Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $22.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Downers Grove, IL runs $22.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,155 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,295 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downers Grove, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $22.67 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03, highlighting a modest deviation in compensation within the region. For those considering part-time work, or per-diem positions in general practice, specialty hospitals, or research facilities, this hourly rate translates well across various schedules. For instance, working three days a week typically leads to an annual income of around $29,000, making it an accessible option for those balancing other commitments. The hourly range for these positions varies significantly; entry-level workers earn as little as $18.02, while those at the top of their field can command up to $29.99 per hour, reflecting differences in experience and specialization.
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Downers Grove, the earning potential can differ dramatically compared to full-time work. A technician working 24 hours per week might take home around $29,000 annually, which can be quite appealing for individuals looking to maintain a flexible lifestyle. Per-diem workers often find more lucrative opportunities, billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialty techs earning as much as $55 per hour. This can be particularly advantageous in understaffed emergency and critical care settings, where weekend and overnight shifts can command rates of $30-$50 per hour. Variances in hourly pay are notably affected by employer type; general practice clinics tend to offer lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals. Moreover, negotiating higher pay versus securing benefits can be a crucial trade-off that veterinary technicians must weigh, especially in a market facing a labor shortage. For those working in Downers Grove, being proactive about salary discussions can significantly enhance hourly compensation tailored to individual needs.
About the Downers Grove 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) | $18.02 | $144.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.03 | $152.26 |
| Median (P50) | $22.67 | $181.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.67 | $221.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.99 | $239.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $22.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.67/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,206. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $906.88 | $3,930 | $47,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.13 | $2,358 | $28,295 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.75 | $1,572 | $18,863 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Downers Grove) | $22.67 |
| 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 Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $47,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $49,429.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.67/hr = $28,295/year (purchasing power: $29,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,158/year (purchasing power: $48,566).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Downers Grove grew 34.1% from $16.02/hr (2019) to $21.49/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.92/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 Downers Grove 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.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Downers Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Downers Grove?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Downers Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Downers Grove?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Downers Grove?
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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 Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove 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