Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in North Platte, NE: $20.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in North Platte, NE runs $20.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,530 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against North Platte's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,516 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Platte, Nebraska, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $20.45, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This difference reflects not only regional economic factors but also the market dynamics for veterinary services within the area. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this translates to a more manageable income suited for supplementary work. The pay range for this profession in North Platte varies from around $16.88 for entry-level positions to $25.73 for experienced professionals, indicating potential for growth as individuals gain experience and potentially seek credentialing in specialized fields through programs accredited by NAVTA. These roles can be found across various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities.
About the North Platte 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) | $16.88 | $135.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.58 | $140.61 |
| Median (P50) | $20.45 | $163.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.28 | $194.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.73 | $205.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Platte
Based on $20.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.45/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Platte, NE can expect to earn approximately $42,527 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,535. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Platte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Platte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $817.84 | $3,544 | $42,527 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $490.70 | $2,126 | $25,516 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $327.13 | $1,418 | $17,011 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (North Platte) | $20.45 |
| 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 North Platte, NE earn a median of $42,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $45,731.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.45/hr = $25,516/year (purchasing power: $27,887).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,527/year (purchasing power: $46,478).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in North Platte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Platte grew 34.1% from $14.45/hr (2019) to $19.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.57/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 North Platte 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 North Platte
Examining the financial viability for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in North Platte, a 24-hour workweek translates to a gross annual income of about $26,099 if they earn $20.45 per hour. This is significantly lower than what full-time professionals can achieve, but many individuals in this field accept these roles for flexibility or to balance other commitments. Per-diem opportunities are particularly appealing; these workers can command $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty-certified technicians earning up to $55 for specialized knowledge in critical care or surgery. Such hourly variations reflect differing employer types, where corporate chains or veterinary academic hospitals might offer less hourly pay compared to specialty hospitals while providing benefits that some workers might find worth the trade-off. Negotiation for higher pay, especially under current market conditions, is crucial - emphasizing specialized skills or willingness to cover high-demand shifts could enhance earning potential in a workforce that is facing acute shortages across Nebraska, including North Platte, NE.
More salary data for North Platte, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Platte in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in North Platte?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in North Platte?
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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 North Platte. 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 North Platte 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