Veterinary Technician Salary in Brookings, SD: $32,895 (2026)

Veterinary Technician Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median veterinary technician salary of $32,895, which is $765 below the South Dakota state average of $33,660. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $32,895 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for veterinary technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Brookings spans from $23,220 at the 10th percentile to $47,300 at the 90th percentile — a $24,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,940, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,580. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $24,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,580 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$24,940

$-4,060 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$33,540

$-5,460 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$45,580

$-7,420 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$23,220	$23,760	$27,000
25th Percentile	$27,520	$28,160	$32,000
Median (50th)	$32,895	$33,660	$38,250
75th Percentile	$39,560	$40,480	$46,000
90th Percentile	$47,300	$48,400	$55,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$23,220

25th Percentile

$27,520

Median (50th)

$32,895

75th Percentile

$39,560

90th Percentile

$47,300

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Brookings

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Brookings

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median veterinary technician salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $32,895 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $23,220 (10th percentile) to $47,300 (90th percentile).

How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $32,895, a veterinary technician in Brookings earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼

Brookings's median veterinary technician salary of $32,895 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $33,660. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼

Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $32,895 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Brookings? ▼

Most veterinary technician positions in Brookings require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Brookings, South Dakota