Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $22.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Des Plaines, IL runs $22.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,676 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $22.98, which falls slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage reflects the profession's financial landscape, especially for part-time workers or those in per-diem positions who typically operate within environments like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or university teaching hospitals. Given the range of hourly pay from $17.45 for entry-level roles (P10) to as much as $30.17 for experienced technicians (P90), these figures demonstrate the spectrum of earning potential. For those focused on flexibility, this hourly data is critical, as it informs decisions about hours worked each week and overall income stability.
About the Des Plaines 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) | $17.45 | $139.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.29 | $146.35 |
| Median (P50) | $22.98 | $183.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.78 | $222.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.17 | $241.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $22.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.98/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,794 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,573. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $919.12 | $3,983 | $47,794 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $551.47 | $2,390 | $28,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $367.65 | $1,593 | $19,118 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Des Plaines) | $22.98 |
| 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 Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $47,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.41% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $49,414.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.98/hr = $28,676/year (purchasing power: $29,533).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,794/year (purchasing power: $49,221).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Plaines grew 34.1% from $16.24/hr (2019) to $21.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.24/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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week, the annual take-home can present a stark contrast to full-time colleagues. With a typical schedule amounting to 24 hours weekly, their annual earnings are considerably lower than that of full-time professionals. Conversely, per-diem opportunities often offer a more lucrative path, with some billing rates reaching $25-$40 per hour. Those with VTS credentials can achieve even higher rates, typically between $35-$55 per hour, particularly for weekend or overnight emergency coverage in markets with staffing shortages where rates may soar to $30-$50 per hour. Additionally, hourly rates can vary depending on the type of employer—general practice clinics generally offer lower rates than specialty referral hospitals and larger corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl. This disparity often leads technicians to weigh the benefits of lower pay with health insurance against potentially higher pay without such benefits. For those considering a shift or negotiation in Des Plaines, understanding market demands and the unique value they bring through credentials like the VTNE can be instrumental in enhancing hourly compensation.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Plaines in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Des Plaines?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Des Plaines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Des Plaines?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Des Plaines?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines 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