Vet Tech salary

Bellevue vs Hastings: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Bellevue, NE
$44,289
$21.29/hr
Hastings, NE
$44,622
$21.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBellevue, NEHastings, NE
Median Salary$44,289$44,622
Hourly Rate$21.29$21.45
Entry Level (P10)$33,582$33,427
25th Percentile$36,327$35,948
75th Percentile$54,602$53,003
Top Earner (P90)$59,919$56,627
Total Employed155
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bellevue ($44,289) and Hastings ($44,622) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BellevueHastingsMedian Salary$44,289$44,622Entry Level (P10)$33,582$33,427Top Earner (P90)$59,919$56,627US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Bellevue and Hastings is $333 (0.75%). Hastings's median is -10.73% 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,Hastings spans $23,200. 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
Hastings
P10 (Entry)$33,427
P25$35,948
Median$44,622
P75$53,003
P90 (Top)$56,627

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hastings ($48,767 effective) pays 0.75% more than Bellevue ($48,403 effective).

Bellevue
Nominal: $44,289
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $48,403
Hastings
Nominal: $44,622
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $48,767

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 Hastings if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,622/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,767)
  • 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 Hastings over the same period.

Bellevue, NE

+31.6%

$31,897 (2024) → $41,980 (2025)

Hastings, NE

+31.6%

$32,137 (2024) → $42,296 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hastings has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $44,622/year, compared to Bellevue at $44,289/year — a difference of $333 (0.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Hastings?

Bellevue veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.29/hr while Hastings hygienists earn $21.45/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bellevue and Hastings. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bellevue = $48,403, Hastings = $48,767), job availability (15 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,582 in Bellevue and $33,427 in Hastings. The Bellevue 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