Healthcare Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Veterinarian Salary in Alaska

The median veterinarian salary in Alaska is $133,205 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $103,260.

Median Salary
$133,205
vs National
+$29,945
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Veterinarian Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for veterinarian compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for veterinarians seeking high pay. At $133,205 per year, veterinarians in Alaska earn $29,945 more than the national median of $103,260.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $133,205 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $107,423.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: veterinarians at the 10th percentile earn $84,108, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $224,718 — a $140,610 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $144,564.

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Alaska and beyond.

Veterinarian Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $87,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,950 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,720
+$19,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,450
+$30,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$199,950
+$44,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $84,108
25th Percentile $103,716
Median (50th) $133,205
75th Percentile $173,376
90th Percentile $224,718

Veterinarian Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for veterinarians in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Alaska

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Alaska

How much does a Veterinarian make in Alaska? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Alaska is $133,205 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $84,108 (10th percentile) to $224,718 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,205, a veterinarian in Alaska earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for veterinarians? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for veterinarian pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level veterinarians earn $87,720, while senior professionals earn $199,950.
How does Alaska compare to other states for veterinarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for veterinarians is Hawaii at $183,803. Alaska's median of $133,205 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($150,760) and Massachusetts ($147,662).
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level veterinarian in Alaska earns approximately $87,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $135,450. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $199,950.
What city in Alaska pays veterinarians the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for veterinarians, with a median salary of $144,564. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.