Vet Tech salary

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

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

Norfolk, NE
$42,596
$20.48/hr
Omaha, NE
$47,443
$22.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNorfolk, NEOmaha, NE
Median Salary$42,596$47,443
Hourly Rate$20.48$22.81
Entry Level (P10)$35,276$40,945
25th Percentile$36,702$45,639
75th Percentile$50,636$57,255
Top Earner (P90)$53,722$62,952
Total Employed6240
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Norfolk ($42,596) and Omaha ($47,443) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.NorfolkOmahaMedian Salary$42,596$47,443Entry Level (P10)$35,276$40,945Top Earner (P90)$53,722$62,952US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Norfolk and Omaha is $4,847 (11.38%). Omaha's median is -5.09% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $18,446,Omaha spans $22,007. Omaha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Norfolk
P10 (Entry)$35,276
P25$36,702
Median$42,596
P75$50,636
P90 (Top)$53,722
Omaha
P10 (Entry)$40,945
P25$45,639
Median$47,443
P75$57,255
P90 (Top)$62,952

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($51,618 effective) pays 10.88% more than Norfolk ($46,553 effective).

Norfolk
Nominal: $42,596
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $46,553
Omaha
Nominal: $47,443
CoL Index: 91.911
Adjusted: $51,618

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Norfolk if…

  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Omaha if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,443/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($62,952)
  • Larger job market (240 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,618)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Norfolk grew 31.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Omaha over the same period.

Norfolk, NE

+31.6%

$30,677 (2024) → $40,375 (2025)

Omaha, NE

+21.0%

$37,160 (2019) → $44,970 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Omaha has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,443/year, compared to Norfolk at $42,596/year — a difference of $4,847 (11.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Omaha?

Norfolk veterinary technologist and technicians earn $20.48/hr while Omaha hygienists earn $22.81/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Norfolk and Omaha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Norfolk = $46,553, Omaha = $51,618), job availability (6 vs 240 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $35,276 in Norfolk and $40,945 in Omaha. The Omaha 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