Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Peoria, IL: $22.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Peoria, IL runs $22.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,568 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Peoria's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.2, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,939 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Peoria, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $22.39. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03, indicating a regional pay disparity. For veterinary technologists and technicians working in Peoria, this hourly rate translates well, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers commonly active in diverse settings like general practice veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, or universities. The hourly range for this profession in the area spans from $19.18 for entry-level roles to as high as $26.32 for those who have amassed considerable experience and expertise. These figures reflect the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.18 | $153.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.46 | $155.72 |
| Median (P50) | $22.39 | $179.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.42 | $187.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.32 | $210.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peoria
Based on $22.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.39/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peoria, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,565 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,865. With a cost-of-living index of 91.23 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Peoria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peoria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $895.48 | $3,880 | $46,565 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $537.29 | $2,328 | $27,939 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.19 | $1,552 | $18,626 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Peoria) | $22.39 |
| 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 Peoria, IL earn a median of $46,568 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.84% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.80% below the Illinois state average of $49,435.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.39/hr = $27,939/year (purchasing power: $30,625).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,565/year (purchasing power: $51,041).
CoL index: 91.231 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Peoria grew 37.5% from $15.43/hr (2019) to $21.22/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.62/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 Peoria 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 Peoria
Considering the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week, their annual take-home may total roughly $28,000 compared to full-time associates earning approximately $46,568. Per diem positions in Peoria present a lucrative opportunity as billing averages range from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty credentialed technicians often earning between $35 and $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight shifts, particularly in emergency departments, can command even higher rates from $30 to $50 per hour due to staffing shortages. Rates often vary based on employer types; for example, general practices tend to offer less than specialty referral hospitals or pharmaceutical research labs. As some professionals prioritize health insurance benefits over higher pay without benefits, negotiation strategies should reflect the unique value each setting brings. It's essential for job seekers in Peoria to emphasize their skills and certifications, particularly any VTS status or specialty training when discussing pay, to secure the best possible compensation.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Peoria in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Peoria?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Peoria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Peoria?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Peoria?
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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 Peoria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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