Rapid City vs Watertown: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Rapid City, SD and Watertown, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,697▲ | $44,603 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.93▲ | $21.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,599 | $35,778▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,457▲ | $37,447 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,395 | $53,043▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,317 | $56,287▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Watertown is $3,094 (6.94%). Rapid City's median is -4.58% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rapid City spans $19,718,Watertown spans $20,509. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($53,496 effective) pays 11.30% more than Watertown ($48,064 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,697/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,496)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,287)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Rapid City grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$36,340 (2019) → $45,210 (2025)
Watertown, SD
$30,339 (2024) → $42,278 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Rapid City or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Watertown as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Rapid City vs Watertown?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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