Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $20.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Pierre, SD runs $20.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,581 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,148 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is pegged at a median rate of $20.95. This figure sits below the national median hourly rate of $24.03, indicating a substantial pay difference that may affect local employment dynamics. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, this hourly wage translates to approximately $1,670 monthly before taxes, making it a viable option for individuals seeking flexibility. The hourly wages for entry-level positions begin at around $15.97 while more experienced professionals can earn up to $26.77, highlighting the potential for career growth in diverse settings, which include general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities.
About the Pierre 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) | $15.97 | $127.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.28 | $146.27 |
| Median (P50) | $20.95 | $167.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.12 | $200.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.77 | $214.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $20.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.95/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $43,581 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,143. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $838.09 | $3,632 | $43,581 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $502.86 | $2,179 | $26,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $335.24 | $1,453 | $17,432 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Pierre) | $20.95 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $43,581 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $46,363.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.95/hr = $26,148/year (purchasing power: $28,177).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,581/year (purchasing power: $46,962).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Pierre grew 34.1% from $14.80/hr (2019) to $19.86/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.10/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Taking on part-time roles, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours per week could earn approximately $40,000 annually, which is significantly less than what full-time workers make. For per-diem assignments, the pay varies widely—with rates between $25 and $40 per hour for general duties; specialty positions often command up to $55 per hour for Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS). The diversity of employers in Pierre, from local clinics to corporate chains and academic institutions, influences pay rates significantly. Those in specialized facilities or assuming critical overnight roles typically earn more due to market demands. However, many technicians accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. As a tip for negotiating pay, consider communicating your specialized skills and any relevant certifications, such as those from NAVTA or VTS designation, which can make a difference in securing a competitive rate in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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