Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rock Island, IL: $22.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rock Island, IL runs $22.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rock Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,624 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Island, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate is projected to be $22.94 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour. This hourly pay impacts part-time workers, particularly those employed in general practice, specialty hospitals, and educational settings, allowing for flexibility in a work schedule. For example, a technician working three days a week may find this income favorable for balancing work and personal commitments. The hourly pay range spans from $17.04 for entry-level positions to $28.89 for experienced professionals or those in advanced roles. These estimated hourly figures reflect the earnings derived from annual salary data, highlighting the varying compensation across different settings within the profession.
About the Rock Island 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) | $17.04 | $136.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.77 | $158.17 |
| Median (P50) | $22.94 | $183.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.18 | $217.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.89 | $231.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Island
Based on $22.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.94/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Island, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,523. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rock Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $917.43 | $3,976 | $47,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $550.46 | $2,385 | $28,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.97 | $1,590 | $19,083 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rock Island) | $22.94 |
| 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 Rock Island, IL earn a median of $47,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.50% below the Illinois state average of $49,446.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.94/hr = $28,624/year (purchasing power: $29,479).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,706/year (purchasing power: $49,131).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rock Island grew 34.1% from $16.21/hr (2019) to $21.74/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.20/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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island
When considering part-time opportunities, a veterinary technologist and technician in Rock Island working 24 hours a week can earn a meaningful income that still falls short of a full-time salary. Per-diem or agency technicians often see pay ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, while Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) can command $35 to $55, especially in specialty practices. Additionally, weekend and overnight shifts in emergency rooms may offer pay rates ranging from $30 to $50 an hour, responding to the high demand in these roles. The disparity in pay among different types of employers—from corporate chain hospitals to university teaching facilities—reflects the trade-offs technicians face between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance. Negotiating pay effectively in Rock Island requires understanding local market trends and being open to various job roles that may offer a better hourly wage in exchange for fewer benefits. Leveraging credentials like VTS status can significantly elevate earning potential, particularly as the veterinary technician workforce faces shortages across the country.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rock Island in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rock Island?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rock Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rock Island?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rock Island?
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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 Rock Island. 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 Rock Island 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