Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Oak Park, IL: $23.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Oak Park, IL runs $23.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,068 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Oak Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,440 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Park, Illinois, earn a median hourly rate of $23.59, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly pay can translate into various work arrangements, presenting opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions within various veterinary settings, including general practice clinics, specialty ICU wards, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For part-time workers operating three days a week, the consistent hourly rate can generate a reliable income, accounting for the hourly range from $17.03 at entry-level positions to approximately $30.72 for experienced professionals or those in niche areas. These hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, making them essential for understanding earning potential in the field.
About the Oak Park 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) | $17.03 | $136.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.04 | $160.36 |
| Median (P50) | $23.59 | $188.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.37 | $226.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.72 | $245.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Park
Based on $23.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.59/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $49,067 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,308. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $943.59 | $4,089 | $49,067 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.16 | $2,453 | $29,440 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.44 | $1,636 | $19,627 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Oak Park) | $23.59 |
| 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 Park, IL earn a median of $49,068 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.84% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $49,414.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.59/hr = $29,440/year (purchasing power: $30,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,067/year (purchasing power: $50,532).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Park grew 34.1% from $16.67/hr (2019) to $22.36/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.89/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 Park 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 Park
When considering part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist and technician working a typical 24-hour week could expect a significant difference in annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem workers often charge between $25 and $40 per hour and can see even higher rates—up to $55 for Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS)—depending on the complexity of their role or on-call needs, especially during weekends or overnight shifts at emergency clinics. The employer type influences hourly rates as well, with corporate veterinary chains potentially offering benefits that might lower hourly pay compared to specialty referral hospitals or research labs, which can afford to pay more for highly skilled technicians. Veterinary technologists and technicians should weigh the benefits of healthcare and stability against higher-paying positions that lack such perks. Negotiating hourly pay can be advantageous; understanding the area's pay scale and demanding appropriate compensation for the skills and certifications possessed, particularly in a competitive market like Oak Park, is essential for long-term career satisfaction.
More salary data for Oak Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Park in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Oak Park?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Oak Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Oak Park?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Park?
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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 Park. 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 Park 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