Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in West Fargo, ND: $45,195 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in West Fargo, ND earns a median $45,195/year (≈ $21.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in West Fargo's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $49,125 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Fargo, ND, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $45,195 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,986. The local salary range stretches from $34,356 at the lower end (P10) to $60,644 for those at the top (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels. While the projected compensation reflects the ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention within the veterinary field, particularly exacerbated by corporate consolidation influencing pay scales like those seen at VCA and BluePearl, the salaries offer insight into the local job market's dynamics.
About the West Fargo Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,356 | $16.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,815 | $17.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,195 | $21.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,120 | $25.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,644 | $29.16 |
Median Salary Position
9.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Fargo
In West Fargo, ND, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,288 (2026 est.). At $45,195, the local median is 9.58% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in West Fargo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Fargo Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
West Fargo median: $45,195/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $45,977 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -9.58% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in West Fargo, ND earn a median of $45,195 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.58% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $45,977.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Fargo has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $45,195 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,125 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,935
2025 BLS Actual
$42,839
2026 Current Est.
$45,195
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in West Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,935 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,785 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,318 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,575 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,548 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,357 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,195 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,681 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Fargo metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,935 (2019) to $42,839 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,681 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,746 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Fargo 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) | $34,356 – $36,815 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,815 – $45,195 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,195 – $53,120 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,120 – $60,644 |
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 West Fargo
With just 10 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the West Fargo area, the local job market facing these professionals appears relatively tight, which may impact wage competitiveness. Additionally, the cost-of-living index sits at 92, indicating affordability compared to the national average, which can enhance the real purchasing power for those in this profession. Employers that tend to offer more competitive pay include corporate chain facilities such as VCA and BluePearl, alongside specialized hospitals providing advanced care in areas like emergency and critical care. The variation in salaries can be attributed to factors such as specialized credentials (like VTS), the type of veterinary practice, and the potential for shift differentials and lead roles, which can significantly increase earnings. For those seeking not just employment but lucrative opportunities, pursuing additional certifications and considering roles in specialty or emergency settings may lead to maximized pay in West Fargo's market.
More salary data for West Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $42,839 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the West Fargo 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
Salary data for West Fargo 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