Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $23.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lincoln, NE runs $23.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,966 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Lincoln, Nebraska, earn a median hourly rate of $23.21 as of 2026, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This rate reflects the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in a variety of settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching facilities. For those seeking part-time or per-diem work, such as a 3-day/week schedule, this hourly pay translates into a viable income considering the responsibilities involved in providing quality veterinary care. Hourly earnings range from $19.44 for entry-level positions to $29.07 for experienced technicians, indicating the potential for significant growth as one gains experience or pursues specialized credentials.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.44 | $155.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.26 | $162.05 |
| Median (P50) | $23.21 | $185.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.77 | $198.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.07 | $232.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $23.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.21/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $48,277 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,852. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $928.40 | $4,023 | $48,277 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.04 | $2,414 | $28,966 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.36 | $1,609 | $19,311 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lincoln) | $23.21 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $48,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.50% above the Nebraska state average of $45,750.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.21/hr = $28,966/year (purchasing power: $31,629).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,277/year (purchasing power: $52,715).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lincoln grew 35.9% from $16.19/hr (2019) to $22.00/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.49/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Looking at the earning potential for part-time workers, a veterinary technologist and technician logging 24 hours a week would bring home around $28,173 annually, compared to a full-time equivalent, which would typically be higher. Flexibility comes into play for per-diem positions, which can command rates between $25 and $40 per hour. Those with VTS credentials may earn upwards of $35 to $55 per hour, especially during high-demand shifts like overnight or weekend ER coverage, which often pays $30 to $50 in understaffed hospitals. Hourly rates can differ based on the employer as well; corporate chains might have set pay scales that differ from private practices. Not all positions come with benefits, prompting many technicians to weigh higher hourly rates against the security of job benefits. Effective negotiation strategies tailored to Lincoln’s veterinary job market can empower veterinary technologists and technicians to advocate for fair compensation reflecting their skills and expertise.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lincoln in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lincoln?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lincoln paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lincoln?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lincoln?
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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 Lincoln. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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