Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Spearfish, SD: $44,478 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Spearfish, SD earns a median $44,478/year (≈ $21.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Spearfish's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $47,929 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The expected median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Spearfish, South Dakota, for 2026 is projected to be $44,478. This figure reflects a local pay-scale influenced by corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl, which often offer structured salary tiers. Salaries in this field range from $34,079 at the 10th percentile to $54,363 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation landscape for professionals with varying levels of experience and specialization. These numbers are refined estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, underscoring the unique job market dynamics within Spearfish.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,079 | $16.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,932 | $18.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,478 | $21.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,802 | $24.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,363 | $26.13 |
Median Salary Position
11.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spearfish
In Spearfish, SD, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,284 (2026 est.). At $44,478, the local median is 11.02% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Spearfish: You'd be above the median
How Spearfish Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Spearfish median: $44,478/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spearfish Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $46,379 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -11.02% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Spearfish, SD earn a median of $44,478 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $46,379.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spearfish 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.
Spearfish, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,478 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,929 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,428
2025 BLS Actual
$42,159
2026 Current Est.
$44,478
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,428 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,264 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,789 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,026 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,478 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,924 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spearfish metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,428 (2019) to $42,159 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,924 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,496 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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) | $34,079 – $38,932 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,932 – $44,478 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,478 – $51,802 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,802 – $54,363 |
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 Spearfish
With only five veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the area, the local job market is relatively small but stable. The cost of living in Spearfish is below the national average, represented by a cost-of-living index of 92.8, which potentially enhances the purchasing power for those in the field. Employers that tend to offer higher compensation include corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral hospitals, where specialized credentials—such as the VTS—command premium pay. Factors contributing to the pay variance include job specialization, employer type, and additional responsibilities, such as mentoring roles or working in emergency settings. To maximize earning potential in Spearfish, pursuing pathways to acquire specialty credentials or considering roles at corporate facilities can be beneficial strategies in this competitive market.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Spearfish, 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 $42,159 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Spearfish 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 Spearfish 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