Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Grand Island, NE: $21.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Grand Island, NE runs $21.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,644 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Grand Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,780 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Island, Nebraska, the projected median hourly pay in 2026 stands at $21.46. This figure is lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03, indicating a more localized pay scale. For individuals working in various environments, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, this hourly rate can vary significantly. Entry-level technicians may start around $16.63, while those in senior positions can earn as much as $28.54 per hour. The dynamics of part-time work, such as three-day weeks, can impact income; workers might find themselves earning a stable income while also juggling other commitments. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the broader trends within the profession in Grand Island.
About the Grand Island 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) | $16.63 | $133.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.33 | $138.67 |
| Median (P50) | $21.46 | $171.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.23 | $209.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.54 | $228.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Island
Based on $21.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Island, NE can expect to earn approximately $44,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,750. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $858.35 | $3,720 | $44,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $515.01 | $2,232 | $26,780 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.34 | $1,488 | $17,854 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Grand Island) | $21.46 |
| 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 Grand Island, NE earn a median of $44,644 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.69% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $45,742.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.46/hr = $26,780/year (purchasing power: $29,268).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,634/year (purchasing power: $48,780).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Grand Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Island grew 34.1% from $15.16/hr (2019) to $20.34/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.64/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 Grand Island 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 Grand Island
When assessing the earning potential further, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working a 24-hour week can anticipate earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, leaving many to seek supplemental income through per-diem arrangements. Per-diem veterinary personnel can charge between $25 and $40 per hour, while specialty credentialed technicians may command rates of $35 to $55 hourly due to the specific expertise required. Additionally, weekend and overnight shifts at understaffed hospitals often attract pay rates ranging from $30 to $50 per hour, reflecting a growing need in certain markets. Various factors can influence hourly pay depending on the type of employer, from general practices to corporate chains, each offering different compensation packages that may include benefits or higher pay without them. Negotiating becomes essential in an environment where some may opt for lower hourly rates to secure health insurance, while others may prioritize cash compensation. Crafting a careful approach to negotiations can help technicians maximize their earning potential in Grand Island's veterinary market.
More salary data for Grand Island, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Island in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Grand Island?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Grand Island?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Island?
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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 Grand Island. 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 Grand Island 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