Vet Tech salary

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

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

Bellevue, NE
$44,289
$21.29/hr
Norfolk, NE
$42,596
$20.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBellevue, NENorfolk, NE
Median Salary$44,289$42,596
Hourly Rate$21.29$20.48
Entry Level (P10)$33,582$35,276
25th Percentile$36,327$36,702
75th Percentile$54,602$50,636
Top Earner (P90)$59,919$53,722
Total Employed156
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bellevue ($44,289) and Norfolk ($42,596) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BellevueNorfolkMedian Salary$44,289$42,596Entry Level (P10)$33,582$35,276Top Earner (P90)$59,919$53,722US Median $49,986

Verdict

Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Norfolk.

The salary gap between Bellevue and Norfolk is $1,693 (3.97%). Bellevue's median is -11.40% 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,Norfolk spans $18,446. 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
Norfolk
P10 (Entry)$35,276
P25$36,702
Median$42,596
P75$50,636
P90 (Top)$53,722

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellevue ($48,403 effective) pays 3.97% more than Norfolk ($46,553 effective).

Bellevue
Nominal: $44,289
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $48,403
Norfolk
Nominal: $42,596
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $46,553

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bellevue if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,289/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,919)
  • Larger job market (15 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,403)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Norfolk if…

  • 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 Norfolk over the same period.

Bellevue, NE

+31.6%

$31,897 (2024) → $41,980 (2025)

Norfolk, NE

+31.6%

$30,677 (2024) → $40,375 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Bellevue has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $44,289/year, compared to Norfolk at $42,596/year — a difference of $1,693 (3.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Norfolk?

Bellevue veterinary technologist and technicians earn $21.29/hr while Norfolk hygienists earn $20.48/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bellevue and Norfolk. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bellevue = $48,403, Norfolk = $46,553), job availability (15 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,582 in Bellevue and $35,276 in Norfolk. The Norfolk 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