Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Bartlett, IL: $66.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Bartlett, IL runs $66.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,532 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Bartlett's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,521 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bartlett, Illinois, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $66.12 per hour, slightly above the national median of $66.03 per hour. This rate offers a solid foundation for those considering part-time options, such as a veterinarian working three days a week in various settings, from small animal clinics to specialty hospitals. At this hourly rate, part-time veterinarians can reasonably expect to cover their living costs in an area where the cost of living is notably below the national average. The range of hourly earnings extends from $38.35 for those just entering the field up to $102.49 for experienced professionals, highlighting a rewarding career trajectory based on skill and experience. Given that these rates are derived from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, they reflect the evolving market dynamics that shape practitioner salaries in both corporate and independent practices across Illinois.
About the Bartlett Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.35 | $306.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.00 | $407.97 |
| Median (P50) | $66.12 | $528.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.94 | $663.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.49 | $819.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bartlett
Based on $66.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.12/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bartlett, IL can expect to earn approximately $137,535 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,347. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bartlett.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bartlett
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,644.91 | $11,461 | $137,535 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,586.95 | $6,877 | $82,521 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,057.96 | $4,585 | $55,014 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Bartlett) | $66.12 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Bartlett, IL earn a median of $137,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $140,053.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.12/hr = $82,521/year (purchasing power: $84,986).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,535/year (purchasing power: $141,643).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Bartlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Bartlett grew 36.3% from $45.96/hr (2019) to $62.64/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.80/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlett 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 5.56% 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 Veterinarian in Bartlett
Looking deeper into the earning potential, a veterinarian working part-time at 24 hours per week can take home approximately $82,265 annually, which shows a considerable contrast to full-time earnings. Many veterinarians choose per-diem, locum, or agency roles, where the pay scale varies significantly; relief veterinarians can bill between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices, with specialty services commanding rates of $150 to $250 per hour. Additionally, weekend emergency coverage often pays between $150 and $200 per hour. Hourly wages can differ depending on the nature of employment, including small animal clinics, large animal practices, and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which dominate Bartlett’s market. While some may sacrifice a higher hourly rate for the stability of employee benefits, it is crucial to negotiate effectively based on expected duties and hours, especially in an environment where corporate consolidation can affect pay scales and job security. Negotiation while keeping local trends in mind can lead to more favorable agreements for those pursuing a fulfilling veterinary career in Bartlett, IL.
More salary data for Bartlett, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
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 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinarians in Bartlett. 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 Bartlett 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 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov