Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Lombard, IL: $65.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Lombard, IL runs $65.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,749 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Lombard's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,454 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinarians in Lombard, Illinois, earn a median hourly rate of $65.27, which is slightly below the national median of $66.03. This hourly earning potential impacts those working part-time or as per-diem professionals. For example, a veterinarian working three days per week might earn around $1,048 weekly, making this profession viable for individuals seeking flexible schedules. Veterinarians in various settings, from general practice exam rooms to specialized surgical suites, can find themselves in a diverse range of environments. The hourly pay can differ significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $37.85 and top earners achieving up to $101.16 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, help paint a comprehensive picture of what veterinarians can expect in Lombard's job market.
About the Lombard 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) | $37.85 | $302.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.27 | $426.12 |
| Median (P50) | $65.27 | $522.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.31 | $666.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.16 | $809.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lombard
Based on $65.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.27/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lombard, IL can expect to earn approximately $135,757 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,321. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lombard.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lombard
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,610.71 | $11,313 | $135,757 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,566.43 | $6,788 | $81,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,044.28 | $4,525 | $54,303 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Lombard) | $65.27 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Lombard, IL earn a median of $135,749 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.15% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $140,092.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.27/hr = $81,454/year (purchasing power: $83,887).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,757/year (purchasing power: $139,811).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Lombard grew 36.3% from $45.37/hr (2019) to $61.83/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.90/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 Lombard 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 Lombard
Considering the earning structure for veterinarians in Lombard, part-time professionals can anticipate a notable difference in annual take-home compared to their full-time counterparts. A veterinarian working 24 hours a week would typically gross around $68,280 annually, a figure that contrasts sharply with what full-time roles generate over 40 hours per week. Per diem and relief veterinarians often find lucrative opportunities, billing between $90 to $140 per hour for regular shifts, while specialty relief covers can command rates as high as $150 to $250 hourly. Employer types further influence pay rates; for instance, corporate chains like BluePearl or VCA tend to offer structured pay but with potential trade-offs on benefits compared to independent practices. Negotiating for better conditions is essential, as some may prioritize hourly wage increases over comprehensive benefits. Understanding these dynamics can empower veterinarians to make informed decisions that align with their financial goals and personal needs in Lombard, IL.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 Lombard. 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 Lombard 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