Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Spearfish, SD: $21.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Spearfish, SD runs $21.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,478 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Spearfish's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,688 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Spearfish, South Dakota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $21.38 in 2026, which is approximately 11.02% below the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate influences part-time employment options—those working three days a week can expect to take home a stable income while balancing their work-life commitments. Per-diem roles in various settings, such as general practice treatment areas and specialty hospital wards, allow for more flexibility, appealing to those who may not want to engage in full-time positions. Entry-level workers can start at around $16.38 per hour, while seasoned professionals may command up to $26.13, reflecting a broad range of experience and specialization in this vital field.
About the Spearfish 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) | $16.38 | $131.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.72 | $149.73 |
| Median (P50) | $21.38 | $171.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.91 | $199.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.13 | $209.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spearfish
Based on $21.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.38/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spearfish, SD can expect to earn approximately $44,480 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,662. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Spearfish.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spearfish
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $855.39 | $3,707 | $44,480 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $513.24 | $2,224 | $26,688 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $342.16 | $1,483 | $17,792 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Spearfish) | $21.38 |
| 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 Spearfish, SD earn a median of $44,478 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $46,379.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.38/hr = $26,688/year (purchasing power: $28,759).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,480/year (purchasing power: $47,932).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Spearfish grew 34.1% from $15.11/hr (2019) to $20.27/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.56/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 Spearfish 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 Spearfish
Exploring the potential earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals interesting dynamics, especially for those opting for a 24-hour work week. These professionals, while not working full-time, could still find their annual take-home to be competitive compared to their full-time peers. Per-diem and agency positions may offer even more attractive pay scales, often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists able to command rates between $35 and $55 per hour. On weekends or overnight shifts in understaffed emergency hospitals, pay can escalate to $30-$50 per hour. The employer type significantly impacts hourly wages in Spearfish, with corporate chain hospitals and specialized facilities providing different pay structures. Therefore, it's essential for candidates to evaluate the benefits offered alongside hourly wages, as some may prefer lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance. Finally, when negotiating for pay, it's crucial for workers to consider their unique value and market trends while also reflecting on local expectations to achieve optimal compensation.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Spearfish in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Spearfish?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Spearfish paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Spearfish?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Spearfish?
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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 Spearfish. 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 Spearfish 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