Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $20.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Columbus, NE runs $20.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,622 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $20.53, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This discrepancy in pay can significantly impact part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, while also influencing the earning potential of per-diem professionals who move between varied workplace settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research environments. The hourly wage range is projected between $17.19 for entry-level technicians and $26.65 for those at the top of the pay scale, indicating a progressive path to financial advancement for dedicated individuals in the field. However, these estimates stem directly from annual salary data and highlight the fundamental dynamics of hourly compensation in this region.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.19 | $137.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.76 | $142.05 |
| Median (P50) | $20.53 | $164.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.75 | $189.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.65 | $213.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $20.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.53/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $42,703 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,636. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $821.21 | $3,559 | $42,703 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $492.73 | $2,135 | $25,622 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $328.48 | $1,423 | $17,081 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Columbus) | $20.53 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Columbus, NE earn a median of $42,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $45,728.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.53/hr = $25,622/year (purchasing power: $28,002).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,703/year (purchasing power: $46,670).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus grew 34.1% from $14.51/hr (2019) to $19.46/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.66/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Columbus
When examining part-time earnings for a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours weekly, the potential takeaway could be significantly lower compared to full-time positions, ultimately affecting annual income. For those in per-diem roles, billing rates often range from $25 to $40 per hour, and specialized technicians can command even higher wages—between $35 and $55 per hour—in specialty fields. Weekend and overnight shifts at understaffed emergency facilities often attract rates between $30 and $50, further enhancing earning prospects in this critical sector filled with workforce shortages. Hourly salaries also vary widely depending on employer type within Columbus, from general practice clinics to corporate chain hospitals and specialized referral hospitals. Weighing the benefits of stable, hourly pay with health insurance against the possibility of higher pay rates without benefits can make negotiations tricky for veterinary technicians. For those employed in such settings, understanding the local market dynamics and leveraging credentials like VTS specialty could pave the way for improved hourly compensation.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Columbus?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Columbus?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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