Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $25.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fairbanks, AK runs $25.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,602 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairbanks, AK, earn a median hourly rate of $25.29 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time professionals. For those who choose to work part-time at three days a week, or sixteen to twenty-four hours, this hourly income translates into meaningful earnings, particularly in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university teaching clinics. Entry-level wages begin at approximately $19.64, while more experienced or specialty technicians can command up to $32.92 per hour. The variety of workplace environments—from corporate veterinary chains to zoos and pharmaceutical facilities—can influence these figures, allowing for opportunities that align with individual career goals.
About the Fairbanks Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.64 | $157.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.89 | $167.11 |
| Median (P50) | $25.29 | $202.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.54 | $244.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.92 | $263.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $25.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.29/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $52,600 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,346. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,011.53 | $4,383 | $52,600 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.92 | $2,630 | $31,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.61 | $1,753 | $21,040 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fairbanks) | $25.29 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $52,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% below the Alaska state average of $53,027.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.29/hr = $31,560/year (purchasing power: $29,745).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,600/year (purchasing power: $49,576).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairbanks grew 34.1% from $17.87/hr (2019) to $23.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks 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 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Fairbanks
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians often find that working just three days a week offers a distinct earning potential. While their average hourly wage might be attractive, their annual income will be significantly lower compared to full-time colleagues. For instance, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Fairbanks typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed technicians earning between $35 to $55 for specialty roles, particularly in emergency and critical care situations. Hourly rates also differ based on employer type—general practices may offer lower pay compared to specialty hospitals or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, where the promise of benefits might come bundled with lower hourly pay. Many professionals negotiate their rates, discussing options that balance hourly compensation with benefits, which can shift the decision-making in favor of long-term financial stability over immediate compensation.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairbanks in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fairbanks?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairbanks paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fairbanks?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fairbanks?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage 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 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairbanks. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairbanks is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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