Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Kearney, NE: $44,044 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Kearney, NE earns a median $44,044/year (≈ $21.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $48,136 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, the projected median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $44,044, which is approximately 11.89% lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary range for these professionals in Kearney spans from $35,492 at the 10th percentile to $57,492 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, indicate that the earnings reflect adjustments for regional cost variations, with an hourly median of $21.17. For those pursuing advanced credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care or anesthesia, there is potential for significantly higher earnings within specialty environments. This specialty credential pathway not only validates advanced skills but also enhances competitive positioning in the job market, especially as demand for credentialed professionals continues to grow.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,492 | $17.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,466 | $18.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,044 | $21.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,291 | $25.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,492 | $27.64 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,000 (2026 est.). At $44,044, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Kearney median: $44,044/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $45,736 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -11.89% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Kearney, NE earn a median of $44,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $45,736.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney 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.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,044 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,136 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,122
2025 BLS Actual
$41,748
2026 Current Est.
$44,044
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,122 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,694 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,541 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,748 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,044 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,467 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,122 (2019) to $41,748 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,467 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,345 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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) | $35,492 – $37,466 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,466 – $44,044 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,044 – $53,291 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,291 – $57,492 |
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 Kearney
Kearney's job market currently employs nine veterinary technologists and technicians, contributing to a unique employment dynamic. The cost of living in the area, at an index of 91.5, suggests that take-home incomes stretch further compared to national averages, providing a practical advantage for those working in this field. Within the local job landscape, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer higher pay scales, often differentiated by experience or specialization. Factors influencing the variance in salaries include the pursuit of VTS credentials, which can lead to top-tier rates above $30-$45 per hour. Working in specialty referral hospitals and emergency settings can also offer premium shift differentials, positioning candidates to optimize their earning potential. For those in Kearney, focusing on credential advancement and seeking roles in corporate or specialty settings can be effective strategies to enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Kearney?
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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 $41,748 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Kearney 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 Kearney 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