Vet Tech salary

Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Fremont, NE: $32,847 (2026)

Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Fremont, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,847 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fremont's local price level (BEA RPP 91.58% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,898 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,382) within a few years of clinical practice.

$32,847
Starting Salary
$15.79/hr
Starting Hourly
$32,847
Entry Level
$44,382
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Fremont, NE — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Fremont, NE veterinary technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Fremont, Nebraska, can expect a starting salary around $32,847 in 2026, with the potential to increase as they gain experience. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $44,382, reflecting a gap that new graduates should prepare for as they embark on their careers. Over their first three to five years, entry-level professionals can anticipate salary growth, moving from the 10th percentile to about $37,178 at the 25th percentile, and eventually reaching closer to the median as they enhance their skills and gain additional responsibilities. Given the 5.50% annual growth rate projected for this industry, Fremont presents a promising market for new graduates, with ample opportunities for career advancement.

About the Fremont Market

Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Fremont

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$32,847/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$37,178/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$44,382/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$54,098/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fremont

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Fremont. The median salary is $44,382, compared to the national median of $49,986.$29.6K$37.6K$45.5K$53.5K$61.5K$32.8K10th Pctl$37.2K25th Pctl$44.4KMedian$54.1K75th Pctl$58.6K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Fremont, NE typically start between $32,847 and $37,178 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,740 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,38211.21% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Fremont metro area.

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg NE Program Cost
$32,847
Starting Salary
60.89%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average veterinary technology program cost in Nebraska of $20,000 represents just 60.89% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($32,847/year) in Fremont. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).

Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Fremont

  • 1Research the Fremont market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $32,847 to $37,178, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fremont, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Fremont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Fremont's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range

The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Fremont is $25,740 ( 78.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,847, experienced hygienists can earn up to $58,587.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$21,387

2025 BLS Actual

$31,135

2026 Current Est.

$32,847

2019–2027 Growth

+62.0%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fremont (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fremont. Baseline $21,387 in 2025, projected to $34,654 by 2027.$18.7K$23.4K$28.0K$32.7K$37.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.4K$22.3K$24.7K$25.3K$26.3K$21.8K$31.1K$32.8K$34.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$21,387Actual
2020$22,250Actual
2021$24,735Actual
2022$25,285Actual
2023$26,313Actual
2024$21,840Actual
2025$31,135Actual
2026(current)$32,847Estimated
2027$34,654Projected

Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Fremont, NE grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,387 in 2019 to $31,135 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,654. New graduates entering the Fremont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fremont metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Fremont

Employers in Fremont actively hire new graduates into various roles, primarily within general practice clinics that are well-suited for those just starting their careers. Larger corporate chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, provide structured mentorship programs and incentives like sign-on bonuses to attract entry-level talent. To enhance earning potential, new veterinary technologists and technicians should focus on obtaining credentials from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and passing the VTNE national exam. Securing state certifications (such as CVT, RVT, or LVT) and pursuing advanced specialty training like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) can significantly elevate salaries within the field. In an acute workforce shortage scenario, graduates can expect realistic growth in their entry-level pay over the initial years, particularly given the recent significant rises in salaries across various markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fremont in 2026?

Entry-level veterinary technologists and technicians in Fremont start at approximately $32,847/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $15.79/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Fremont?

Most veterinary technologists and technicians in Fremont progress from the entry-level salary of $32,847 to the area median of $44,382 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $58,587 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is veterinary technology school worth it in Fremont?

With a starting salary of $32,847/year in Fremont and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new veterinary technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Fremont?

New veterinary technology graduates in Fremont typically start near the 10th percentile at $32,847/year, or approximately $15.79/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Nebraska?

To become a licensed veterinary technologist and technician in Nebraska, you typically need an associate degree in veterinary technology from an accredited program. from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Nebraska, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some veterinary technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Nebraska

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

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Fremont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Fremont is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).

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

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