Vet Tech salary

Bellevue vs Grand Island: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Bellevue, NE and Grand Island, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bellevue, NE
$44,289
$21.29/hr
Grand Island, NE
$44,644
$21.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBellevue, NEGrand Island, NE
Median Salary$44,289$44,644
Hourly Rate$21.29$21.46
Entry Level (P10)$33,582$34,593
25th Percentile$36,327$36,061
75th Percentile$54,602$54,551
Top Earner (P90)$59,919$59,357
Total Employed1514
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bellevue ($44,289) and Grand Island ($44,644) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BellevueGrand IslandMedian Salary$44,289$44,644Entry Level (P10)$33,582$34,593Top Earner (P90)$59,919$59,357US Median $49,986

Verdict

Bellevue and Grand Island are closely matched on overall veterinary technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Bellevue and Grand Island is $355 (0.80%). Grand Island's median is -10.69% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $26,337,Grand Island spans $24,764. Bellevue has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bellevue
P10 (Entry)$33,582
P25$36,327
Median$44,289
P75$54,602
P90 (Top)$59,919
Grand Island
P10 (Entry)$34,593
P25$36,061
Median$44,644
P75$54,551
P90 (Top)$59,357

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($48,791 effective) pays 0.80% more than Bellevue ($48,403 effective).

Bellevue
Nominal: $44,289
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $48,403
Grand Island
Nominal: $44,644
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $48,791

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bellevue if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($59,919)
  • Larger job market (15 employed)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Grand Island if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,644/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,791)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Bellevue grew 31.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in Grand Island over the same period.

Bellevue, NE

+31.6%

$31,897 (2024) → $41,980 (2025)

Grand Island, NE

+31.6%

$32,153 (2024) → $42,317 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Bellevue or Grand Island?

Grand Island has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $44,644/year, compared to Bellevue at $44,289/year — a difference of $355 (0.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Grand Island?

Bellevue veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.29/hr while Grand Island hygienists earn $21.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bellevue to Grand Island as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bellevue and Grand Island. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bellevue = $48,403, Grand Island = $48,791), job availability (15 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Bellevue vs Grand Island?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,582 in Bellevue and $34,593 in Grand Island. The Grand Island area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov