Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Omaha, NE: $22.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Omaha, NE runs $22.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,443 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Omaha's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,466 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Omaha, Nebraska, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $22.81, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate can significantly impact those working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, allowing for a flexible schedule while bringing in a steady income. Per-diem workers often find opportunities in various environments, including general practice treatment areas and specialty hospital ICU wards, where they may be able to negotiate rates depending on their experience. In Omaha, the hourly earnings range from $19.69 for entry-level positions to $30.27 for those at the top of the pay scale, as reflected in the BLS estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.69 | $157.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.94 | $175.55 |
| Median (P50) | $22.81 | $182.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.52 | $220.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.27 | $242.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Omaha
Based on $22.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.81/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Omaha, NE can expect to earn approximately $47,443 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,371. With a cost-of-living index of 91.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Omaha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Omaha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $912.36 | $3,954 | $47,443 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $547.42 | $2,372 | $28,466 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $364.95 | $1,581 | $18,977 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Omaha) | $22.81 |
| 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 Omaha, NE earn a median of $47,443 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.09% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.70% above the Nebraska state average of $45,751.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.81/hr = $28,466/year (purchasing power: $30,971).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,443/year (purchasing power: $51,618).
CoL index: 91.911 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Omaha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Omaha grew 21.1% from $17.86/hr (2019) to $21.62/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.06/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 Omaha 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 Omaha
When considering the full-time versus part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week would take home considerably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem and agency positions present a different reality where veterinary technicians typically bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized roles such as VTS-credentialed technicians able to command rates of $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts in emergency clinics may pay up to $50 per hour, which is particularly advantageous in areas with shortages. Veterinary technicians must also weigh the benefits of full-time positions—like health insurance—against higher hourly pay from part-time and per-diem roles. For those negotiating hourly compensation in Omaha, understanding employer nuances, such as those between corporate chain hospitals and specialty services, can lead to better salary outcomes.
More salary data for Omaha, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Omaha in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Omaha?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Omaha paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Omaha?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Omaha?
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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 Omaha. 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