Browse below to learn how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in South Dakota (SD) including advice on top schools, certification and licensing requirements, salaries and employment data.
Become a Veterinary Technician in South Dakota
If you wish to become a vet tech in South Dakota it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited veterinary tech program.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams – which are administered by the American Association of Veterinary – if you wish to work as a vet tech in South Dakota. As a final step you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Accredited Vet Tech Programs in South Dakota
There are currently no accredited veterinary technician programs in South Dakota.
You may be interested in exploring the following options;
- Online vet tech programs
- Related programs in your area
South Dakota Vet Tech License Requirements
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and passed all necessary certification examinations you will need to apply for your veterinary technician license in South Dakota.
The South Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Address: 411 South Fort Street, Pierre, SD 57501-4503
Phone: 605-773-3321
Email: aibmail@state.sd.us
Website: http://sdda.sd.gov/
Vet Tech Salary in South Dakota
| Average Vet Tech Salary | $31,630 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $15.21 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $39,000 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $22,680 |
| #'s Employed | 290 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in South Dakota is $31,630 – 9% below the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $15.21.
There are currently 290 persons employed as veterinary technicians in South Dakota.
South Dakota Vet Tech Careers by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in South Dakota strongly appeals to you then it is a great time to pursue your dreams. The demand for vet techs has been steadily on the increase over the last ten years and is projected to grow by 14.7% over the coming years with an additional 14,330 jobs predicted to be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
The table below details salary and employment levels of veterinary technicians in the main towns and cities in South Dakota.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | $32,100 | $38,220 | $23,950 | 60 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $32,870 | $41,520 | $24,600 | 90 |
Vet Tech V’s Related Careers in South Dakota
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in South Dakota.
| Vet Careers, SD | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $31,630 | 290 |
| Veterinarian | $86,300 | 230 |
| Vet Assistant | $24,200 | 190 |
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in South Dakota with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Related Careers, SD | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $31,630 | 290 |
| Medical Assistants | $29,890 | 1,010 |
| Nursing Assistants | $25,970 | 5,940 |
| Dental Assistants | $38,410 | 930 |
| X Ray Tech | $59,950 | 80 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $59,320 | 330 |