Veterinary Assistant salary in South Dakota
A strong career option in South Dakota — with programs that take 2 to 12 months to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$34,700/ yr
$2,892 / mo · $16.68 / hr
↓ $3,450 below the national median ($38,150)
Pay by experience
Entry
$28,392
Median
$34,700
Experienced
$36,712
Demand
Moderate
Program length
2 to 12 months
Projected growth
+8.7%
Annual openings
22,200
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How South Dakota compares to the national wage trend
South Dakota median
$34,700
2025 national
$38,150
2024 national
$37,320
↑ +2.2% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+8.7% projected growth through 2034
22,200 average annual openings nationwide for Veterinary Assistants.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Veterinary Assistant (entry-level)$28,392
- Veterinary Assistant (mid-career)$34,700
- Veterinary Assistant (experienced)$36,712
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$2,999
- Time to complete2 to 12 months
- Credential earnedState Certificate
What you get back
- Starting salary$28,392
- Median salary$34,700
- Experienced salary$36,712
At an entry wage of $28,392, most Veterinary Assistants break even on the $2,999 training investment in about 2 months of work.
How to become a Veterinary Assistant in South Dakota
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Veterinary Assistant program in South Dakota
Browse certified training programs. Most Veterinary Assistant tracks complete in 2 to 12 months and average $2,999 in tuition.
Earn your State Certificate
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a State Certificate in South Dakota.
Get hired in South Dakota
With roughly 22,200 Veterinary Assistant openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in South Dakota.
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Veterinary Assistant in South Dakota is $34,700 per year, which is $16.68 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $28,392 while experienced Veterinary Assistants can earn up to $36,712 annually.
Next step
Find Veterinary Assistant Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Veterinary Assistant classes in your area.