend and overnight coverage in understaffed facilities can demand from $30 to $50 per hour, illustrating how hourly rates can vary greatly depending on the work environment. Employers such as corporate chains and specialty hospitals generally offer more competitive pay, but candidates must weigh benefits against hourly rates—some might accept lower pay in exchange for health insurance coverage. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers should consider skill and certification level, highlighting the value of a strong resume that reflects training and experience, particularly in a climate where veterinary professionals are in short supply.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in DeKalb in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in DeKalb?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in DeKalb paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in DeKalb?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in DeKalb?
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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 DeKalb. 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 DeKalb 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