Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Mitchell, SD: $44,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Mitchell, SD earns a median $44,157/year (≈ $21.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Mitchell's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $47,583 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mitchell, South Dakota, veterinary technologist and technician salary levels reflect both local and national trends, but there is a significant pay gradient depending on the work environment. The projected median annual salary in 2026 stands at $44,157, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,986, indicating an approximate 11.66% variance. Salaries for positions in this field can range from $34,650 at the lower end to $54,875 at the high end, according to estimates derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost-of-living. Across various structures, specialty hospitals tend to offer higher compensation compared to general practice settings, reflecting the complexity and demands of specialized care in veterinary services within Mitchell’s job market.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,650 | $16.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,512 | $17.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,157 | $21.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,987 | $24.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,875 | $26.39 |
Median Salary Position
11.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mitchell
In Mitchell, SD, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,225 (2026 est.). At $44,157, the local median is 11.66% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Mitchell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mitchell Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Mitchell median: $44,157/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mitchell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $46,383 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -11.66% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Mitchell, SD earn a median of $44,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $46,383.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mitchell 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.
Mitchell, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,157 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,583 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,201
2025 BLS Actual
$41,855
2026 Current Est.
$44,157
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,201 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,032 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,553 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,781 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,855 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,586 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mitchell metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,201 (2019) to $41,855 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,586 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,385 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mitchell 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) | $34,650 – $36,512 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,512 – $44,157 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,157 – $51,987 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,987 – $54,875 |
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 Mitchell
Within Mitchell, the job market currently employs six veterinary technologists and technicians, presenting a competitive landscape where those with advanced skills may find better opportunities. The cost of living index in Mitchell sits at 92.8, which is below the national average, enhancing the local purchasing power of salaries earned in this field. Employers that typically offer higher compensation encompass specialty referral hospitals, such as those focused on emergency care or oncology, which often provide an attractive pay scale for VTS credential holders due to their specialized knowledge. Factors influencing the salary range include the diversity of veterinary services provided, as well as experiences influencing pay differentials, such as lead positions, mentorship roles, and shift differentials at emergency clinics. For those looking to maximize their salary, pursuing VTS specialization and seeking employment in specialty hospitals or corporate chains may offer the best pathways to higher earnings in Mitchell, SD.
More salary data for Mitchell, 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 $41,855 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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