Vet Tech salary

Fairbanks vs Juneau: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Fairbanks, AK and Juneau, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fairbanks, AK
$52,602
$25.29/hr
Juneau, AK
$52,429
$25.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFairbanks, AKJuneau, AK
Median Salary$52,602$52,429
Hourly Rate$25.29$25.20
Entry Level (P10)$40,855$38,631
25th Percentile$43,449$45,120
75th Percentile$63,522$61,975
Top Earner (P90)$68,460$66,038
Total Employed56
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fairbanks ($52,602) and Juneau ($52,429) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.FairbanksJuneauMedian Salary$52,602$52,429Entry Level (P10)$40,855$38,631Top Earner (P90)$68,460$66,038US Median $49,986

Verdict

Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Juneau.

The salary gap between Fairbanks and Juneau is $173 (0.33%). Fairbanks's median is +5.23% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairbanks spans $27,605,Juneau spans $27,407. Fairbanks has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Fairbanks
P10 (Entry)$40,855
P25$43,449
Median$52,602
P75$63,522
P90 (Top)$68,460
Juneau
P10 (Entry)$38,631
P25$45,120
Median$52,429
P75$61,975
P90 (Top)$66,038

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fairbanks ($49,578 effective) pays 0.33% more than Juneau ($49,415 effective).

Fairbanks
Nominal: $52,602
CoL Index: 106.1
Adjusted: $49,578
Juneau
Nominal: $52,429
CoL Index: 106.1
Adjusted: $49,415

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fairbanks if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,602/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($68,460)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,578)
  • You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle

Choose Juneau if…

  • Larger job market (6 employed)
  • You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Fairbanks grew 5.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Juneau over the same period.

Fairbanks, AK

+5.1%

$47,440 (2021) → $49,860 (2025)

Juneau, AK

+3.0%

$48,249 (2024) → $49,696 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Fairbanks or Juneau?

Fairbanks has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $52,602/year, compared to Juneau at $52,429/year — a difference of $173 (0.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fairbanks and Juneau?

Fairbanks veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.29/hr while Juneau hygienists earn $25.20/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fairbanks to Juneau as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fairbanks and Juneau. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fairbanks = $49,578, Juneau = $49,415), job availability (5 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Fairbanks vs Juneau?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $40,855 in Fairbanks and $38,631 in Juneau. The Fairbanks area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov