Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Norfolk, NE: $42,596 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Norfolk, NE earns a median $42,596/year (≈ $20.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $46,553 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Norfolk, NE, is projected to reach a median of $42,596, reflecting the competitive nature of the field, especially for those pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential pathway, including specialties in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia. This local estimate ranges from $35,276 at the 10th percentile to $53,722 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. With a cost of living index at 91.5, professionals looking to enter or advance in this market will find opportunities that align with the growing need for skilled veterinary staff, particularly in specialty and emergency settings.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,276 | $16.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,702 | $17.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,596 | $20.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,636 | $24.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,722 | $25.83 |
Median Salary Position
14.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, NE, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,446 (2026 est.). At $42,596, the local median is 14.78% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $42,596/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $45,753 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -14.78% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Norfolk, NE earn a median of $42,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $45,753.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk 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.
Norfolk, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,596 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,553 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,098
2025 BLS Actual
$40,375
2026 Current Est.
$42,596
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,899 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,402 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,677 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,375 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,596 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,938 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,098 (2019) to $40,375 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,938 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,840 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $35,276 – $36,702 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,702 – $42,596 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,596 – $50,636 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,636 – $53,722 |
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 Norfolk
With only six veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Norfolk, the local job market, while limited, may present unique opportunities for those who specialize. The relatively low cost-of-living index suggests that salaries, while slightly below the national average, may stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Among potential employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer the highest pay, influenced by the demand for specialized skills. Factors contributing to salary variation include the VTS credential, which can command premium rates, and differing pay scales in general practice versus specialty environments. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Norfolk, pursuing additional certifications, seeking roles in emergency care facilities, or taking on leadership responsibilities could provide a pathway to higher compensation.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Norfolk, NE in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Norfolk?
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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 $40,375 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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