Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Watertown, SD: $44,603 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Watertown, SD earns a median $44,603/year (≈ $21.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $48,064 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, those pursuing a career as veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $44,603 in 2026, marking a significant step towards career growth. The salary range varies considerably, from $35,778 at the 10th percentile to $56,287 at the 90th percentile, reflecting different levels of experience and specialization. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variances. For individuals aiming to enhance their earning potential in this market, achieving specialty credentials such as VTS in emergency and critical care or anesthesia can lead to higher salaries, often reaching towards or beyond the upper end of the pay scale. Watertown’s job market, though modest, presents unique opportunities for growth, driven by the rising demand in veterinary care.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,778 | $17.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,447 | $18.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,603 | $21.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,043 | $25.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,287 | $27.06 |
Median Salary Position
10.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, SD, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,509 (2026 est.). At $44,603, the local median is 10.77% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Watertown median: $44,603/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $46,365 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -10.77% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Watertown, SD earn a median of $44,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $46,365.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown 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.
Watertown, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $44,603 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,064 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$31,517
2025 BLS Actual
$42,278
2026 Current Est.
$44,603
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,517 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,882 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,122 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,339 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,278 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,056 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,517 (2019) to $42,278 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,056 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,539 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $35,778 – $37,447 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,447 – $44,603 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,603 – $53,043 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,043 – $56,287 |
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 Watertown
Currently, Watertown employs six veterinary technologists and technicians, which highlights a competitive yet developing job market for the profession. With a cost of living index of 92.8, living expenses are below the national average, potentially increasing the take-home purchasing power for professionals in the area. Employers in Watertown vary significantly in pay scales; general practice veterinary clinics generally offer lower wages compared to corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, or specialty referral hospitals focusing on surgery and emergency care. The disparity in salaries is often attributed to specialty credentials such as the VTS, which command higher rates. Moreover, career advancement opportunities in specialty settings and potential shifts in pay rates for lead roles indicate strategic pathways to maximize income. Seeking positions with leading employers or pursuing additional certifications can position candidates advantageously in the veterinary technologist and technician pay arena in Watertown, SD.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Watertown, SD in 2026?
Is Watertown, SD a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Watertown?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Watertown?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Watertown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 $42,278 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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