Alaska salaries by occupation
The median worker in Alaska earned $59,400 a year in 2024, about $28.56 an hour, 20% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 382 occupations.
Median pay $59,400 $28.56 per hour
Vs national median +20% U.S. $49,500
Workers 321,040 wage and salary
Occupations reported 382 with at least 100 employed
What Alaska is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | 29.43× | 910 | $36,650 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | 19.48× | 690 | $84,640 |
| Commercial Pilots | 17.36× | 1,870 | $110,930 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 16.13× | 1,650 | $45,000 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 14.09× | 1,290 | $98,930 |
| Power Plant Operators | 11.67× | 750 | $85,070 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | 10.77× | 500 | $120,370 |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | 9.63× | 710 | $80,430 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 7.82× | 1,620 | $226,490 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | 4.74× | 1,350 | $85,840 |
Metro areas in Alaska
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 2 Alaska metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $59,060 | $28.39 | 174,740 | #17 |
| Fairbanks-College | $58,820 | $28.28 | 35,970 | #20 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, General | $230,830 | $110.98 | 260 | #2 of 46 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $226,490 | n/a | 1,620 | #1 of 18 |
| Petroleum Engineers | $200,750 | $96.51 | 310 | #1 of 16 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $168,880 | $81.19 | 140 | #14 of 31 |
| Chief Executives | $168,680 | $81.10 | 910 | #19 of 33 |
| Pharmacists | $163,200 | $78.46 | 510 | #2 of 51 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,290 | $73.22 | 730 | #34 of 49 |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $147,190 | $70.77 | 120 | #1 of 49 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $145,450 | $69.93 | 570 | #3 of 50 |
| Industrial Engineers | $142,980 | $68.74 | 230 | #1 of 50 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $142,230 | n/a | 110 | #1 of 51 |
| Transportation Inspectors | $138,030 | $66.36 | 200 | #1 of 41 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 7,790 | $36,940 | $17.76 |
| Registered Nurses | 7,040 | $110,690 | $53.22 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 6,680 | $39,560 | $19.02 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 6,220 | $38,370 | $18.45 |
| General and Operations Managers | 6,010 | $120,470 | $57.92 |
| Cashiers | 5,950 | $36,050 | $17.33 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 5,720 | $67,030 | $32.22 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 5,320 | $46,280 | $22.25 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 5,060 | $34,430 | $16.56 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 4,900 | $39,040 | $18.77 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Alaska
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Office and administrative support 38
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $67,030
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $63,710
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $63,390
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $60,900
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $59,600
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $59,360
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $58,570
- Bill and Account Collectors $58,070
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $57,830
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $56,150
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $55,930
- Postal Service Clerks $55,720
- Procurement Clerks $54,800
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $54,510
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $54,270
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $53,350
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $53,200
- Financial Clerks, All Other $53,170
- Billing and Posting Clerks $51,700
- Office Clerks, General $51,400
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $50,800
- Cargo and Freight Agents $49,030
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $48,550
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $48,160
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $46,650
- Library Assistants, Clerical $46,470
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $46,280
- Tellers $45,590
- Customer Service Representatives $44,760
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $44,380
- File Clerks $44,030
- Data Entry Keyers $42,050
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $41,550
- Order Clerks $41,110
- Couriers and Messengers $39,170
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $39,100
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $38,670
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $35,940
Management 28
- Chief Executives $168,680
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $152,290
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $147,190
- Construction Managers $135,630
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $130,700
- Natural Sciences Managers $128,480
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $123,630
- Managers, All Other $123,160
- Financial Managers $122,770
- Human Resources Managers $122,560
- Medical and Health Services Managers $122,020
- General and Operations Managers $120,470
- Purchasing Managers $120,060
- Marketing Managers $110,560
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $109,770
- Facilities Managers $107,190
- Industrial Production Managers $103,850
- Public Relations Managers $103,780
- Administrative Services Managers $102,610
- Emergency Management Directors $98,420
- Sales Managers $97,330
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $94,980
- Social and Community Service Managers $87,140
- Education Administrators, All Other $86,930
- Food Service Managers $82,300
- Lodging Managers $71,850
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $58,650
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $57,490
Construction and extraction 27
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $99,020
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $98,930
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $97,670
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $94,950
- Construction and Building Inspectors $94,030
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining $89,830
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $86,750
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $83,090
- Sheet Metal Workers $82,750
- Electricians $81,860
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $81,290
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $81,180
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $78,690
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $76,080
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $75,150
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $75,000
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $65,610
- Carpenters $65,150
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $63,230
- Roofers $63,120
- Fence Erectors $63,040
- Glaziers $58,630
- Construction Laborers $57,970
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $53,860
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $48,860
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $40,330
- Helpers--Carpenters $38,090
Healthcare practitioners 26
- Dentists, General $230,830
- Pharmacists $163,200
- Nurse Practitioners $145,450
- Physician Assistants $136,350
- Dental Hygienists $129,760
- Registered Nurses $110,690
- Physical Therapists $108,640
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $103,160
- Speech-Language Pathologists $100,180
- Occupational Therapists $100,070
- Chiropractors $99,560
- Respiratory Therapists $94,210
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $94,000
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $85,870
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $81,010
- Surgical Technologists $79,040
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $77,670
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $72,030
- Paramedics $68,330
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $62,290
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $58,630
- Emergency Medical Technicians $56,900
- Medical Records Specialists $56,740
- Pharmacy Technicians $50,440
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $49,900
- Psychiatric Technicians $49,340
Education and library 25
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $142,230
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $92,050
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $81,100
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $79,820
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $78,850
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $78,280
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $78,000
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $77,730
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $77,370
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $77,220
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $76,290
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $75,980
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $75,200
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $71,190
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $67,110
- Instructional Coordinators $63,530
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $61,610
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $50,710
- Library Technicians $46,530
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $44,150
