Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $23.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Joliet, IL runs $23.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,108 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,466 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is set around $23.61. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03, which places Joliet workers in a competitive yet challenging position within the job market. For part-time positions, such as those working three days a week, this equates to approximately $1,014.64 weekly, translating to about $52,761.92 annually, assuming a consistent schedule. Per-diem positions, commonly found in varied settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals, offer flexibility but vary significantly in pay. The hourly rate can range from $17.85 at the entry level to $31.98 for seasoned professionals, demonstrating the potential for growth as one gains experience and certification in specialized fields.
About the Joliet 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) | $17.85 | $142.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.33 | $154.62 |
| Median (P50) | $23.61 | $188.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.03 | $232.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.98 | $255.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $23.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.61/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $49,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,333. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $944.44 | $4,093 | $49,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.66 | $2,456 | $29,466 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.77 | $1,637 | $19,644 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Joliet) | $23.61 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $49,108 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $49,405.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.61/hr = $29,466/year (purchasing power: $30,346).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,111/year (purchasing power: $50,577).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Joliet grew 34.1% from $16.68/hr (2019) to $22.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.91/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
While the base rate in Joliet reflects competitive opportunities, there is considerable earning potential for part-time workers in other modalities. A veterinary technologist and technician working part-time could take home about $31,182.56 annually, versus a full-time colleague's income. For per-diem or agency roles, the pay can vary significantly based on location and demand, with rates of $25 to $40 per hour being common. Further specialization, such as gaining a VTS credential, opens doors for even higher compensation, at times exceeding $35 to $55 per hour. Additionally, some veterinary technologists and technicians weigh the benefits of steady employment, like health insurance, against potentially higher hourly wages in more flexible roles. Negotiating benefits and pay in this evolving job sector can also influence one's long-term financial outlook, particularly in Joliet, where a robust veterinary workforce is continually sought after.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Joliet in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Joliet?
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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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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