Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Galesburg, IL: $22.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Galesburg, IL runs $22.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,887 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Galesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,137 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary technologists and technicians in Galesburg, Illinois, can expect a median hourly rate of $22.55, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate reflects the market for individuals working in a variety of settings including general veterinary practices, specialty hospitals, and academic institutions. For those considering part-time employment or per-diem opportunities, this hourly wage can translate to meaningful earnings; for example, a technician working three days a week may earn over $24,000 annually. In Galesburg, the hourly pay ranges from $17.71 for entry-level positions up to $29.57 for those at the top of their profession, providing positions for varying experience levels and job settings. Hourly estimates are derived from annual data, indicating that there's a structured pay scale based on professional credentials and experience.
About the Galesburg 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) | $17.71 | $141.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.77 | $150.15 |
| Median (P50) | $22.55 | $180.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.37 | $218.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.57 | $236.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galesburg
Based on $22.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.55/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galesburg, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,894 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,054. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $901.81 | $3,908 | $46,894 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $541.09 | $2,345 | $28,137 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $360.73 | $1,563 | $18,758 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Galesburg) | $22.55 |
| 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 Galesburg, IL earn a median of $46,887 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.20% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $49,407.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.55/hr = $28,137/year (purchasing power: $28,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,894/year (purchasing power: $48,295).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Galesburg grew 34.1% from $15.93/hr (2019) to $21.37/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.79/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 Galesburg 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 Galesburg
Contemplating the part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician in Galesburg working 24 hours a week may take home approximately $22,000 annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles, often appealing for flexibility, typically pay between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized technicians holding VTS credentials commanding $35 to $55 per hour. Furthermore, positions that require weekend or overnight shifts at emergency facilities may offer rates between $30 and $50. The variety of employer types also affects pay, as corporate chain hospitals might not match the rates offered by specialty referral or research institutions. While some professionals may opt for lower hourly wages to secure benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher wages in per-diem roles without benefits. For those seeking to negotiate hourly rates, understanding local market values and demonstrating specialized skills can be advantageous in obtaining competitive pay in Galesburg's veterinary community.
More salary data for Galesburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Galesburg in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Galesburg?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Galesburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Galesburg?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Galesburg?
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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 Galesburg. 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 Galesburg 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