Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Springfield, IL: $23.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Springfield, IL runs $23.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,311 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,585 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Springfield, Illinois, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to see a median hourly pay rate of $23.71, which is slightly lower than the national median of $24.03. This statistic reflects the opportunities available for part-time and per-diem workers within various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. With an hourly range from $19.32 for entry-level positions to $31.06 for experienced professionals, this pay structure allows veterinary technologists and technicians to find flexible work arrangements that suit their lifestyles and financial needs. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data portrays a profession on the rise in response to ongoing demand and workforce shortages in the veterinary field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.32 | $154.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.42 | $163.40 |
| Median (P50) | $23.71 | $189.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.31 | $218.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.06 | $248.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $23.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.71/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $49,308 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,447. With a cost-of-living index of 92.75 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $948.23 | $4,109 | $49,308 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $568.94 | $2,465 | $29,585 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.29 | $1,644 | $19,723 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Springfield) | $23.71 |
| 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 Springfield, IL earn a median of $49,311 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.35% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the Illinois state average of $49,410.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.71/hr = $29,585/year (purchasing power: $31,899).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,308/year (purchasing power: $53,165).
CoL index: 92.745 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Springfield grew 45.4% from $15.45/hr (2019) to $22.47/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.01/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
When considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician in Springfield can earn approximately $27,500 annually by working three days a week, a figure that underscores the financial differences between full-time and part-time employment. Many per-diem professionals command higher rates—billing between $25 and $40 per hour—while VTS-credentialed specialists can achieve hourly pay as high as $55, especially in specialty clinics and emergency rooms experiencing staffing shortages. Different employers impact hourly wages as well, with corporate chains sometimes offering lower hourly rates compared to specialty hospitals that provide benefits like health insurance. Those looking to maximize their hourly pay should be prepared to negotiate based on their experience and the unique financial landscape of Springfield's veterinary sector, especially as the ongoing workforce talent shortage continues to reshape pay scales across the industry.
More salary data for Springfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Springfield in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Springfield?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Springfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Springfield?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Springfield?
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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 Springfield. 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