Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Brookings, SD: $35,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Brookings, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,101 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookings's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,824 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,856) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in Brookings, South Dakota, can expect a starting veterinary technologist and technician salary around $35,101, which is significantly below the city's median of $42,856. This initial pay reflects the lower end of the salary range for the profession, indicating a gap that early-career professionals may need to bridge through skill development and experience. As they gain experience, entry-level technicians might realistically move up to about $36,506 in their first few years, with the potential to reach the median salary as they gain confidence in their roles. Given Brookings' projected annual growth rate of 5.50%, this market appears to offer a stable entry point for new graduates seeking employment in veterinary technology.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookings
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 Brookings
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Brookings, SD typically start between $35,101 and $36,506 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,312 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,856 — 14.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in South Dakota of $20,000 represents just 56.98% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($35,101/year) in Brookings. 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 Brookings
- 1Research the Brookings market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $35,101 to $36,506, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookings, 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 Brookings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookings'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 Brookings is $18,312 ( 52.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,101, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,413.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,855
2025 BLS Actual
$33,271
2026 Current Est.
$35,101
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,855 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,777 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,019 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,119 | Actual |
| 2024 | $22,165 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,271 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,031 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Brookings, SD grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,855 in 2019 to $33,271 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,031. New graduates entering the Brookings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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 Brookings
Several employers in Brookings are actively hiring newly minted veterinary technologists and technicians. General practice clinics typically offer the most opportunities for recent graduates, providing hands-on training in a supportive environment. For those seeking structured mentorship, corporate entities like VCA and BluePearl can be appealing, often including sign-on bonuses to attract talent. To enhance earning potential, candidates should pursue an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and successfully complete the VTNE to earn their credentials. The credentialing pathway also opens doors to advanced opportunities, such as becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), which can greatly increase pay to as much as $30-$45+/hr. As Brookings faces an acute veterinary technician workforce shortage, there’s ample room for salary growth and professional advancement in the first few years of practice, making it a favorable environment for ambitious new graduates.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Brookings in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Brookings?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Brookings?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Brookings?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in South 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 Brookings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookings 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