Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Minot, ND: $34,325 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Minot, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,325 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Minot's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,310 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,162) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the veterinary field as technologists and technicians in Minot, North Dakota, can expect a starting salary approximately at $34,325. While this figure might appear lower compared to the city median annual salary of $45,162, it should be viewed as an entry point with significant growth potential. New professionals can anticipate a gradual increase in earnings, moving from this entry-level wage through to $36,749 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median within their first three to five years. Given the current veterinary workforce shortage, Minot offers a decent market for new graduates, with the demand for skilled veterinary staff likely supporting upward salary movement.
About the Minot Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Minot
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 Minot
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Minot, ND typically start between $34,325 and $36,749 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,569 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,162 — 9.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 52.44% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($34,325/year) in Minot. 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 Minot
- 1Research the Minot market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $34,325 to $36,749, 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 Minot, 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 Minot for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Minot'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 Minot is $23,569 ( 68.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,325, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,894.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,350
2025 BLS Actual
$32,536
2026 Current Est.
$34,325
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,848 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,422 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,498 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,536 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,325 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,213 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Minot, ND grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,350 in 2019 to $32,536 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,213. New graduates entering the Minot job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minot 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 Minot
Employers in Minot that typically hire recent graduates include general practice clinics, which most commonly provide on-the-job training and exposure to various specialties. Larger corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl often provide structured mentorship programs, potentially including sign-on bonuses for new hires. Specialty hospitals, however, may require 1-2 years of general experience, positioning them as options for later career phases. New graduates looking to increase their starting pay in North Dakota should focus on earning credentials from AVMA CVTEA-accredited programs, passing the VTNE national exam, and obtaining state credentials like CVT, RVT, or LVT. As pay for veterinary technicians has risen substantially—25-40% in many areas from 2020 to 2024—pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential can lead to salaries in the $30-$45+ per hour range. For those in Minot, realistic salary growth during the initial years often starts with modest increases, but the industry's upward trajectory offers promising prospects for dedicated candidates.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Minot?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Minot?
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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 Minot. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Minot 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