Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hastings, NE: $44,622 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Hastings, NE earns a median $44,622/year (≈ $21.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $48,767 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Nebraska, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to be $44,622 in 2026. This figure reflects the local pay gradient created by the choice between working in specialty hospitals versus general practice settings, where salaries may vary significantly. The salary range extends from $33,427 at the 10th percentile to $56,627 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying levels of experience and credentialing among practitioners. These figures are informed by local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. With a growing demand for skilled professionals in the veterinary field, Hastings presents a competitive snapshot of the profession's earning potential, influenced by the presence of specialty services and corporate chains in the area.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,427 | $16.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,948 | $17.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,622 | $21.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,003 | $25.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,627 | $27.23 |
Median Salary Position
10.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, NE, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,200 (2026 est.). At $44,622, the local median is 10.73% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hastings Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Hastings median: $44,622/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $45,720 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -10.73% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Hastings, NE earn a median of $44,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $45,720.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hastings, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,622 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,767 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,530
2025 BLS Actual
$42,296
2026 Current Est.
$44,622
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,369 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,137 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,047 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,137 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,296 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,622 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,077 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,530 (2019) to $42,296 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,077 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,547 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,427 – $35,948 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,948 – $44,622 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,622 – $53,003 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,003 – $56,627 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Hastings
Currently, there are five veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Hastings, reflecting the tight-knit community in this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 91.5, living expenses in Hastings are below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of the salaries. Among the employers, specialty referral hospitals typically offer higher salaries compared to general practice clinics, particularly for those who hold VTS credentials in high-demand areas like emergency care or anesthesia. The disparity in pay can be attributed to factors such as specialty training, corporate chain pay scales, and leadership roles within 24-hour emergency facilities. To maximize earning potential, aspiring technicians should consider obtaining specialty certifications, seeking employment at hospitals offering higher pay scales, and pursuing roles that provide additional compensation through mentoring and shift differentials, which can significantly enhance overall income in the Hastings market.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Hastings?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $42,296 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Hastings metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hastings 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