Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Williston, ND: $34,892 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,892 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,926 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($43,882) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Williston, North Dakota, new graduates aiming for entry-level positions as veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a starting salary around $34,892 in 2026. When compared to the city’s median annual salary of $43,882, there is a noticeable gap that highlights the typical wage progression for early-career professionals. Over the first few years, there is a potential growth trajectory from the initial pay of $34,892 to approximately $36,845 as they gain experience, with many moving closer to the median salary in about three to five years. With demand for veterinary services rising and a regional shortage of qualified technicians, Williston currently presents a favorable market for new graduates seeking to kickstart their careers.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
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 Williston
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Williston, ND typically start between $34,892 and $36,845 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,510 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $43,882 — 12.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 51.59% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($34,892/year) in Williston. 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 Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $34,892 to $36,845, 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 Williston, 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 Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston'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 Williston is $21,510 ( 61.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,892, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,402.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,719
2025 BLS Actual
$33,073
2026 Current Est.
$34,892
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,719 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,635 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,858 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,951 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,629 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,892 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,811 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,719 in 2019 to $33,073 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,811. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
For those looking to break into the veterinary field in Williston, various employers actively seek fresh talent, with general practice clinics often serving as the primary source of employment for recent graduates. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer structured mentorship programs along with sign-on bonuses, providing a supportive environment for professional development. To enhance earning potential, obtaining credentials such as an AVMA CVTEA-accredited degree, passing the VTNE, and acquiring state licensure are essential steps. Furthermore, pursuing a specialty through VTS credentialing can significantly elevate one's career trajectory, potentially commanding salaries between $30 and $45 per hour. Given the acute workforce shortage in the veterinary sector, new hires can realistically anticipate earning an increased salary after their first few years, progressing beyond initial pay averages as they build their skills and credentials in this rewarding field.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Williston in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Williston?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Williston?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Williston?
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 Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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