Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $22.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Plainfield, IL runs $22.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,793 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,676 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Plainfield, Illinois, is projected to be $22.98, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. For part-time workers—typically those logging three days a week—this rate provides a way to earn a steady income while balancing other commitments. Per-diem workers, who may fill in at various facilities, also benefit from the flexibility and can expect to earn an hourly rate that varies widely based on experience and specialization. Entry-level technicians in Plainfield are likely to start at the lower end of the range, around $18.67, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $30.17 per hour, reflecting their expertise and the increasing demand for skilled veterinary staff in various settings including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities.
About the Plainfield 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) | $18.67 | $149.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.65 | $157.24 |
| Median (P50) | $22.98 | $183.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.92 | $223.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.17 | $241.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $22.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.98/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,794 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,573. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $919.12 | $3,983 | $47,794 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $551.47 | $2,390 | $28,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $367.65 | $1,593 | $19,118 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Plainfield) | $22.98 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $47,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.39% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $49,424.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.98/hr = $28,676/year (purchasing power: $29,533).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,794/year (purchasing power: $49,221).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Plainfield grew 34.1% from $16.24/hr (2019) to $21.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.24/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
For those considering part-time work, earning potential can be significant. A veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week might take home around $28,440 annually, contrasting with full-time professionals who typically have a more stable and higher income. Additionally, per diem veterinary technologists often bill between $25 and $40 per hour, significantly enhancing their pay scale when working in high-demand situations like weekend or overnight emergency coverage where rates can soar to $30-$50 an hour. Employers such as corporate chains or specialty referral hospitals usually offer more competitive wages compared to general practice clinics, but this often comes with variations in employee benefits. Those who prioritize healthcare benefits may accept a lower hourly rate, while others may aim for higher pay in roles that offer no benefits. When negotiating pay in Plainfield, potential employees can highlight their certifications, such as those from NAVTA or the VTS pathway, to secure better offers that reflect their skills and the current job market dynamics in veterinary practice.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Plainfield?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Plainfield?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Plainfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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