Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Oswego, IL: $22.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Oswego, IL runs $22.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,601 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Oswego's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,558 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oswego, Illinois, is projected to be $22.88. This rate is slightly below the national median of $24.03, reflecting regional economic factors and the local demand for these professionals. For those working part-time, such as individuals logging three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a gross weekly income of approximately $274.56, which can provide a reasonable livelihood depending on their financial needs. Entry-level positions in the field may start at $18.44 per hour, while top earners, particularly in specialized roles or high-demand areas, can reach as high as $29.88 per hour. The diverse work settings including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research highlight the variability in hourly earnings, which are estimated from broader annual salary data.
About the Oswego 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) | $18.44 | $147.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.46 | $155.72 |
| Median (P50) | $22.88 | $183.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.69 | $221.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.88 | $239.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oswego
Based on $22.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.88/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oswego, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,597 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,460. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oswego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oswego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $915.32 | $3,966 | $47,597 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $549.19 | $2,380 | $28,558 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.13 | $1,587 | $19,039 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Oswego) | $22.88 |
| 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 Oswego, IL earn a median of $47,601 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.77% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.70% below the Illinois state average of $49,429.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.88/hr = $28,558/year (purchasing power: $29,411).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,597/year (purchasing power: $49,018).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Oswego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oswego grew 34.1% from $16.17/hr (2019) to $21.69/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.14/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 Oswego 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 Oswego
Considering the earning potential, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician in Oswego can realistically expect to take home about $34,391 annually if they maintain a three-day-a-week schedule. In contrast, full-time professionals can earn significantly more, with their totals reflecting increased hours at a steady rate. For those seeking flexible employment, per-diem work often offers enhanced pay, with billing rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for standard positions and specialty techs boasting $35 to $55 hourly rates in high-demand environments like overnight emergency coverages. Employers vary widely within Oswego, from general practice clinics to corporate chains and specialty hospitals, all of which can influence hourly pay scales. While some may choose to accept lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, others may prefer the higher rates associated with agency work despite the lack of stability. Job seekers should also engage in thorough negotiations mindful of local market conditions, aiming for compensation that aligns with their qualifications and the demand for veterinary services in the Illinois area.
More salary data for Oswego, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oswego in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Oswego?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Oswego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Oswego?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Oswego?
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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 Oswego. 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 Oswego 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