What is a Good Salary in Alaska?
What is considered a 'good' salary can vary based on factors like location, lifestyle, and industry. A salary in the range of $60,000 to $80,000 is generally considered comfortable for a single person in Alaska. High-paying fields like oil & gas and healthcare can offer salaries reaching up to $150,000, while more common roles such as administrative assistants typically earn around $45,000.
Average Salary by Cities in Alaska
The cost of living can vary widely from one city to another, and that impacts both how far salaries stretch and what professionals expect in terms of pay. Cities with higher living costs – like those with hot housing markets or tech hubs – tend to have higher salary expectations.
Familiarizing yourself with the average salary ranges per location can help you plan better and make sure your compensation packages are in line with local expectations to attract and retain top talent. Here’s a quick look at salary ranges across different cities in Alaska, to get a sense of competitive salaries based on local factors:
| City | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Anchorage | $4,833 | $58,000 |
| Fairbanks | $4,333 | $52,000 |
| Juneau | $4,500 | $54,000 |
| Wasilla | $3,750 | $45,000 |
| Kodiak | $4,000 | $48,000 |
Salary Earnings Based on Experience Level in Alaska
Salaries naturally increase with experience – this applies to both new hires and existing team members. When planning for new positions, it's important to consider how salary ranges change at different seniority levels. This will help ensure you're meeting salary expectations, retain employees and create a fair working environment.
Here’s a breakdown of how monthly and annual salary ranges grow with experience in Alaska:
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Entry-Level Jobs (0-2 years experience) | $3,333 - $3,750 | $40,000 - $45,000 |
| Mid-Level Jobs (3-5 years experience) | $4,167 - $5,417 | $50,000 - $65,000 |
| Senior Roles & Managers | $6,250 - $7,917 | $75,000 - $95,000 |
| Executive & C-Level | $10,000 - $20,833+ | $120,000 - $250,000+ |
Average Salaries by Job Title in Alaska
Building a competitive compensation package means knowing what the going rate is for specific roles. We’ve compiled the most recent salary data by job title for Alaska, making it easier for you to compare roles, match your offers with the market, and make sure your team is paid fairly.
| Job Title | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $7,083 - $7,917 | $85,000 - $95,000 |
| Teacher (K-12) | $5,000 - $5,833 | $60,000 - $70,000 |
| Construction Worker | $4,583 - $5,833 | $55,000 - $70,000 |
| Oil & Gas Industry Worker | $6,250 - $8,333 | $75,000 - $100,000 |
| Truck Driver | $4,583 - $5,833 | $55,000 - $70,000 |
Highest Paying Jobs in Alaska
- Petroleum Engineer: $120,000 - $180,000
- Airline Pilot: $85,000 - $150,000
- Surgeon: $250,000 - $400,000+
- Anesthesiologist: $250,000 - $400,000+
- Orthopedic Surgeon: $250,000 - $400,000+
- Psychiatrist: $200,000 - $300,000
- Dentist: $150,000 - $250,000
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): $150,000 - $250,000+
- Natural Sciences Manager: $110,000 - $160,000
- Construction Manager: $85,000 - $125,000
Monthly Cost of Living in Alaska
In Alaska, the cost of living is notably higher than the national average. Housing expenses are 28% above the national average, driven by limited availability and higher demand in many areas. Utility costs are significantly higher, about 26% above the national average, primarily due to the state's remote locations and cold climate. Transportation expenses, including gas prices and airfare, are also much higher, with costs running 28% above the national average, reflecting the challenges of Alaska's vast distances and isolated communities.
Median Home Price
$315,000
Median Rent
$1,300 - $1,800
/ month
Energy Bill
$200 - $300
/ month
Phone Bill
$80 - $120
/ month
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