Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Brookings, SD: $42,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Brookings, SD earns a median $42,856/year (≈ $20.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Brookings's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $46,181 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookings, South Dakota, the projected median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $42,856, which reflects a significant gap of approximately 14.26% below the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this field locally varies from $35,101 at the 10th percentile to $53,413 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diversity in earnings based on experience and specialization. This market is shaped not only by local demand but also by the influence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which often employ a pay-scale system that impacts compensation. Such dynamics create a competitive environment for veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Brookings, SD, particularly as the industry grapples with workforce shortages and related compensation pressures.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,101 | $16.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,506 | $17.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,856 | $20.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,551 | $24.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,413 | $25.68 |
Median Salary Position
14.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
In Brookings, SD, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,312 (2026 est.). At $42,856, the local median is 14.26% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brookings Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Brookings median: $42,856/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $46,381 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -14.26% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Brookings, SD earn a median of $42,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.26% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $46,381.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brookings 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.
Brookings, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $42,856 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,181 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,282
2025 BLS Actual
$40,622
2026 Current Est.
$42,856
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,282 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,088 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,594 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,786 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,501 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,622 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,213 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookings metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,282 (2019) to $40,622 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,213 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,931 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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) | $35,101 – $36,506 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,506 – $42,856 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,856 – $50,551 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,551 – $53,413 |
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 Brookings
The local job market for veterinary technologists and technicians is relatively modest, with only four positions reported in the area. However, Brookings benefits from a lower cost-of-living index of 92.8, meaning that salaries stretch further than they might in higher-cost areas. Typically, those employed by corporate chain veterinary hospitals or specialty referral facilities may command higher wages compared to those in general practice settings. The disparity in pay is driven in part by advanced certifications like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, as well as the pay scales established by large veterinary corporations. To maximize earnings potential in Brookings, aspiring professionals should consider pursuing VTS specialties and seek opportunities within corporate or specialty settings, where shift differentials and mentor roles can further enhance compensation.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
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 $40,622 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Brookings 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 Brookings 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