Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Yankton, SD: $21.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Yankton, SD runs $21.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,590 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Yankton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,754 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Yankton, South Dakota, can expect a median hourly pay of $21.44 in 2026, which falls short compared to the national median of $24.03. For part-time workers, such as those who operate on a three-day workweek, the income translates to approximately $1,027 per week, allowing for a modest yet stable livelihood. The hourly range for this profession varies considerably, with entry-level positions earning about $17.19 and more seasoned technologists and technicians hitting around $26.30 per hour. Generally, these hourly rates reflect the wage structure translated from annual salary data and represent various work settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Yankton 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) | $17.19 | $137.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.99 | $143.90 |
| Median (P50) | $21.44 | $171.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.04 | $200.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.30 | $210.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yankton
Based on $21.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.44/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yankton, SD can expect to earn approximately $44,590 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,725. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Yankton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yankton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $857.50 | $3,716 | $44,590 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $514.50 | $2,230 | $26,754 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.00 | $1,486 | $17,836 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Yankton) | $21.44 |
| 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 Yankton, SD earn a median of $44,590 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $46,399.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.44/hr = $26,754/year (purchasing power: $28,830).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,590/year (purchasing power: $48,050).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Yankton grew 34.1% from $15.15/hr (2019) to $20.32/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.62/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 Yankton 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 Yankton
Looking at the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, a typical 24-hour workweek yields about $53,416 annually, compared to a full-time salary of $44,590 for those working 40 hours weekly. Per diem roles can be particularly lucrative, with rates between $25 and $40 for standard shifts, while VTS-credentialed technicians may command $35 to $55 for specialized work. In Yankton, hourly rates can be influenced by employer type—general practices may offer lower rates, while specialty hospitals and veterinary emergency clinics often pay more. This pay dynamic can lead to choices between slightly lower hourly rates with health benefits or opting for higher pay without employer-provided insurance. For those negotiating their hourly pay, it's wise to explore the compensation packages offered in various settings and be prepared to articulate the value of specialized training and certifications, especially in a region experiencing a veterinary technician workforce shortage.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Yankton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Yankton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Yankton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Yankton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Yankton?
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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 Yankton. 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 Yankton 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