Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $44,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $44,083/year (≈ $21.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $47,503 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the salary for veterinary technologists and technicians reflects a nuanced pay gradient between different types of employment settings. The median annual salary is projected to be $44,083 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $49,986. Local salaries range from $34,762 at the lower end (P10) to $56,319 at the higher end (P90). These figures, based on 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026, highlight the economic dynamics in Aberdeen’s job market, where specialty hospitals may offer higher compensation compared to general practice clinics due to the specialized skill set required.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,762 | $16.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,799 | $17.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,083 | $21.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,676 | $25.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,319 | $27.07 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,557 (2026 est.). At $44,083, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $44,083/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $46,403 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -11.81% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $44,083 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $46,403.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aberdeen has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aberdeen, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,083 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,503 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,149
2025 BLS Actual
$41,785
2026 Current Est.
$44,083
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,978 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,498 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,724 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,985 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,785 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,508 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,149 (2019) to $41,785 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,508 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,359 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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) | $34,762 – $36,799 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,799 – $44,083 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,083 – $53,676 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,676 – $56,319 |
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 Aberdeen
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Aberdeen consists of only five employed professionals, indicating a niche market that can affect job availability and pay. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, the financial landscape presents some advantages, allowing a relatively higher purchasing power than many urban counterparts. Specialty hospitals, particularly those focused on emergency care and surgical procedures, tend to offer better compensation compared to general practices, which may be limited by budget constraints. Factors contributing to the salary span include the growing value of VTS specialty credentials, variations in corporate pay scales among chains like VCA and BluePearl, and opportunities for premium pay through shifts in critical care settings. To maximize pay in this market, pursuing VTS specialization and gaining experience in higher-paying specialty areas can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Aberdeen, SD in 2026?
Is Aberdeen, SD a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Aberdeen?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Aberdeen?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Aberdeen?
Related Pages
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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 $41,785 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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