Veterinarian Salary in South Dakota: $105,096 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinarian pay sits at $105,096/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1131. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $113,250 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Watertown ($116,090), Yankton ($116,054), Spearfish ($115,763).
In South Dakota, the average median salary for veterinarians in 2026 is projected to be $105,097, significantly lower than the national median of $137,334, representing a gap of 23.5%. The highest-paying city, Watertown, offers a salary of $122,545, while the lowest, Rapid City, pays $95,437, reflecting a substantial difference of $27,108 between the two cities. This disparity can be attributed to various factors, including local demand for veterinary services, the population of pet owners, and economic conditions of specific areas. In South Dakota, veterinarians must fulfill state licensing requirements and adhere to scope of practice laws, which may influence job roles and, consequently, salary ranges. The demand for veterinary services in the state is likely driven by the growing population of pets and livestock, as well as increasing awareness of animal health. The overall job market for veterinarians in South Dakota shows a positive outlook, with a projected growth rate of 5.56% annually. As of 2026, there are 185 veterinarians employed across the state, with the top cities for salaries—Watertown, Yankton ($122,507), Spearfish ($122,199), Mitchell ($121,318), and Aberdeen ($121,115)—indicating areas where demand and wages are likely stronger.
South Dakota Veterinarian Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $66,281 (lowest entry-level) to $189,945 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota veterinarians earn 23.47% less than the national median ($-32,238/year difference).
South Dakota Veterinarian Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinarian salaries in South Dakota range from $73,467 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $155,088 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $105,096. The South Dakota median is $32,238 below the US national median of $137,334. The average hourly rate is $50.53/hr. Approximately 185 veterinarians are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$80,430
2025 BLS Actual
$99,561
2026 Current Est.
$105,096
2019–2027 Growth
+37.9%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,997 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,899 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,096 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,939 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 23.8% from $80,430 (2019) to $99,561 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,939 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,509 (37.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota 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 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Rapid City | $95,437 |
| Sioux Falls | $103,787 |
| Huron | $117,533 |
| Vermillion | $117,714 |
| Brookings | $117,744 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinarians in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinarians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown | $122,545 | 92.8 | $132,053 |
| Yankton | $122,507 | 92.8 | $132,012 |
| Spearfish | $122,199 | 92.8 | $131,680 |
| Mitchell | $121,318 | 92.8 | $130,731 |
| Aberdeen | $121,115 | 92.8 | $130,512 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $73,467 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $105,096 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $155,088 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watertown | $122,545 |
| 2 | Yankton | $122,507 |
| 3 | Spearfish | $122,199 |
| 4 | Mitchell | $121,318 |
| 5 | Aberdeen | $121,115 |
| 6 | Pierre | $119,737 |
| 7 | Brookings | $117,744 |
| 8 | Vermillion | $117,714 |
| 9 | Huron | $117,533 |
| 10 | Sioux Falls | $103,787 |
| 11 | Rapid City | $95,437 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinarians.
Explore More Veterinarian Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in South Dakota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinarians in South Dakota?
How does South Dakota veterinarian pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in South Dakota?
How many veterinarians are employed in South Dakota?
Which South Dakota city offers the best value for veterinarians?
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide 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. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinarian compensation across South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinarianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov