Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Orland Park, IL: $24.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Orland Park, IL runs $24.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,117 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Orland Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,072 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orland Park, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.10, offering a competitive edge over the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage is especially relevant for part-time professionals working three days a week or those engaged in per-diem roles, which are commonly found in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty animal hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. Entry-level technicians in this field may begin with an hourly rate around $18.22, while experienced professionals can reach the higher end of the scale, with top earners making as much as $31.53 per hour. The estimates presented reflect projections based on 2025 BLS data, projecting into 2026, making it crucial for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Orland Park to stay informed about expected earnings in this evolving market.
About the Orland 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) | $18.22 | $145.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.65 | $157.24 |
| Median (P50) | $24.10 | $192.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.07 | $232.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.53 | $252.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orland Park
Based on $24.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.10/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orland Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $50,120 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,915. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Orland Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orland Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $963.85 | $4,177 | $50,120 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $578.31 | $2,506 | $30,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.54 | $1,671 | $20,048 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Orland Park) | $24.10 |
| 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 Orland Park, IL earn a median of $50,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.26% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $49,425.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.10/hr = $30,072/year (purchasing power: $30,970).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,120/year (purchasing power: $51,617).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Orland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Orland Park grew 34.1% from $17.03/hr (2019) to $22.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.42/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 Orland 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 Orland Park
For those considering part-time positions, working 24 hours a week could yield significant differences in annual earnings compared to their full-time peers. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Orland Park often command hourly rates between $25 and $40, with those holding VTS credentials earning rates of $35 to $55 per hour, particularly when working in specialty referral hospitals or high-demand emergency care settings. Different employer types in Orland Park, such as corporate veterinary chains and educational institutions, may offer varying compensation packages, presenting a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. This dynamic opens the door for negotiation, allowing skilled technicians to seek out roles that not only compensate them fairly but also align with their career aspirations, whether dealing directly with animals or involved in research and education. Knowing the nuances of hourly pay in the veterinary field is essential for anybody looking to thrive in Orland Park’s veterinary workforce.
More salary data for Orland Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Orland Park in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Orland Park?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Orland Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Orland Park?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Orland 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 Orland 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 Orland 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