Veterinary Technician in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Animal healthcare
South Dakota employs 300 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $45,300 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Veterinary technicians Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)
- South Dakota median pay
- $45,300 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,780
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $47,040
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $50,440
- Employed in South Dakota
- 300
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $45,980 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major South Dakota markets:
- Sioux Falls
- $46,490 (100 employed)
- Rapid City
- $45,210 (50 employed)
- Sioux City
- $41,130 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in South Dakota
Prices in South Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $45,300 median stretches to roughly $51,129 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Dakota (2024–2034)
South Dakota is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +14.2%, faster than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) — regulated by the South Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
- Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
- Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
- Apply to the SD Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for CVT certification.
Official requirements: South Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners →
Training in South Dakota
High demand at clinics and specialty/ER hospitals. The VTNE is the gateway; confirm the Board's current CVT requirements.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Dakota include:
- Lake Area Technical College — Associate
- Mitchell Technical College — Associate
- National American University-Rapid City — Associate
- Western Dakota Technical College — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want clinical care work outside human healthcare.
Think twice if: Lower pay, emotional cases, animal handling, or client stress would be too much.
Why it's resilient: Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
First Steps
Compare AVMA-accredited vet tech programs and state credentialing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technicians make in South Dakota?
The median wage for veterinary technicians in South Dakota is $45,300 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,780, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $50,440. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in South Dakota?
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), overseen by the South Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in South Dakota?
Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
Which South Dakota metros pay veterinary technicians the most?
Among South Dakota metro areas, Sioux Falls leads at $46,490, followed by Rapid City ($45,210), Sioux City ($41,130). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Veterinary Technician in South Dakota?
Real South Dakota options include Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, National American University-Rapid City. Most veterinary technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Veterinary Technician a growing career in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects veterinary technicians employment to change +14.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), South Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the South Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET South Dakota wages · South Dakota licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.