Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $26.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bismarck, ND runs $26.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,216 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,534 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Bismarck, North Dakota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $26.07 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This competitive wage provides a solid opportunity for part-time workers, such as those seeking to work three days a week, to earn a meaningful income while pursuing their career in various settings. The hourly pay rate varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $18.87 (P10) and top earners making up to $32.11 (P90). As such, this financial framework supports employment in general veterinary practices, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities, reflecting the official BLS hourly data that highlights the growing demand for skilled veterinary technologists and technicians in the area.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.87 | $150.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.84 | $158.76 |
| Median (P50) | $26.07 | $208.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.75 | $229.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.11 | $256.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $26.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.07/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $54,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,283. With a cost-of-living index of 91.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,042.76 | $4,519 | $54,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $625.66 | $2,711 | $32,534 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.10 | $1,807 | $21,689 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bismarck) | $26.07 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $54,216 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 17.90% above the North Dakota state average of $45,985.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.07/hr = $32,534/year (purchasing power: $35,742).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,224/year (purchasing power: $59,571).
CoL index: 91.024 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bismarck grew 34.1% from $18.42/hr (2019) to $24.71/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.50/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Bismarck
Considering the potential take-home pay for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, those working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $33,000 annually, which positions them favorably compared to full-time peers. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Bismarck can command rates between $25 and $40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed professionals may secure $35 to $55 per hour, especially in high-demand roles like emergency and critical care coverage. Different employer types also influence pay scales, with corporate chain hospitals typically offering different packages compared to independent clinics or teaching hospitals. Many technicians find themselves weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and more stable positions that provide health insurance and paid time off. For those considering employment negotiations, demonstrating the value of specialized credentials can provide leverage in discussions about hourly pay rates in Bismarck’s evolving veterinary field.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bismarck in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bismarck?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bismarck paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bismarck?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bismarck?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bismarck. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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