Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Normal, IL: $23.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Normal, IL runs $23.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Normal's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Normal, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.04, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly pay of $24.03. This figure reflects the expectations for part-time and per-diem workers in diverse settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching facilities. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a realistic income while allowing flexibility for additional commitments or education. Entry-level technicians can expect a payout beginning at around $16.93, while seasoned professionals or those in specialty roles may command rates as high as $30.38. These hourly figures are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, providing a useful framework for compensation expectations within the region.
About the Normal 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) | $16.93 | $135.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.42 | $147.36 |
| Median (P50) | $23.04 | $184.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.94 | $223.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.38 | $243.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Normal
Based on $23.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.04/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Normal, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,926 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,649. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Normal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Normal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $921.65 | $3,994 | $47,926 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $552.99 | $2,396 | $28,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.66 | $1,598 | $19,170 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Normal) | $23.04 |
| 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 Normal, IL earn a median of $47,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $49,402.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.04/hr = $28,755/year (purchasing power: $29,614).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,926/year (purchasing power: $49,357).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Normal grew 34.1% from $16.28/hr (2019) to $21.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.31/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 Normal 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 Normal
Analyzing the current earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians reveals intriguing insights, especially for those considering part-time roles. A technician working three days a week at 24 hours could expect to take home approximately $28,736 annually based on the median hourly rate, contrasting significantly with a full-time income. For per-diem work, hourly pay can greatly exceed standard rates; professionals often find themselves filling shifts at rates from $25 to $40, or even higher for specialty-credentialed individuals. This is particularly evident in understaffed markets, where weekend and overnight ER coverage may pay between $30 and $50 an hour. Furthermore, while general practice settings often offer more stability, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains frequently provide more lucrative pay scales. Veterinary technologists and technicians must weigh the benefits of hourly pay against health insurance and other perks when negotiating employment terms, a vital consideration in a market with a pronounced workforce shortage.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Normal in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Normal?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Normal paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Normal?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Normal?
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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 Normal. 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 Normal 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