Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $52,602 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Fairbanks, AK earns a median $52,602/year (≈ $25.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Fairbanks's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $49,578 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fairbanks, Alaska, is projected to be $52,602, which represents a 5.23% increase over the national median of $49,986. Salaries in this field exhibit a range from as low as $40,855 at the 10th percentile to as high as $68,460 at the 90th percentile. Utilizing estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, these figures highlight a diverse salary structure that reflects the strong distinctions between jobs in specialty hospitals and general practice settings. As Fairbanks continues to develop its veterinary services, understanding these salary dynamics will be crucial for current and prospective veterinary technologists and technicians seeking to identify their earning potential in the local job market.
About the Fairbanks Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,855 | $19.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,449 | $20.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,602 | $25.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,522 | $30.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,460 | $32.92 |
Median Salary Position
5.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, AK, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,605 (2026 est.). At $52,602, the local median is 5.23% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairbanks: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairbanks Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Fairbanks median: $52,602/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairbanks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $53,027 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +5.23% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairbanks has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairbanks, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,602 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,578 — a 5.75% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,169
2025 BLS Actual
$49,860
2026 Current Est.
$52,602
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,169 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,158 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,242 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,029 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,408 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,602 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,495 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $37,169 (2019) to $49,860 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,495 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,326 (49.30%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,855 – $43,449 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,449 – $52,602 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,602 – $63,522 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,522 – $68,460 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Fairbanks
Currently, Fairbanks employs five veterinary technologists and technicians, which indicates a tight labor market for this role in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 106.1, local salaries must compensate not only for the job's demands but also for the increased costs of living compared to national averages. Employers that tend to offer the most competitive pay include specialty referral hospitals, particularly those in emergency and critical care, as they often provide additional incentives for VTS credential holders. The spread between lower and higher salaries in Fairbanks can be attributed to various factors, such as the level of specialization, the employer’s compensation strategy, and shift differentials for those in 24-hour emergency facilities. To maximize potential pay, veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing VTS specialty credentials or seeking positions in corporate chains, which typically have tiered pay scales that can result in higher earnings over time.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $49,860 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Fairbanks metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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