Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in St. Charles, IL: $23.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in St. Charles, IL runs $23.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,721 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against St. Charles's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Charles, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay averages $23.42, which slightly lags behind the national median rate of $24.03. This hourly wage reflects the realities of various work arrangements within the profession. For part-time employees working three days a week, that translates to a stable income while allowing flexibility. Per-diem workers in settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or pharmaceutical research labs may find more variability in their pay, often ranging from $17.95 for entry-level technicians to approximately $29.31 for those at the top end of the pay scale. This range enables veterinary technologists and technicians to assess their options based on skill, experience, and clinical settings, with accessible opportunities across a range of facilities in the St. Charles area.
About the St. Charles 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) | $17.95 | $143.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.17 | $153.35 |
| Median (P50) | $23.42 | $187.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.64 | $221.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.31 | $234.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Charles
Based on $23.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Charles, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,105. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Charles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Charles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.84 | $4,060 | $48,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.10 | $2,436 | $29,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.74 | $1,624 | $19,486 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (St. Charles) | $23.42 |
| 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 St. Charles, IL earn a median of $48,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.53% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $49,413.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.42/hr = $29,229/year (purchasing power: $30,102).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,716/year (purchasing power: $50,171).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in St. Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Charles grew 34.1% from $16.55/hr (2019) to $22.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.71/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 St. Charles 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 St. Charles
Examining the earning potential for part-time roles, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours each week could bring home around $29,068 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts. For per-diem or agency roles, pay can significantly increase, with common billing rates starting from $25 to $40 per hour. Those with specialty qualifications may command even higher rates, potentially reaching between $35 and $55 per hour. The variation in hourly rates often correlates with employer type: general practices, corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and research labs can all influence compensation. Moreover, some choose jobs with lower hourly wages for the benefits provided, such as health insurance, while others prefer higher rates without those perks. For those in St. Charles looking to negotiate their pay, being informed about the local market rates and the increased demand for skilled technicians can empower them to seek better compensation, especially in a market where workforce shortages are prevalent.
More salary data for St. Charles, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Charles in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in St. Charles?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Charles paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in St. Charles?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in St. Charles?
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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 St. Charles. 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 St. Charles 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