Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Oak Park, IL: $66.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Oak Park, IL runs $66.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Oak Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,443 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinarians in Oak Park, IL, can expect a median hourly pay of $66.86 in 2026, which slightly exceeds the national median of $66.03. This rate offers a competitive advantage for professionals working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a veterinarian working three days a week might earn a substantial hourly wage while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. However, the hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $38.78, while experienced veterinarians can make upwards of $103.64. This varied range highlights the financial opportunities available within diverse settings such as general practice exam rooms, surgical suites, specialty hospitals, or even in ambulatory services for equine practices.
About the Oak Park 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) | $38.78 | $310.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.06 | $432.46 |
| Median (P50) | $66.86 | $534.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.42 | $675.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.64 | $829.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Park
Based on $66.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.86/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $139,072 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,234. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,674.47 | $11,589 | $139,072 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,604.68 | $6,954 | $83,443 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,069.79 | $4,636 | $55,629 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Oak Park) | $66.86 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Oak Park, IL earn a median of $139,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.27% higher than the national median of $137,334 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $140,061.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.86/hr = $83,443/year (purchasing power: $85,936).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,072/year (purchasing power: $143,226).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Oak Park grew 36.3% from $46.48/hr (2019) to $63.34/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.58/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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park
Looking at the earning potential for part-time veterinarians, working a typical 3-day week could yield a comfortable income, albeit less than full-time counterparts. For those in relief or locum roles, the per diem veterinarian pay in Oak Park reflects different earning opportunities, with rates as high as $90 to $140 per hour at general practices, and even $150 to $250 per hour for specialty roles in surgery or emergency care. Variability also exists based on employer type; corporate practices like VCA or BluePearl may offer stable hourly rates but could differ from the compensation offered by independent clinics. The balance between hourly rates and benefits becomes essential in negotiations, as some may choose lower hourly compensation for job security and healthcare benefits. For those navigating their careers in veterinary medicine in Oak Park, understanding these nuances can enhance their bargaining power and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Oak Park, 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 Oak Park. 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 Oak Park 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