Veterinarian Hourly Pay in Anchorage, AK: $63.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinarian working in Anchorage, AK runs $63.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,749 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1131). Weighted against Anchorage's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,057 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for veterinarians in Anchorage, AK, is projected to be $63.35, which is slightly below the national median of $66.03. This hourly rate is beneficial for both part-time veterinarians, who typically work around three days a week, and per-diem workers operating in various settings such as surgical suites, general practice exam rooms, and specialty hospitals. New entrants in the field can expect to earn about $52.80 per hour, whereas seasoned professionals and specialists could see hourly pay rising to approximately $239.22. With a vibrant veterinary market in Anchorage, various opportunities exist for veterinarians seeking flexible work arrangements while still aiming for notable financial compensation.
Veterinarian Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52.80 | $422.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.66 | $445.29 |
| Median (P50) | $63.35 | $506.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $221.82 | $1774.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $239.22 | $1913.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anchorage
Based on $63.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.35/hr, a veterinarian working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anchorage, AK can expect to earn approximately $131,761 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,016. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anchorage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anchorage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,533.86 | $10,980 | $131,761 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,520.32 | $6,588 | $79,057 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,013.54 | $4,392 | $52,704 |
Compare DVM Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian (Anchorage) | $63.35 |
| Veterinary Technician (National Avg) | $19.39 |
| Physician (National Avg) | $113.07 |
| Dentist (National Avg) | $87.53 |
| Optometrist (National Avg) | $64.22 |
Veterinarians in Anchorage, AK earn a median of $131,749 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.07% lower than the national median of $137,334 and 9.60% below the Alaska state average of $145,741.
Veterinarian Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.35/hr = $79,057/year (purchasing power: $74,992).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,761/year (purchasing power: $124,987).
CoL index: 105.42 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinarians in Anchorage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinarians in Anchorage grew 41.2% from $42.51/hr (2019) to $60.01/hr (2025). At a 5.56% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinarians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anchorage 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 5.56% 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 Veterinarian in Anchorage
For a veterinarian working part-time at approximately 24 hours a week, the financial outcome can still be significant, although not as lucrative as a full-time position. When comparing per diem options, many veterinarians find that relief work can yield higher hourly rates, with general practice rates averaging around $90-$140 per hour, and specialized relief positions reaching up to $250 per hour. Substantial variation can occur depending on whether one is employed at corporate chains like VCA or independent practices, with corporate settings generally offering stability but potentially lower hourly rates. In addition, negotiations for hourly pay in Anchorage should consider benefits; some veterinarians may prefer a lower hourly wage in exchange for health insurance, while others seek higher pay with less job security. Understanding the specific employer landscape and what each workplace can provide is essential to maximizing earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinarians in Anchorage in 2026?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
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 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinarians in Anchorage. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov