Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Crystal Lake, IL: $64.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Crystal Lake, IL runs $64.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,412 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Crystal Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,045 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Crystal Lake, Illinois, the veterinarian hourly pay is projected to be $64.14 in 2026, which places it slightly below the national median of $66.03 per hour. This wage reflects the financial dynamics of various work environments, allowing part-time veterinarians who work three days a week to earn a considerable income while juggling flexible schedules. Per-diem opportunities can also be lucrative, particularly in typical settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, and specialty referral hospitals. The hourly pay range reflects diverse career stages: entry-level positions may start at around $38.52, whereas top earners in this field can reach hourly wages of up to $99.42, illustrating the growth potential within this profession in Crystal Lake.
About the Crystal Lake 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) | $38.52 | $308.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.01 | $408.05 |
| Median (P50) | $64.14 | $513.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.95 | $655.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.42 | $795.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Crystal Lake
Based on $64.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.14/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Crystal Lake, IL can expect to earn approximately $133,408 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,966. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Crystal Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Crystal Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,565.53 | $11,117 | $133,408 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,539.32 | $6,670 | $80,045 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,026.21 | $4,447 | $53,363 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Crystal Lake) | $64.14 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $133,412 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.86% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $140,139.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.14/hr = $80,045/year (purchasing power: $82,435).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,408/year (purchasing power: $137,392).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Crystal Lake grew 36.3% from $44.58/hr (2019) to $60.76/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.70/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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
Veterinarians who choose part-time work in Crystal Lake may earn approximately $74,302 annually for a 24-hour work week, which contrasts significantly with the full-time potential. In contrast, per diem veterinarians often command higher rates, billing between $90 and $140 per hour at general practices, while specialists can charge $150 to $250 per hour, particularly in emergency and surgical contexts. Differences in compensation across various employment settings are notable; large animal practices may offer lower hourly rates compared to corporate chains, while independent clinics might provide less stability with potentially higher pay. Furthermore, the ongoing trend of corporate consolidation in veterinary services fosters a competitive environment, leading to strategic negotiations on rates. Many veterinarians find themselves balancing hourly pay against benefits like health insurance when considering their work arrangements. Therefore, it's essential to assess both financial and personal priorities in this vibrant and evolving industry.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, 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 Crystal Lake. 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 Crystal Lake 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