Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Urbana, IL: $26.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Urbana, IL runs $26.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,827 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Urbana's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,495 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbana, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $26.84, which notably exceeds the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate positions the profession favorably for part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week, potentially earning a substantial income that can enhance their living standards in a city where the cost of living index is slightly below the national average. The hourly pay ranges from approximately $21.90 at entry-level positions to about $35.23 for the highest earners, showcasing a promising spectrum of compensation for both newcomers and experienced professionals. These hourly rates, projected from annual salary data, reflect the growing demand for skilled veterinary technologists and technicians across diverse work environments, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and research facilities within the vibrant Urbana community.
About the Urbana 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) | $21.90 | $175.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.95 | $183.57 |
| Median (P50) | $26.84 | $214.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.59 | $260.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.23 | $281.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbana
Based on $26.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.84/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbana, IL can expect to earn approximately $55,826 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,207. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,073.57 | $4,652 | $55,826 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $644.14 | $2,791 | $33,495 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.43 | $1,861 | $22,330 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Urbana) | $26.84 |
| 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 Urbana, IL earn a median of $55,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.69% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 12.90% above the Illinois state average of $49,449.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.84/hr = $33,495/year (purchasing power: $34,496).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,826/year (purchasing power: $57,493).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Urbana grew 34.1% from $18.96/hr (2019) to $25.44/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.32/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 Urbana 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 Urbana
When considering part-time work in Urbana, a veterinary technologist and technician can take home a substantial income, even while working just 24 hours a week. This results in an annual income that can significantly differ from a full-time position, aligning with the choices professionals make based on their lifestyle needs. While many part-time or per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, those with the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential can command hourly pay between $35 and $55, particularly in high-demand areas like overnight emergency care. The diversity of employer types in Urbana—ranging from general practice clinics to corporate chain hospitals, authority-based specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical labs—also leads to varying hourly pay rates. Though some professionals may opt for slightly lower hourly rates to secure benefits, the overall trade-off often comes down to job satisfaction and financial stability. Furthermore, useful negotiation strategies can elevate pay for hourly workers in this competitive field, underscoring the importance of understanding one’s value in a market with an acute workforce shortage among veterinary technologists and technicians.
More salary data for Urbana, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Urbana in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Urbana?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Urbana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Urbana?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Urbana?
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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 Urbana. 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 Urbana 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