Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Bismarck, ND: $54,216 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Bismarck, ND earns a median $54,216/year (≈ $26.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Bismarck's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.0), that paycheck buys what $59,562 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.9% above the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians aiming to maximize their earning potential in Bismarck, achieving the VTS specialty credential in areas like emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia can significantly influence compensation. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected at $54,216, which is an attractive figure compared to the national average of $49,986, placing local professionals approximately 8.46% ahead of their counterparts nationwide. The salary range for these positions spans from $39,246 to $66,803, indicating a robust variation that reflects factors like specialization, experience, and workplace environment. This data is derived from BLS OEWS surveys, emphasizing Bismarck as a competitive market for skilled veterinary technicians.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,246 | $18.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,272 | $19.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,216 | $26.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,808 | $28.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,803 | $32.11 |
Median Salary Position
8.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
In Bismarck, ND, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,557 (2026 est.). At $54,216, the local median is 8.46% above the national median of $49,986.
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How Bismarck Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Bismarck median: $54,216/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bismarck Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $45,985 | +17.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +8.46% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $54,216 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 17.90% above the North Dakota state average of $45,985.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bismarck has a cost of living 8.98% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bismarck, ND has a cost-of-living index of 91.024 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $54,216 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,562 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.86% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,309
2025 BLS Actual
$51,390
2026 Current Est.
$54,216
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,309 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,216 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,198 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bismarck metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $38,309 (2019) to $51,390 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,198 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,889 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,246 – $41,272 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,272 – $54,216 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,216 – $59,808 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,808 – $66,803 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Bismarck
Local job opportunities reflect an employed base of 50 veterinary technologists and technicians in the Bismarck area, highlighting a relatively small yet dedicated workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 91.024, residents benefit from a lower living expense, which significantly enhances the purchasing power of their salaries. Those seeking higher pay should consider specialty referral hospitals or corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, which tend to offer better compensation packages than general practice clinics. Factors such as VTS credentialing and shift differentials at 24-hour emergency facilities can drive average earnings upward, creating opportunities for strategic career moves. Candidates can maximize their pay by pursuing advanced certifications and seeking positions within specialty practices, where demand for skilled technicians remains high amidst a growing workforce shortage.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bismarck, ND in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Bismarck?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $51,390 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Bismarck metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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