Veterinarian salary in South Dakota
Veterinarians in South Dakota earn a median of $88,650 a year ($42.62 an hour), based on BLS data for 280 workers.
Pay ranges from $61,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,920 for the top 10%. That is 32% lower than the national median of $130,100. South Dakota ranks 49th of 49 states for veterinarians pay. There are 0.61 veterinarians per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $93,990, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for veterinarians in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $61,640 | $29.63 |
| 25th percentile | $74,860 | $35.99 |
| Median | $88,650 | $42.62 |
| 75th percentile | $114,400 | $55.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $128,920 | $61.98 |
| Average (mean) | $93,990 | $45.19 |
Half of veterinarians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,387.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,693.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,409.62 |
| Weekly | $1,704.81 |
| Hourly | $42.62 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Veterinarian salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $98,320 | 80 |
| Rapid City, SD | $90,410 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for veterinarians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $163,920 |
| Maryland | $163,170 |
| Washington | $160,510 |
| New Jersey | $160,140 |
| Arizona | $152,020 |
| Massachusetts | $140,260 |
| District of Columbia | $134,530 |
| Illinois | $133,580 |
| Pennsylvania | $133,520 |
| Minnesota | $133,110 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,060 | $37.53 |
| Pharmacist | $146,790 | $70.57 |
| Physical Therapist | $92,660 | $44.55 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,840 | $61.94 |
| Physician Assistant | $133,200 | $64.04 |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,210 | $44.33 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $239,970 | $115.37 |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,050 | $40.89 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $68,240 | $32.81 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $65,680 | $31.58 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $263,930 | $126.89 |
| Dentists, General | $158,140 | $76.03 |
| Chiropractor | $76,210 | $36.64 |
| Anesthesiologist | $239,200+ | $115.00+ |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1131. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a veterinarian make in South Dakota?
The median salary for veterinarians in South Dakota is $88,650 a year, or $42.62 an hour. Pay ranges from $61,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,920 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid veterinarians make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of veterinarians in South Dakota earn at least $128,920 a year. The top 25% earn $114,400 or more.
What is the starting pay for veterinarians in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $61,640 a year, and a quarter of veterinarians earn $74,860 or less.
How many veterinarians work in South Dakota?
About 280 veterinarians are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.