Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Park Ridge, IL: $22.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Park Ridge, IL runs $22.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,524 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Park Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,518 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Park Ridge, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect an hourly median pay of $22.85, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, such as working three days a week, this translates to a stable earning stream within various settings like general practice clinics, specialty veterinary hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even zoo medical units. Entry-level positions start at around $18.45 per hour, while experienced professionals, especially those in specialized fields, can reach an impressive hourly rate of up to $29.76. These figures represent the estimated earnings derived from annual salary data and reflect the evolving market for veterinary support roles in this area.
About the Park Ridge 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) | $18.45 | $147.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.39 | $155.13 |
| Median (P50) | $22.85 | $182.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.74 | $213.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.76 | $238.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Park Ridge
Based on $22.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.85/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Park Ridge, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,531 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,422. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Park Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Park Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $914.05 | $3,961 | $47,531 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.43 | $2,377 | $28,518 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.62 | $1,584 | $19,012 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Park Ridge) | $22.85 |
| 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 Park Ridge, IL earn a median of $47,524 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.93% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.90% below the Illinois state average of $49,452.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.85/hr = $28,518/year (purchasing power: $29,370).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,531/year (purchasing power: $48,950).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Park Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Park Ridge grew 34.1% from $16.15/hr (2019) to $21.66/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.11/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 Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge
When looking closer at the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Park Ridge, working part-time (approximately 24 hours per week) can yield an annual income that significantly differs from full-time earnings. Per-diem opportunities may see technicians billed at rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with advanced specialty credential holders commanding even higher figures—$35 to $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight emergency shifts often see hourly pay rise to $30-$50 in a competitive market. Diverse employer types influence hourly rates; for example, corporate chain hospitals may offer different compensation structures compared to specialty referral hospitals or university clinics. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay in agency roles. When negotiating pay, local professionals should emphasize their skills and any niche specialization credentials, which can be particularly valuable in aligning with the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Park Ridge.
More salary data for Park Ridge, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Park Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Park Ridge?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Park Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Park Ridge?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Park Ridge?
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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 Park Ridge. 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 Park Ridge 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