Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in La Vista, NE: $20.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in La Vista, NE runs $20.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,589 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against La Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,556 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Vista, Nebraska, the projected median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians is $20.48, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy can impact part-time workers, as many in this field typically operate on a three-day work week. At this rate, a part-time technician could be earning around $39,000 annually, which poses challenges for those relying solely on these wages. Furthermore, the hourly pay for entry-level positions in La Vista starts at about $16.95, while experienced professionals can reach up to $25.82. Such a range highlights the opportunities for progression in the field, especially for those seeking to enhance their skills and credentials, particularly in environments like specialty hospitals or research facilities where demands for expertise are higher.
About the La Vista 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) | $16.95 | $135.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.64 | $141.12 |
| Median (P50) | $20.48 | $163.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.34 | $194.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.82 | $206.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vista
Based on $20.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.48/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vista, NE can expect to earn approximately $42,593 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,573. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $819.10 | $3,549 | $42,593 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $491.46 | $2,130 | $25,556 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $327.64 | $1,420 | $17,037 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (La Vista) | $20.48 |
| 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 La Vista, NE earn a median of $42,589 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.80% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $45,746.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.48/hr = $25,556/year (purchasing power: $27,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,593/year (purchasing power: $46,550).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in La Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Vista grew 34.1% from $14.47/hr (2019) to $19.41/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.60/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 La Vista 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 La Vista
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians often face significant earnings disparities compared to their full-time counterparts. When working three days a week, their annual take-home pay is substantially less than what a full-time position would yield, which can discourage some from pursuing the career full-time. For those looking at per-diem opportunities, the market in La Vista can be lucrative; per diem rates typically range between $25 and $40 per hour for standard assignments, increasing to $35 to $55 per hour for VTS-credentialed specialty technicians. Additionally, roles covering weekend or overnight shifts at emergency clinics can command up to $50, reflecting the acute veterinary workforce shortage. However, many technicians make a trade-off between higher hourly rates and essential benefits like health insurance. Negotiating these terms effectively is vital for those entering the field, especially given the corporate consolidation in veterinary care that often influences pay scales. Skilled candidates should capitalize on these varying rates across different employer types, including corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, to secure a fair and sustainable compensation package in La Vista.
More salary data for La Vista, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in La Vista in 2026?
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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 La Vista. 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 La Vista 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