Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rockford, IL: $23.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rockford, IL runs $23.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,332 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rockford's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,598 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rockford, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $23.72 in 2026, which represents a slight decrease compared to the national hourly median of $24.03. This position is critical in various environments, including general practice veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a weekly gross income of approximately $284.64. The hourly range reflects the diversity in experience levels, with entry-level positions starting around $19.19 and experienced professionals earning up to $30.30. Understanding these figures is vital for individuals entering this field or seeking to maximize their earning potential in the veterinary sector.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.19 | $153.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.47 | $179.77 |
| Median (P50) | $23.72 | $189.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.72 | $237.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.30 | $242.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockford
Based on $23.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.72/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockford, IL can expect to earn approximately $49,330 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,460. With a cost-of-living index of 92.15 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rockford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $948.66 | $4,111 | $49,330 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.19 | $2,467 | $29,598 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.46 | $1,644 | $19,732 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rockford) | $23.72 |
| 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 Rockford, IL earn a median of $49,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.31% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the Illinois state average of $49,431.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.72/hr = $29,598/year (purchasing power: $32,118).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,330/year (purchasing power: $53,530).
CoL index: 92.154 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+70.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rockford grew 53.0% from $14.69/hr (2019) to $22.48/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.02/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 Rockford 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 Rockford
For veterinary technologists and technicians opting for part-time schedules in Rockford, the financial implications can be significant. Working a typical 24-hour week at $23.72 per hour leads to an estimated annual income of about $36,202, compared to full-time counterparts who earn considerably more. Those interested in more flexible arrangements may consider per diem positions, which often command between $25 to $40 per hour. Specialty credentialing, such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), can elevate hourly rates further, with skilled technicians reporting earnings of $35 to $55 per hour. It’s important to note that different employers may offer varying compensation; corporate chain hospitals may provide consistent, albeit lower, hourly rates in exchange for benefits, while specialty and emergency clinics might offer higher pay but with reduced or no benefits. For those negotiating their pay in Rockford, understanding local pay scales and industry benchmarks is key to achieving equitable compensation.
More salary data for Rockford, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rockford in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rockford?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rockford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rockford?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rockford?
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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 Rockford. 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