Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $22.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Elmhurst, IL runs $22.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,757 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,058 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $22.48 in 2026, which slightly lags behind the national median of $24.03. For those working part-time, such as in general practice treatment areas or specialty hospital units, this translates to about $1,800 monthly before taxes, if one works about 24 hours a week. Entry-level positions can start around $17.56 per hour, while experienced technicians may earn up to $28.58. These ranges reflect the competitive nature of the profession, driven by a workforce shortage that has led to substantial pay increases in recent years, particularly affecting both new entrants and seasoned specialists within the growing field of veterinary medicine.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $17.56 | $140.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.64 | $149.13 |
| Median (P50) | $22.48 | $179.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.73 | $213.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.58 | $228.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $22.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.48/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,763 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,978. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $899.28 | $3,897 | $46,763 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.57 | $2,338 | $28,058 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.71 | $1,559 | $18,705 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Elmhurst) | $22.48 |
| 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 Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $46,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.46% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $49,426.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.48/hr = $28,058/year (purchasing power: $28,896).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,763/year (purchasing power: $48,159).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elmhurst grew 34.1% from $15.89/hr (2019) to $21.31/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.72/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
Considering part-time structures, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week typically earns considerably less annually than full-timers, even if compensated at a $25 to $40 hourly rate for per-diem roles. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Elmhurst varies greatly; it can reach between $30 and $50 per hour for emergency and overnight shifts at short-staffed clinics. At the same time, the employer type dramatically impacts pay; corporate chains may offer more predictable hours, but often at lower rates compared to specialty referral hospitals, where advanced certifications like VTS can significantly boost earning potential. Some professionals might choose lower hourly wages at primary practices for the benefits they provide—highlighting a common trade-off in the field. When negotiating hourly rates, workers in Elmhurst may benefit from emphasizing their skills and certifications, as specialty credentials can command higher pay and reflect dedication to ongoing education in a fast-evolving industry.
More salary data for Elmhurst, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elmhurst in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elmhurst?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Elmhurst paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Elmhurst?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Elmhurst?
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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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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