Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Huron, SD: $20.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Huron, SD runs $20.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,779 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Huron's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,661 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Huron, South Dakota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $20.56 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This discrepancy reflects regional economic conditions and the cost of living index of 92.8, suggesting that local wages may not fully align with those of larger urban markets. For professionals working part-time—say three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a stable income, affecting their ability to sustain a comfortable lifestyle while engaging in work in diverse environments like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital wards, and pharmaceutical research facilities. Those in entry-level positions may see hourly rates starting at $16.79, while experienced technicians can reach rates up to $25.56, demonstrating potential for significant career growth as they gain experience and expertise.
About the Huron 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) | $16.79 | $134.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.47 | $139.77 |
| Median (P50) | $20.56 | $164.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.66 | $197.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.56 | $204.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huron
Based on $20.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.56/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huron, SD can expect to earn approximately $42,769 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,674. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $822.48 | $3,564 | $42,769 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $493.49 | $2,138 | $25,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $328.99 | $1,426 | $17,108 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Huron) | $20.56 |
| 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 Huron, SD earn a median of $42,779 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.42% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.80% below the South Dakota state average of $46,398.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.56/hr = $25,661/year (purchasing power: $27,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,769/year (purchasing power: $46,087).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Huron grew 34.1% from $14.53/hr (2019) to $19.49/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.69/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 Huron 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 Huron
Analyzing the reality of working in Huron, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can expect their annual earnings to differ substantially from full-time employees. For instance, a part-time worker at this hourly rate might bring in about $25,000 annually, while full-time colleagues can earn considerably more, creating a trade-off between work-life balance and financial stability. Alternatively, many opt for per-diem work, where rates typically range from $25 to $40 an hour, especially in critical shortage situations. Weekend and overnight shifts in emergency settings can command higher pay, between $30 and $50, particularly for those with specialty credentials. In Huron, different types of employers also pay varying rates—the corporate chain hospitals often offer benefits that can offset lower hourly wages, while independent practices might provide a little more freedom but less stability. As the veterinarian workforce continues to evolve, those entering the field should consider how to negotiate pay while weighing the balance of hourly compensation against benefits, ensuring they make informed career choices in this dynamic landscape.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Huron in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Huron?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Huron paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Huron?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Huron?
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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 Huron. 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 Huron 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