Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Anchorage, AK and Fairbanks, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anchorage, AK | Fairbanks, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $255,438▲ | $243,743 |
| Hourly Rate | $122.81▲ | $117.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $154,358 | $164,811▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $211,897 | $214,337▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $318,172▲ | $300,913 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $395,930▲ | $341,219 |
| Total Employed | 65▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $11,695 (4.80%). Anchorage's median is +2.63% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $241,572,Fairbanks spans $176,408. Anchorage has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anchorage ($240,752 effective) pays 4.80% more than Fairbanks ($229,730 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anchorage if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($255,438/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($395,930)
- ✓Larger job market (65 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $240,752)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Anchorage grew -6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$259,167 (2024) → $242,812 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$247,302 (2024) → $231,695 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Anchorage or Fairbanks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Fairbanks?
Should I relocate from Anchorage to Fairbanks as a nurse anesthetist?
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov