Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Northbrook, IL: $23.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Northbrook, IL runs $23.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,752 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Northbrook's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,256 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Northbrook, Illinois, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $23.44, reflecting a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate is particularly informative for those in part-time positions or per-diem roles, as it translates to significant earnings potential based on the typical 24-hour work week for many in the profession. In Northbrook, the hourly wages can range from $17.96 for entry-level positions (P10) to up to $30.18 for highly experienced technicians (P90). Understanding this tiered wage system, which is derived from annual salary data estimates, provides insight into employment opportunities within various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even zoo medical units.
About the Northbrook 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) | $17.96 | $143.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.20 | $153.61 |
| Median (P50) | $23.44 | $187.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.17 | $225.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.18 | $241.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northbrook
Based on $23.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.44/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northbrook, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,760 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,131. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northbrook.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northbrook
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.68 | $4,063 | $48,760 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.61 | $2,438 | $29,256 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.07 | $1,625 | $19,504 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Northbrook) | $23.44 |
| 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 Northbrook, IL earn a median of $48,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.47% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $49,444.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.44/hr = $29,256/year (purchasing power: $30,129).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,760/year (purchasing power: $50,216).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Northbrook grew 34.1% from $16.56/hr (2019) to $22.22/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.73/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 Northbrook 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 Northbrook
Exploring the earning possibilities as a part-time veterinary technologist and technician in Northbrook reveals distinct financial dynamics compared to full-time roles. A three-day workweek, amounting to approximately 24 hours, can yield around $29,474 annually for part-time workers, which is significantly lower than full-time counterparts. For those seeking per-diem opportunities, it’s common to see rates between $25-$40 per hour, with Veterinary Technician Specialists sometimes commanding rates as high as $35-$55 per hour in specialty fields. Emergency coverage hours can also fetch $30-$50 per hour, especially in markets with high demand. Additionally, hourly rates can vary across employer types: general practice clinics may offer lower pay, while corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities tend to provide higher compensation packages. Many technicians must weigh benefits against pay; accepting lower hourly wages for job security and health insurance can be a pragmatic choice in a fluctuating employment environment. For success, it's essential for technicians to negotiate effectively, understanding their value in a competitive market.
More salary data for Northbrook, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Northbrook in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Northbrook?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Northbrook paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Northbrook?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Northbrook?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Northbrook. 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 Northbrook 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