Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $49,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Sioux Falls, SD earns a median $49,047/year (≈ $23.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Sioux Falls's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.6), that paycheck buys what $54,117 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% above the South Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, individuals pursuing a career as veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $49,047 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $49,986. This salary reflects a range from $39,119 at the lowest decile to $52,317 at the upper decile, indicating opportunities for growth as practitioners gain experience and credentials. The data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlights the importance of specialty credentials such as VTS in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, which can significantly elevate pay prospects in this market. Sioux Falls's veterinary workforce, while facing a critical shortage, can potentially benefit from increased demand for specialized skills as the field evolves.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,119 | $18.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,072 | $22.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,047 | $23.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,070 | $24.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,317 | $25.15 |
Median Salary Position
1.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sioux Falls
In Sioux Falls, SD, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,198 (2026 est.). At $49,047, the local median is 1.88% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Sioux Falls: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Sioux Falls Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Sioux Falls median: $49,047/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sioux Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $46,402 | +5.70% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.88% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Sioux Falls, SD earn a median of $49,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.88% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.70% above the South Dakota state average of $46,402.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sioux Falls has a cost of living 9.37% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sioux Falls, SD has a cost-of-living index of 90.631 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,047 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,117 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.34% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,220
2025 BLS Actual
$46,490
2026 Current Est.
$49,047
2019–2027 Growth
+42.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,745 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sioux Falls metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 28.4% from $36,220 (2019) to $46,490 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,745 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,525 (42.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls 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) | $39,119 – $46,072 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,072 – $49,047 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,047 – $50,070 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,070 – $52,317 |
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 Sioux Falls
Despite the overall lucrative outlook, the local cost of living index in Sioux Falls at 90.631 suggests that take-home pay may have a different purchasing power compared to national averages. Presently, about 100 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in the area, with earning potential influenced by the type of employer. General practice veterinary clinics typically offer lower pay, whereas specialty and corporate chain hospitals, such as VCA and BluePearl, may provide higher wages due to differing pay scales. Factors affecting the pay spread include the value of VTS specialty credentials, demand for expertise in critical care, and various shift differentials. For those in demand of maximizing their earnings, seeking positions in specialty hospitals or obtaining VTS certifications can enhance salary and benefit outcomes within the local market.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Sioux Falls, SD in 2026?
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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 $46,490 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Sioux Falls 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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