Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Oak Lawn, IL: $23.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Oak Lawn, IL runs $23.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,163 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Oak Lawn's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,900 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Lawn, Illinois, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $23.16 in 2026. This figure is slightly lower than the national median hourly pay of $24.03, suggesting a competitive but challenging financial environment for professionals in the region. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day week schedule, this hourly wage translates to a solid income, although it remains below that of full-time counterparts. Depending on experience and setting, the hourly rates for these professionals can vary significantly, ranging from $17.79 for entry-level positions to $30.76 for top earners in the field. Typical workplaces include general practice veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, university settings, and even pharmaceutical research facilities, where part-time and per-diem work can provide flexible options for earning while gaining valuable experience.
About the Oak Lawn 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) | $17.79 | $142.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.65 | $149.22 |
| Median (P50) | $23.16 | $185.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.21 | $225.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.76 | $246.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Lawn
Based on $23.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.16/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Lawn, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,789. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Lawn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Lawn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $926.29 | $4,014 | $48,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $555.77 | $2,408 | $28,900 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $370.52 | $1,606 | $19,267 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Oak Lawn) | $23.16 |
| 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 Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $48,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.65% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $49,449.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.16/hr = $28,900/year (purchasing power: $29,763).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,167/year (purchasing power: $49,606).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Lawn grew 34.1% from $16.36/hr (2019) to $21.95/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.43/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 Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn
Hourly earning potential varies widely within the veterinary field in Oak Lawn. A veterinary technologist or technician working part-time, for instance, would take home considerably less annually than a full-time colleague, even with similar hourly rates. Per-diem arrangements have become increasingly popular, with professionals able to command between $25 and $40 per hour, and those with specialty credentials might see rates between $35 and $55 per hour. In understaffed environments, such as emergency and critical care clinics, weekend and overnight shifts often see pay increase to between $30 and $50 per hour. Employer types significantly impact hourly wages; while corporate chains might offer more structured pay scales, specialty hospitals often provide higher compensation, reflecting the advanced skills required. However, this can come with trade-offs like access to health insurance benefits. Negotiating for higher hourly rates or flexible arrangements is crucial, particularly in a market where technician shortages are driving up pay rates, creating opportunities for skilled professionals.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Lawn in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Oak Lawn?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Lawn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Oak Lawn?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Lawn?
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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 Oak Lawn. 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 Oak Lawn 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