Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $39,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Sioux Falls, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,119 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 90.6 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,163 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,047) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Prospective graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, can expect a starting salary around $39,119 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap from the city's median of $49,047, giving new professionals a clear understanding of the financial landscape as they embark on their careers. Despite this disparity, there is room for growth: entry-level salaries can progress to the 25th percentile at $46,072 and potentially align with the median within three to five years, especially in a market experiencing a 5.50% annual growth rate. Given the ongoing veterinary technician workforce shortage, which has driven salary increases in many regions, Sioux Falls presents a viable option for recent grads looking to establish themselves in this in-demand profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux Falls
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 Sioux Falls
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Sioux Falls, SD typically start between $39,119 and $46,072 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,198 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,047 — 1.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in South Dakota of $20,000 represents just 51.13% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($39,119/year) in Sioux Falls. 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 Sioux Falls
- 1Research the Sioux Falls market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $39,119 to $46,072, 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 Sioux Falls, 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 Sioux Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux Falls'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 Sioux Falls is $13,198 ( 33.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,119, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,317.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,510
2025 BLS Actual
$37,080
2026 Current Est.
$39,119
2019–2027 Growth
+26.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,271 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux Falls, SD grew 14.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,510 in 2019 to $37,080 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,271. New graduates entering the Sioux Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls
Employers throughout Sioux Falls often seek out recent graduates to fill positions in general practice clinics, which typically hire the majority of new veterinary technologist and technician professionals. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl provide structured mentorship opportunities, sign-on bonuses, and exposure to various specialties, making them attractive choices for fresh graduates. To enhance earning potential, obtaining credentials from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and passing the VTNE exam can be beneficial. Furthermore, pursuing VTS specialty credentialing can elevate pay significantly, allowing skilled technicians to command hourly rates of $30-$45 or more after gaining experience. In years one through three, it is realistic for new hires to see modest salary growth, thus making continued education and skill development imperative for maximizing long-term financial success in the field.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sioux Falls in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Sioux Falls?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Sioux Falls?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Sioux Falls?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in South Dakota?
Related Pages
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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 Sioux Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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