Veterinarian Salary

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.

$135,749
Median Annual Salary
$65.27/hr
Hourly Rate
$78,734
Entry Level (P10)
$210,411
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinarian Hourly Rate in Lombard, IL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Lombard, IL veterinarian hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinarian in Lombard earning $65.27/hr would make approximately $78,321 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $135,757 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$78,321Reduced (32 hr/wk)$104,428Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$135,757

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$522.14
per 8hr shift
$2,610.71
per week
$11,313
per month
$135,757
per year

Schedule Comparison in Lombard

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinarian median salary in Lombard ($135,749) with Illinois average ($140,092) and the US national median ($137,334).Lombard$135,749Illinois Avg$140,092-3.10%US National$137,334-1.15%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinarians in Lombard. Baseline $45.37/hr in 2025, projected to $68.90/hr by 2027.$41$49$57$65$742019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$45.37$47.17$47.70$49.07$56.60$55.18$61.83$65.27$68.90
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$45.37/hrActual
2020$47.17/hrActual
2021$47.70/hrActual
2022$49.07/hrActual
2023$56.60/hrActual
2024$55.18/hrActual
2025$61.83/hrActual
2026(current)$65.27/hrEstimated
2027$68.90/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Lombard in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinarians in Lombard is $65.27/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.56% annual growth). Rates range from $37.85 at entry level (10th percentile) to $101.16 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 1.2% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinarians make in Lombard?

A part-time veterinarian working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Lombard earns approximately $6,788/month, or $81,454/year at the median hourly rate of $65.27. Many veterinarians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinarians in Lombard paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinarians in Lombard are paid hourly at a median rate of $65.27/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $135,757/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinarian make per year in Lombard?

A full-time veterinarian working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Lombard earns approximately $135,757/year at the median hourly rate of $65.27. This is 1.2% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $210,409/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinarians earn more per hour working part-time in Lombard?

Part-time and per diem veterinarians in Lombard sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $101.16/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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