Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hastings, NE: $21.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hastings, NE runs $21.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hastings's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,767 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Nebraska, veterinary technologists and technicians receive a median hourly rate of $21.45, which is notably below the national median of $24.03 per hour. This rate translates to varying compensation structures for part-time and per-diem workers who typically find employment in general practice, specialty hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities. For those working an average of three days a week, the income reflects a commitment to a flexible work schedule, aligning with the needs of veterinary clinics and emergency care settings. The hourly pay range spans from $16.07 for entry-level positions to $27.23 for top earners, highlighting a disparity that may prompt workers to seek opportunities that better align with their experience and expertise. Estimates for these hourly rates are sourced from annual salary data, illustrating a broad landscape of salary expectations in the Hastings area.
About the Hastings 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) | $16.07 | $128.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.28 | $138.25 |
| Median (P50) | $21.45 | $171.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.48 | $203.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.23 | $217.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hastings
Based on $21.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.45/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hastings, NE can expect to earn approximately $44,612 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,738. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hastings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hastings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $857.93 | $3,718 | $44,612 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $514.76 | $2,231 | $26,767 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.17 | $1,487 | $17,845 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hastings) | $21.45 |
| 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 Hastings, NE earn a median of $44,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $45,720.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.45/hr = $26,767/year (purchasing power: $29,254).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,612/year (purchasing power: $48,756).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hastings (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 | $15.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hastings grew 34.1% from $15.16/hr (2019) to $20.33/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.63/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 Hastings 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 Hastings
When considering part-time roles, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week for 24 hours may expect to earn less annually compared to full-time peers, limiting their total take-home pay. Per-diem positions can be financially appealing; specialized technicians with VTS credentials may command hourly rates between $35 and $55, particularly in high-demand areas. Many clinics, especially those operating in specialty medicine or emergency care, offer competitive pay for weekend or overnight shifts, often ranging from $30 to $50 per hour. Differences in hourly rates also arise depending on the type of employment—general practice clinics, corporate chains, and research labs all present unique financial incentives. While some technologists accept lower wages for positions with benefits, others may opt for higher hourly rates without the security that health benefits provide. Job seekers in Hastings should confidently negotiate their pay by researching local rates and leveraging their professional credentials and experience in discussions, ensuring they secure compensation reflective of their skills and dedication to the field.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hastings in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hastings?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hastings paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hastings?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hastings?
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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 Hastings. 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 Hastings 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