Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Vermillion, SD: $20.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Vermillion, SD runs $20.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,846 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Vermillion's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,701 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vermillion, South Dakota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $20.59, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $24.03. For professionals in this field, particularly those working part-time in general practice treatment areas or specialty hospital ICU wards, this translates to specific earning scenarios. A veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week could expect to bring home approximately $654 weekly, based on a 24-hour work schedule. The hourly pay among entry-level positions starts at about $16.86, while experienced professionals can earn up to $25.67 per hour, demonstrating a clear trajectory for career advancement within Vermillion's veterinary practices.
About the Vermillion 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) | $16.86 | $134.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.54 | $140.36 |
| Median (P50) | $20.59 | $164.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.73 | $197.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.67 | $205.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vermillion
Based on $20.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.59/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vermillion, SD can expect to earn approximately $42,835 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,712. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vermillion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vermillion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $823.74 | $3,570 | $42,835 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $494.25 | $2,142 | $25,701 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.50 | $1,428 | $17,134 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Vermillion) | $20.59 |
| 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 Vermillion, SD earn a median of $42,846 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.28% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $46,370.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.59/hr = $25,701/year (purchasing power: $27,695).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,835/year (purchasing power: $46,158).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Vermillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Vermillion grew 34.1% from $14.55/hr (2019) to $19.52/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.73/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 Vermillion 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 Vermillion
Investigating more diverse employment arrangements reveals that many veterinary technicians are drawn to per-diem or agency roles, with rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. Notably, specialty teams—particularly those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials—can see pay rates escalate to between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in weekend or overnight emergency scenarios. In Vermillion, compensation can vary significantly depending on the employer type; general practice clinics may offer lower rates compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral hospitals. While some technicians may opt for positions that provide benefits over slightly higher wages in facilities without such perks, this decision often depends on personal circumstances. Veterinarians and technicians negotiating hourly rates should keep current demand trends and staff shortages in mind, especially in light of a nationwide growth rate of 5.50% within the profession.
More salary data for Vermillion, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Vermillion in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Vermillion?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Vermillion paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Vermillion?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Vermillion?
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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 Vermillion. 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 Vermillion 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