Fairbanks vs Wasilla: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Fairbanks, AK and Wasilla, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairbanks, AK | Wasilla, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $243,743▲ | $227,186 |
| Hourly Rate | $117.18▲ | $109.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $164,811▲ | $162,508 |
| 25th Percentile | $214,337▲ | $200,892 |
| 75th Percentile | $300,913▲ | $274,262 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $341,219▲ | $304,412 |
| Total Employed | 5▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wasilla.
The salary gap between Fairbanks and Wasilla is $16,557 (7.29%). Fairbanks's median is -2.07% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairbanks spans $176,408,Wasilla spans $141,904. Fairbanks 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, Fairbanks ($229,730 effective) pays 7.29% more than Wasilla ($214,124 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($243,743/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,219)
- ✓Larger job market (5 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $229,730)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Wasilla if…
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Fairbanks grew -6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in Wasilla over the same period.
Fairbanks, AK
$247,302 (2024) → $231,695 (2025)
Wasilla, AK
$230,503 (2024) → $215,956 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairbanks, AK
Wasilla, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Fairbanks or Wasilla?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairbanks and Wasilla?
Should I relocate from Fairbanks to Wasilla as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fairbanks vs Wasilla?
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