Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Evanston, IL: $23.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Evanston, IL runs $23.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,149 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Evanston's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,493 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Evanston, IL, earn a median hourly wage of $23.63, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This rate is indicative of the financial landscape for professionals in this field working across a variety of settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week could yield a substantial income while allowing for a balanced work-life schedule. The hourly rate can vary significantly, with entry-level positions typically starting at $17.12 and experienced professionals earning up to $32.29, reflecting a competitive compensation structure that supports both career entry and advancement.
About the Evanston 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) | $17.12 | $136.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.71 | $149.64 |
| Median (P50) | $23.63 | $189.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.39 | $235.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.29 | $258.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evanston
Based on $23.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.63/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evanston, IL can expect to earn approximately $49,155 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,358. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evanston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evanston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $945.28 | $4,096 | $49,155 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.17 | $2,458 | $29,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.11 | $1,638 | $19,662 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Evanston) | $23.63 |
| 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 Evanston, IL earn a median of $49,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.67% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $49,446.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.63/hr = $29,493/year (purchasing power: $30,374).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,155/year (purchasing power: $50,623).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Evanston grew 34.1% from $16.70/hr (2019) to $22.40/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.93/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 Evanston 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 Evanston
When it comes to part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week would see a considerable annual income that may differ significantly from full-time wages. Per-diem roles, which are increasingly common, offer pay ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, though veterinary technician specialists (VTS credentialed) can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in specialty and emergency settings that often struggle with staffing. In Evanston, pay scales can also vary widely depending on the employer type, with corporate chains possibly offering steadier hours and benefits compared to specialty or university settings which may provide higher hourly rates but less consistent shifts. For those weighing the option of higher hourly pay against benefits, it's crucial to consider personal financial needs and long-term career goals. When negotiating pay, aspiring technicians should be proactive about researching local market rates, understanding the compensation differentials associated with their level of experience and state credentials, and clearly articulating their value during discussions.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Evanston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Evanston?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Evanston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Evanston?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Evanston?
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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 Evanston. 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 Evanston 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