Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Sitka, AK: $23.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Sitka, AK runs $23.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,997 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Sitka's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,401 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sitka, Alaska, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.56, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This pay scale speaks volumes about the employment opportunities for part-time workers or those seeking per diem contracts, often found in general practice environments, specialty hospital ICUs, and even zoo facilities. For those starting out in the field, entry-level expectations begin around $19.30 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can command up to $29.36. Such hourly figures illustrate the potential for balancing work-home life, particularly for technicians working three days per week, who can find financial stability while managing other commitments. Notably, these projections derive from annual salary estimates, making them an insightful but not definitive reflection of the situation across the broader landscape.
About the Sitka 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) | $19.30 | $154.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.07 | $160.53 |
| Median (P50) | $23.56 | $188.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.79 | $222.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.36 | $234.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sitka
Based on $23.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.56/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sitka, AK can expect to earn approximately $49,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,270. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sitka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sitka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $942.33 | $4,083 | $49,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $565.40 | $2,450 | $29,401 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.93 | $1,633 | $19,600 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Sitka) | $23.56 |
| 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 Sitka, AK earn a median of $48,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.98% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $53,027.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.56/hr = $29,401/year (purchasing power: $27,710).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,001/year (purchasing power: $46,184).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sitka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sitka grew 34.1% from $16.65/hr (2019) to $22.33/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.85/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 Sitka 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 Sitka
Considering the economic realities of veterinary technologist and technician pay in Sitka, those working part-time—say, three days a week on a 24-hour schedule—may expect to take home around $29,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts earning closer to $49,000. Per-diem opportunities often present a different landscape, with professionals able to bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, especially in high-demand settings. For specialists with VTS credentials, pay can reach upwards of $35 to $55, while weekend or overnight shifts at understaffed hospitals might entice workers with rates ranging from $30 to $50 per hour. The choice of employer also heavily influences hourly rates, with corporate chains and referral hospitals typically offering higher compensation than general clinics. For technicians who prioritize benefits over hourly rates, the trade-offs reflect individual circumstances. In Sitka, savvy negotiation becomes crucial; research local pay standards, align expectations with your qualifications, and remain open to the dynamic shifts in this workforce as demand continues to grow.
More salary data for Sitka, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sitka in 2026?
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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 Sitka. 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 Sitka 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