Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wheaton, IL: $23.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wheaton, IL runs $23.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Illinois, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $23.36 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03, which may influence decisions for those seeking part-time positions or per-diem work within various veterinary settings such as general practices, specialty hospitals, teaching clinics, zoos, and pharmaceutical research facilities. These hourly rates represent a range from $18.35 for entry-level positions to $31.43 for experienced professionals, reflecting the varying levels of expertise present within the field. For workers balancing shifts in several clinics or those providing specialized care in high-stakes environments, understanding this compensation structure is essential for financial planning and career development.
About the Wheaton 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) | $18.35 | $146.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.57 | $156.56 |
| Median (P50) | $23.36 | $186.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.70 | $229.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.43 | $251.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $23.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.36/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,029. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $934.31 | $4,049 | $48,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.58 | $2,429 | $29,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.72 | $1,619 | $19,434 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wheaton) | $23.36 |
| 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 Wheaton, IL earn a median of $48,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.81% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $49,419.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.36/hr = $29,150/year (purchasing power: $30,021).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,584/year (purchasing power: $50,035).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton grew 34.1% from $16.50/hr (2019) to $22.14/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.64/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Considering the earning potential of veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton, part-time employees working three days a week can expect to see a notable difference in their annual take-home compared to full-time employees. Those working on a per-diem basis often find themselves earning between $25-$40 per hour, with specialized VTS credentialed technicians commanding rates between $35-$55 per hour, particularly in emergency settings where coverage is desperately needed. Pay fluctuates depending on the employer; for instance, corporate chain hospitals may offer a set range, while specialty referral hospitals tend to provide higher remuneration. However, some may choose positions with lower hourly pay that include health benefits, weighing the immediate compensation against job security and healthcare coverage. For those negotiating their rates in Wheaton, emphasizing skills and specialized certifications can enhance bargaining power, especially in a market responding to a growing demand for veterinary services.
More salary data for Wheaton, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wheaton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wheaton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wheaton?
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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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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