Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rapid City, SD: $22.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rapid City, SD runs $22.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,697 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rapid City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.2, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,611 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rapid City, South Dakota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $22.93, which is slightly lower than the national median of $24.03. This rate offers a solid income for those working in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this rate translates into a reliable source of income while maintaining work-life balance. The hourly pay can vary significantly across experience levels, with entry-level workers typically earning around $15.68 and more seasoned technicians reaching up to $25.15 per hour. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data, helping prospective veterinary technicians gauge the earning potential in Rapid City.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.68 | $125.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.97 | $151.75 |
| Median (P50) | $22.93 | $183.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.75 | $189.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.15 | $201.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rapid City
Based on $22.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.93/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rapid City, SD can expect to earn approximately $47,684 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,510. With a cost-of-living index of 89.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rapid City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rapid City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $917.01 | $3,974 | $47,684 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $550.20 | $2,384 | $28,611 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.80 | $1,589 | $19,074 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rapid City) | $22.93 |
| 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 Rapid City, SD earn a median of $47,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% above the South Dakota state average of $46,397.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.93/hr = $28,611/year (purchasing power: $32,089).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,684/year (purchasing power: $53,482).
CoL index: 89.16 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rapid City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rapid City grew 24.4% from $17.47/hr (2019) to $21.73/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.19/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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City
When considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician who commits to a three-day workweek could expect to earn approximately $29,482 annually, compared to a full-time worker whose earnings would increase significantly. Per diem roles in Rapid City can be more lucrative, with many professionals charging anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, particularly in high-demand scenarios such as overnight emergency coverage. Specialty credentialed technicians in areas like surgery or critical care can command even higher rates, from $35 to $55 per hour, reflecting the urgent need for skilled professionals. While corporate veterinary practices often provide benefits at a lower hourly pay, many technicians weigh job security and health insurance against the potential for higher hourly wages in agency positions. For those looking to negotiate pay, presenting market data and emphasizing specialized credentials could be effective strategies for securing a better hourly rate in this competitive field.
More salary data for Rapid City, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rapid City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rapid City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rapid City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rapid City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rapid City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South 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 Rapid City. 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, 7-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