Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lombard, IL: $23.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lombard, IL runs $23.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,892 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lombard's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Lombard, Illinois, earn a median hourly rate of $23.02, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate translates to approximately $46,000 annually for full-time roles, but the implications for part-time and per-diem positions can differ significantly. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the earnings would amount to about $29,113 yearly, reflecting a different lifestyle based on the number of hours contributed in typical settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICUs, or university veterinary teaching hospitals. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $16.99 per hour, while more experienced professionals, particularly in specialized fields, may command up to $30.33 hourly, illustrating a range of opportunities available depending on experience and the specific work environment.
About the Lombard 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) | $16.99 | $135.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.76 | $158.08 |
| Median (P50) | $23.02 | $184.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.03 | $224.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.33 | $242.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lombard
Based on $23.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.02/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lombard, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,624. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lombard.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lombard
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $920.80 | $3,990 | $47,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $552.48 | $2,394 | $28,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.32 | $1,596 | $19,153 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lombard) | $23.02 |
| 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 Lombard, IL earn a median of $47,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.19% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $49,424.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.02/hr = $28,729/year (purchasing power: $29,587).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,882/year (purchasing power: $49,312).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lombard grew 34.1% from $16.27/hr (2019) to $21.82/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.29/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 Lombard 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 Lombard
Analyzing the hourly pay landscape further reveals that per-diem and agency veterinary technologists and technicians can often secure higher compensation, commonly ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. Those with VTS specialty credentials see earnings rise to between $35 and $55 an hour, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care services, where night and weekend shifts may command $30 to $50 per hour. Employer type can significantly influence hourly rates; for instance, general practice clinics in Lombard might offer lower pay compared to specialty hospitals or corporate chains. Given the fierce competition for skilled vet techs and the current workforce shortage, negotiations regarding pay can be strategic. While some choose to accept lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, others prioritize higher wages, negotiating based on their unique circumstances and the specific demands of potential employers. That requires a keen understanding of the market and a readiness to advocate for one’s value in a fluctuating job environment.
More salary data for Lombard, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lombard in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lombard?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lombard paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lombard?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lombard?
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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 Lombard. 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 Lombard 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