Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $21.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kearney, NE runs $21.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $21.17, falling below the national hourly median of $24.03. This disparity can impact part-time workers who typically schedule about three days a week, as their earnings may not match full-timers. For per-diem positions in various settings, such as specialty hospital ICU wards or university teaching clinics, the lower hourly rate may be offset by flexibility. Entry-level technicians start around $17.06 per hour and can rise to top earners making $27.64 per hour, leading to diverse earning potentials within Kearney's veterinary field. Such hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salaries, making this insight particularly relevant for professionals considering both part-time and contract roles in animal care.
About the Kearney 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) | $17.06 | $136.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.01 | $144.07 |
| Median (P50) | $21.17 | $169.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.63 | $205.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.64 | $221.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $21.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.17/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $44,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,409. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $846.95 | $3,670 | $44,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.17 | $2,202 | $26,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.78 | $1,468 | $17,617 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kearney) | $21.17 |
| 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 Kearney, NE earn a median of $44,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $45,736.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.17/hr = $26,425/year (purchasing power: $28,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,042/year (purchasing power: $48,133).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kearney grew 34.1% from $14.96/hr (2019) to $20.07/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.34/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 Kearney 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 Kearney
Focusing on part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist or technician working a standard 24-hour week would take home approximately $27,198 annually while foregoing benefits that full-time positions might offer. The scenario differs for per-diem or locum tenens positions, where these professionals often command higher rates, billing between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on the demand and their level of specialization. In Kearney, salaries can vary significantly depending on the employer—ranging from general veterinary practices to corporate chains and specialty hospitals—impacting overall compensation packages. While some accept lower hourly rates for the security of health benefits, others may opt for higher pay without benefits, reflecting personal priorities. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding Kearney's competitive landscape, including potential earnings in specialty areas, is crucial for advancing their careers in this growing and essential field.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kearney in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kearney?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kearney paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kearney?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kearney?
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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 Kearney. 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 Kearney 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