Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Papillion, NE: $20.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Papillion, NE runs $20.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Papillion's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,530 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Papillion, NE, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $20.46 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This discrepancy in pay highlights the financial realities that part-time workers in this field might face as they typically operate in diverse settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and educational clinics. For those considering a part-time role, working three days a week could yield an income of roughly $16,000 for an entry-level position, while those in top-tier roles might earn closer to $25.75 hourly. Additionally, the proposed hourly rates span from $16.99 for entry-level positions to $25.75 for experienced individuals, giving a clear snapshot of the income potential available in the local job market.
About the Papillion 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) | $16.99 | $135.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.60 | $140.78 |
| Median (P50) | $20.46 | $163.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.29 | $194.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.75 | $206.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Papillion
Based on $20.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Papillion, NE can expect to earn approximately $42,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,548. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Papillion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Papillion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $818.26 | $3,546 | $42,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $490.95 | $2,127 | $25,530 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $327.30 | $1,418 | $17,020 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Papillion) | $20.46 |
| 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 Papillion, NE earn a median of $42,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $45,746.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.46/hr = $25,530/year (purchasing power: $27,901).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,549/year (purchasing power: $46,502).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Papillion (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 | $14.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Papillion grew 34.1% from $14.45/hr (2019) to $19.39/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.58/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 Papillion 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 Papillion
Examining part-time earning potential reveals a stark contrast when comparing to full-time work. A veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week can expect a significantly lower annual take-home compared to their full-time colleagues. Furthermore, per-diem options can be lucrative for those willing to take on agency roles, with pay rates often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, depending on the specialty and demand at the facility. In Papillion, the variation in hourly wages is notably affected by the type of employer; corporate veterinary hospitals may offer more structured pay scales, while specialty clinics often compensate higher for specialized skills and nighttime shifts. Some veterinary professionals may choose positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, a factor that can heavily influence job selection. Effective negotiation is important, particularly for those in Papillion, as understanding local wage standards and advocating for proper compensation can greatly enhance employment satisfaction.
More salary data for Papillion, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Papillion. 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 Papillion 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