Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $21.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Watertown, SD runs $21.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,603 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,767 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $21.45 in 2026, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This hourly rate can impact those seeking part-time positions, as someone working three days a week could expect to earn about $1,030 weekly before taxes. For per diem professionals in common settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or teaching facilities, the opportunities for variable rates are significant. Entry-level veterinary technologists and technicians might start at approximately $17.20 per hour, while seasoned professionals reaching the upper echelons of their field can expect around $27.06 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the broader range of experiences and settings available to veterinary professionals in the Watertown area.
About the Watertown 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) | $17.20 | $137.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.00 | $143.99 |
| Median (P50) | $21.45 | $171.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.50 | $203.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.06 | $216.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $21.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.45/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $44,612 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,738. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $857.93 | $3,718 | $44,612 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $514.76 | $2,231 | $26,767 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.17 | $1,487 | $17,845 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Watertown) | $21.45 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $44,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $46,365.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.45/hr = $26,767/year (purchasing power: $28,844).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,612/year (purchasing power: $48,073).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Watertown grew 34.1% from $15.16/hr (2019) to $20.33/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.63/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Focusing on part-time and per-diem opportunities in the veterinary field can significantly alter earning potential. A veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week, amounting to 24 hours, might take home around $53,108 annually, highlighting a stark contrast to full-time employees who earn roughly $44,603 for a full 40-hour work week. For those who prefer per-diem arrangements, the pay often ranges between $25 and $40 per hour, with veterinary technician specialists commanding even higher rates, typically hitting $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts in high-need areas may see rates soar up to $50 per hour. Different employer types in Watertown—ranging from corporate hospitals to university clinics and specialty facilities—can create varied hourly rates due to differing benefits and work environments. Technologists must weigh the trade-off between potentially lower hourly rates with comprehensive health benefits versus higher pay without those perks. For optimal negotiations with employers in Watertown, candidates should leverage local salary data and highlight their skills or certifications, such as VTS specialties, to secure better pay.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Watertown?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Watertown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Watertown?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Watertown?
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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