Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Dickinson, ND: $33,802 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,802 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,741 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,966) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dickinson, the projection for new graduates in veterinary technology and technical roles indicates a starting salary of about $33,802 in 2026, which can set realistic expectations for entry-level candidates. This figure is notably below the city's median annual salary of $44,966, creating a gap that early-career professionals can potentially bridge through skill development and experience. Over the first three to five years, entry-level salaries are likely to rise; aspiring veterinary technicians may see their earnings approach the P25 level of $36,348 as they gain hands-on experience. Given the veterinary technician workforce shortage, Dickinson presents a favorable market for new graduates, especially for those ready to adapt and capitalize on available opportunities.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Dickinson, ND typically start between $33,802 and $36,348 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,116 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,966 — 10.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 53.25% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($33,802/year) in Dickinson. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $33,802 to $36,348, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Dickinson is $26,116 ( 77.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,802, experienced hygienists can earn up to $59,918.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,009
2025 BLS Actual
$32,040
2026 Current Est.
$33,802
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,009 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,897 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,454 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,078 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,754 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,802 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,661 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,009 in 2019 to $32,040 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,661. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Dickinson
Various employers in Dickinson actively seek new veterinary technologist and technician graduates, with general practice clinics being among the most common hiring entities. These facilities often provide substantial on-the-job training and the chance to learn different specialties. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl frequently offer structured mentorship programs along with sign-on bonuses to attract recent graduates. To enhance earning potential, new professionals are encouraged to secure credentials, such as an Associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, pass the VTNE national exam, and obtain state-level credentials like CVT, RVT, or LVT. In the first few years, newly employed technicians should network actively and consider pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, which can lead to more advanced roles and significantly higher wages, moving towards the $30-$45 per hour range as the market continues to evolve. This proactive approach can help pave the way for realistic salary growth in an already competitive field.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Dickinson?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Dickinson?
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How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in North Dakota?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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