Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Norfolk, NE: $20.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Norfolk, NE runs $20.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,596 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Norfolk'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 Norfolk, NE, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $20.48 for 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This rate can be particularly relevant for professionals working part-time or those engaged in per-diem roles, typically in general practice settings, specialty hospitals, or educational institutions. For a veterinary technologist or technician working a typical part-time schedule of three days per week, this hourly wage translates to varying levels of earnings depending on experience and skills. Entry-level positions may see pay around $16.96, while top earners could reach upwards of $25.83 per hour. These figures highlight the disparity that exists within the field, as higher specialization and experience often correlate with increased pay, although the rates are estimated based on annual salary data.
About the Norfolk 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) | $16.96 | $135.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.65 | $141.20 |
| Median (P50) | $20.48 | $163.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.35 | $194.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.83 | $206.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| 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 (Norfolk) | $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 Norfolk, NE earn a median of $42,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $45,753.
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 Norfolk (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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working just three days a week (24 hours) at an hourly rate can significantly impact annual earnings compared to full-time positions. The potential annual take-home could vary widely, especially as per-diem positions in the region allow for greater flexibility and often higher hourly rates—ranging from $25 to $40. Locum veterinary technicians, particularly those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, might command $35 to $55 per hour. The range across different employer types in Norfolk also varies; while general practice clinics may offer standard pay, specialty hospitals and larger corporate chains typically provide better compensation to attract talent, especially in light of ongoing workforce shortages. In negotiating pay, it’s wise for veterinary technologists and technicians to consider the full value of employment packages, including health benefits, which can affect overall job satisfaction and financial stability despite higher hourly rates from per diem work.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Norfolk?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Norfolk?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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