Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $63.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Elmhurst, IL runs $63.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,532 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,518 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinarian hourly pay in Elmhurst, Illinois, is projected to be approximately $63.72. This figure stands slightly below the national hourly median of $66.03, indicating a regional pay scale that may reflect varying demand and cost of living. For veterinarians working part-time, such as those operating three days a week, this translates to a steady income that can balance work-life needs while still offering a respectable wage in the field. Per-diem veterinarians in Elmhurst differ significantly in earnings, with rates typically falling between $37.59 and $98.76 per hour, depending on expertise and practice type. Entry-level positions start on the lower end, while established veterinarians can command higher rates, particularly in specialized settings like referral hospitals or in equine ambulatory services.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $37.59 | $300.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.16 | $401.30 |
| Median (P50) | $63.72 | $509.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.55 | $636.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.76 | $790.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $63.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.72/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $132,529 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,459. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,548.64 | $11,044 | $132,529 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,529.18 | $6,626 | $79,518 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,019.46 | $4,418 | $53,012 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Elmhurst) | $63.72 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $132,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $140,097.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.72/hr = $79,518/year (purchasing power: $81,892).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,529/year (purchasing power: $136,487).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Elmhurst grew 36.3% from $44.29/hr (2019) to $60.36/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.26/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
Considering part-time roles, a veterinarian who works just 24 hours a week could see annual earnings well under full-time standards, but they have the flexibility to manage personal commitments. Per diem veterinarians often find lucrative opportunities, especially in urgent care or specialty practices, earning as much as $90 to $250 per hour—substantially more than standard practice rates for general roles. In Elmhurst, hourly rates can vary significantly across employers, such as corporate veterinary chains, independent practices, and those providing specialized care. With many corporate practices providing benefits, those who make significant sacrifices in hourly pay for health insurance must weigh the trade-offs carefully. To negotiate effectively at an hourly level, veterinarians should research local market rates thoroughly and assess their unique skills, as demand varies widely in this evolving industry shaped by corporate consolidation and changing compensation models.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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