Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $66.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Joliet, IL runs $66.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,197 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,522 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinarians in Joliet, Illinois, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $66.93, slightly higher than the national median of $66.03. This rate reflects the diverse roles that these professionals play in various settings, from general practice exam rooms and surgical suites to specialty referral hospitals and equine ambulatory visits. For part-time veterinarians working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to a significant income, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. However, entry-level veterinarians can expect to earn around $38.81 per hour, while top earners in the field can make upwards of $103.72 per hour. It’s important to remember that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, offering a snapshot of the earning potential in Joliet, IL, compared to the broader market.
About the Joliet 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) | $38.81 | $310.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.05 | $416.41 |
| Median (P50) | $66.93 | $535.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.66 | $685.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.72 | $829.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $66.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.93/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $139,204 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,310. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,677.00 | $11,600 | $139,204 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,606.20 | $6,960 | $83,522 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,070.80 | $4,640 | $55,682 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Joliet) | $66.93 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Joliet, IL earn a median of $139,197 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.36% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $140,037.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.93/hr = $83,522/year (purchasing power: $86,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,204/year (purchasing power: $143,362).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Joliet grew 36.3% from $46.52/hr (2019) to $63.40/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.65/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
For veterinarians considering part-time positions, specifically those working 24 hours a week, their annual earnings can significantly differ from full-time hours, showcasing the benefits of flexible schedules. In this environment, per diem veterinarian pay in Joliet can be particularly lucrative, with relief veterinarians often billing between $90 and $140 per hour in general practices. For specialty roles like surgery or internal medicine, hourly rates can reach $150 to $250, especially for emergency weekend coverage at clinics in need. Employers also influence pay rates by type; corporate veterinary chains might offer steadier hours and benefits, while independent practices could provide higher hourly rates but fewer perks. Understanding these dynamics is vital for negotiation, as veterinarians may weigh the trade-offs between choosing slightly lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits versus higher pay in roles that lack them, ultimately shaping their career paths in this evolving field.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Joliet in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinarians make in Joliet?
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How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Joliet?
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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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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