Agriculture & Environment Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Veterinary Technician Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median veterinary technician salary in Kearney, NE is $32,895 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$32,895
vs State Avg
$-1,530
vs National
$-5,355
Cost of Living
86%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median veterinary technician salary of $32,895, which is $1,530 below the Nebraska state average of $34,425. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $32,895 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for veterinary technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Kearney spans from $23,220 at the 10th percentile to $47,300 at the 90th percentile — a $24,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,940, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,580. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $24,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,580 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,940
$-4,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,540
$-5,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,580
$-7,420 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $23,220
25th Percentile $27,520
Median (50th) $32,895
75th Percentile $39,560
90th Percentile $47,300

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$35,573
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$35,190
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$34,425
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$32,130
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Kearney

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Kearney

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Kearney

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $32,895 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $23,220 (10th percentile) to $47,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,895, a veterinary technician in Kearney earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Kearney's median veterinary technician salary of $32,895 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $34,425. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $32,895 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Kearney? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Kearney require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.