Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $21.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Aberdeen, SD runs $21.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,083 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,451 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $21.19 in 2026, reflecting a competitive rate within the local job market, although it remains below the national hourly median of $24.03. For part-time workers, such as those clocking in three days a week, this translates into a modest income that could potentially cover essential living expenses. Per-diem roles, commonly found in various settings like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university teaching clinics, and even research facilities, can offer variable hourly earnings, ranging from $16.71 for entry-level positions to $27.07 at the upper end for more experienced personnel. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, emphasizing the need for prospective technologists to consider the full spectrum of pay rates when evaluating career opportunities in Aberdeen.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.71 | $133.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.69 | $141.54 |
| Median (P50) | $21.19 | $169.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.81 | $206.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.07 | $216.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $21.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.19/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $44,085 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,434. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $847.80 | $3,674 | $44,085 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.68 | $2,204 | $26,451 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $339.12 | $1,470 | $17,634 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Aberdeen) | $21.19 |
| 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 Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $44,083 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $46,403.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.19/hr = $26,451/year (purchasing power: $28,504).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,085/year (purchasing power: $47,506).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aberdeen grew 34.1% from $14.98/hr (2019) to $20.09/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.36/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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen
Taking a closer look at the part-time earning potential in this field, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week could bring home around $28,223 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time colleague. The reality of per diem work further complicates income expectations; many per-diem veterinary technologists can command rates between $25 and $40 per hour, especially if they possess specialty credentials such as VTS. Emergency and critical care shifts often carry rates of $30 to $50 due to a market shortage of qualified professionals. The pay scales can vary dramatically depending on employer type, with corporate chains typically offering lower hourly rates but better benefits than smaller clinics or specialty hospitals. Ultimately, some technicians opt for these positions to secure health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits. Effective negotiation skills become essential in Aberdeen's market, particularly to ensure favorable pay arrangements tailored to individual needs.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aberdeen in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Aberdeen?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Aberdeen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Aberdeen?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Aberdeen?
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
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 Aberdeen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen 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