Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Mitchell, SD: $21.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Mitchell, SD runs $21.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,157 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Mitchell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,491 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Mitchell, South Dakota are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $21.23. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $24.03, reflecting the regional economic factors at play in this essential healthcare profession. For part-time workers, often functioning three days a week, this hourly rate could translate into annual earnings of approximately $33,500, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility in their schedules. Per-diem positions, commonly found in general practice treatment areas and specialty hospitals, typically pay between $16.66 and $26.39 per hour, providing a wide range of earnings depending on experience and facility type. This high demand for veterinary professionals, set against an ongoing workforce shortage, also encapsulates the earning potential from entry-level positions to well-compensated roles in specialty or university settings.
About the Mitchell 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) | $16.66 | $133.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.56 | $140.44 |
| Median (P50) | $21.23 | $169.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.99 | $199.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.39 | $211.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mitchell
Based on $21.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.23/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mitchell, SD can expect to earn approximately $44,151 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,472. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mitchell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mitchell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $849.06 | $3,679 | $44,151 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $509.44 | $2,208 | $26,491 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $339.63 | $1,472 | $17,661 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Mitchell) | $21.23 |
| 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 Mitchell, SD earn a median of $44,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $46,383.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.23/hr = $26,491/year (purchasing power: $28,546).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,151/year (purchasing power: $47,577).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Mitchell grew 34.1% from $15.00/hr (2019) to $20.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.39/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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell
Shifting gears to the earning potential for those working part-time versus full-time reveals compelling contrasts. Working just three days a week, a vet tech can still expect to take home a respectable salary, which is particularly appealing given the rising cost of living in Mitchell and across SD. Meanwhile, per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians may command higher hourly rates, often billing $25 to $40 per hour for temporary work, with specialty credentials allowing for even greater pay. In understaffed facilities, weekend or overnight shifts can offer rates closer to $30-$50 per hour, further driving home the disparities based on demand and hours worked. This variability in pay underscores a common challenge; many technicians weigh the benefits of stability and health insurance from full-time positions against higher hourly rates without benefits in more flexible roles. As you consider your options in Mitchell, negotiation becomes key—understanding the varying pay scales linked to different employer types, such as corporate chains or specialty hospitals, can empower you to secure favorable terms reflective of your skills and experience in this evolving field.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Mitchell in 2026?
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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 Mitchell. 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 Mitchell 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