Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pierre, SD: $43,581 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pierre, SD earns a median $43,581/year (≈ $20.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $46,962 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Pierre, SD, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $43,581. Compensation for professionals in this field varies significantly, with salary estimates ranging from $33,220 at the lower end (P10) to $55,680 for the highest earners (P90). These figures take into account regional cost adjustments based on BLS state-level data. Notably, those working in specialty hospitals may command higher wages compared to their counterparts in general practice settings, reflecting the specialization and increased responsibilities often required in those roles. The dynamics of the job market in Pierre present unique opportunities for professionals to leverage their experience and qualifications.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,220 | $15.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,021 | $18.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,581 | $20.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,250 | $25.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,680 | $26.77 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,460 (2026 est.). At $43,581, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pierre Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pierre median: $43,581/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $46,363 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -12.81% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pierre, SD earn a median of $43,581 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $46,363.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre 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.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $43,581 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,962 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,794
2025 BLS Actual
$41,309
2026 Current Est.
$43,581
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,794 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,614 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,135 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,643 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,309 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,581 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,978 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $30,794 (2019) to $41,309 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,978 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,184 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $33,220 – $38,021 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,021 – $43,581 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,581 – $52,250 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,250 – $55,680 |
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 Pierre
The local job market currently employs four veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a tight niche that can lead to competitive compensation. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, the purchasing power for those in the field is slightly advantageous compared to the national average. Among employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals, like VCA and BluePearl, tend to offer the most attractive salary packages. The wide salary spectrum can be attributed to various factors, including VTS specialty credentials, differences in corporate pay structures, and the demand for skilled technicians in emergency and critical care. To maximize potential earnings, professionals should consider pursuing specialty certifications through organizations such as NAVTA and seek positions that offer shift differentials, as well as mentoring opportunities within specialty settings.
More salary data for Pierre, 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 $41,309 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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