Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Skokie, IL: $23.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Skokie, IL runs $23.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,320 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Skokie's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,992 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Skokie, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is $23.23, slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This hourly rate is significant for those considering part-time or per-diem work options within typical settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, university teaching hospitals, and animal medical units at zoos or aquariums. For workers in this profession just starting out, hourly rates can range as low as $18.03, while those with more experience or specialized credentials may earn up to $30.94 at the upper end of the spectrum. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect the economic landscape of veterinary care and the potential income fluctuations based on an individual’s experience, the demand for skilled technicians, and the type of facility where they work.
About the Skokie 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) | $18.03 | $144.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.81 | $150.49 |
| Median (P50) | $23.23 | $185.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.40 | $227.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.94 | $247.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Skokie
Based on $23.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.23/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Skokie, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,321 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,877. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Skokie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Skokie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $929.24 | $4,027 | $48,321 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.55 | $2,416 | $28,992 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.70 | $1,611 | $19,328 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Skokie) | $23.23 |
| 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 Skokie, IL earn a median of $48,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.33% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $49,407.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.23/hr = $28,992/year (purchasing power: $29,858).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,321/year (purchasing power: $49,764).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Skokie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Skokie grew 34.1% from $16.42/hr (2019) to $22.02/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.51/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 Skokie 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 Skokie
When examining part-time work in the field, a veterinary technologist or technician in Skokie working three days a week (about 24 hours) would take home an annual earnings total significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles provide a different earning potential; many technicians leverage these opportunities, billing between $25-$40 per hour, especially in high-demand areas like emergency or specialty care. In Skokie, hourly compensation can vary dramatically across employers—while typical veterinary clinics might offer baseline rates, corporate chain hospitals often provide slightly elevated compensation, and specialty hospitals can command top-tier pay. Many technicians face a decision when choosing between higher hourly wages without benefits or lower rates that include health coverage. For those negotiating hourly wages, showing proof of certification or experience can create leverage, particularly given the acute vet tech workforce shortage in recent years. With a growth rate of 5.50%, prospects for skilled veterinary technologists and technicians in Skokie, IL, remain positive.
More salary data for Skokie, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Skokie in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Skokie?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Skokie paid hourly or salary?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Skokie?
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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 Skokie. 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 Skokie 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