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $42,340
- Tutors $42,090
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $37,820
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $30,560
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $24,400
Transport and material moving 25
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $226,490
- Transportation Inspectors $138,030
- Air Traffic Controllers $120,370
- Commercial Pilots $110,930
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $80,430
- Ship Engineers $80,180
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $72,990
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $67,800
- Airfield Operations Specialists $66,250
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $64,890
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $62,300
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $61,030
- Passenger Attendants $54,290
- Light Truck Drivers $52,000
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $50,630
- Bus Drivers, School $49,880
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $45,720
- Aircraft Service Attendants $45,610
- Driver/Sales Workers $41,590
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $40,360
- Stockers and Order Fillers $39,560
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $37,920
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $37,380
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $36,870
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $36,830
Production 22
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $105,380
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $98,800
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $87,010
- Power Plant Operators $85,070
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $77,740
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $76,910
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $75,140
- Machinists $72,710
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $66,570
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $64,220
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $63,440
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $60,460
- Production Workers, All Other $50,020
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $48,240
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $47,380
- Printing Press Operators $44,500
- Food Batchmakers $44,250
- Helpers--Production Workers $43,010
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $37,880
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $37,020
- Bakers $36,560
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $35,500
Business and financial 21
- Labor Relations Specialists $124,770
- Project Management Specialists $105,360
- Management Analysts $104,770
- Financial and Investment Analysts $94,480
- Budget Analysts $92,870
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $90,150
- Compliance Officers $88,730
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $86,490
- Logisticians $83,390
- Accountants and Auditors $81,950
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $81,540
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $77,850
- Training and Development Specialists $75,010
- Financial Specialists, All Other $74,510
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $73,810
- Cost Estimators $68,310
- Loan Officers $65,160
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $62,960
- Fundraisers $61,990
- Insurance Underwriters $60,860
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $53,640
Installation, maintenance and repair 21
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $107,330
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $99,030
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $98,850
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $98,170
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $90,120
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $86,590
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $85,840
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $83,660
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $79,900
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $77,310
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $73,180
- Millwrights $72,790
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $62,480
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $61,950
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $60,190
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $57,290
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $57,160
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $55,650
- Motorcycle Mechanics $47,600
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $44,520
- Tire Repairers and Changers $39,060
Life, physical and social science 20
- Physical Scientists, All Other $114,120
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $105,910
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $101,500
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $100,960
- Biological Scientists, All Other $98,220
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $92,870
- School Psychologists $92,140
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $91,670
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $87,060
- Urban and Regional Planners $85,970
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $84,640
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $84,280
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $76,290
- Conservation Scientists $75,470
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $68,600
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $67,730
- Chemical Technicians $61,380
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $54,810
- Biological Technicians $53,830
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $48,830
Architecture and engineering 16
- Petroleum Engineers $200,750
- Industrial Engineers $142,980
- Engineers, All Other $132,410
- Mechanical Engineers $129,990
- Environmental Engineers $113,800
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $109,350
- Electrical Engineers $108,780
- Civil Engineers $107,240
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $105,340
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $102,120
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $89,030
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $85,700
- Surveyors $85,520
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $77,800
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $73,320
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $45,390
Personal care and service 16
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $70,820
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $54,430
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $47,020
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $46,440
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $46,040
- Residential Advisors $45,730
- Tour and Travel Guides $45,000
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $44,700
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $40,970
- Recreation Workers $39,830
- Skincare Specialists $39,440
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $36,650
- Animal Caretakers $35,570
- Childcare Workers $34,980
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $30,840
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $29,410
Sales 15
- Real Estate Sales Agents $85,800
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $78,570
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $76,320
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $63,470
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $62,700
- Real Estate Brokers $59,860
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $59,800
- Travel Agents $57,490
- Insurance Sales Agents $54,720
- Advertising Sales Agents $52,380
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $51,660
- Parts Salespersons $45,670
- Counter and Rental Clerks $41,600
- Retail Salespersons $36,940
- Cashiers $36,050
Protective service 14
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $132,320
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $121,140
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $100,300
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $95,120
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $95,020
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $87,400
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $71,360
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $70,990
- Transportation Security Screeners $67,720
- Firefighters $63,220
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $55,370
- Security Guards $48,620
- School Bus Monitors $35,950
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $35,650
Food preparation and serving 14
- Chefs and Head Cooks $57,610
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $47,010
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $46,900
- Cooks, Short Order $39,940
- Cooks, Restaurant $38,640
- Food Preparation Workers $36,710
- Cooks, Fast Food $35,820
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $34,800
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $34,430
- Dishwashers $34,080
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $31,490
- Bartenders $29,860
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,600
- Waiters and Waitresses $27,370
Community and social service 13
- Rehabilitation Counselors $82,400
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $80,020
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $79,220
- Healthcare Social Workers $77,990
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $73,570
- Health Education Specialists $72,650
- Social Workers, All Other $60,880
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $60,220
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $57,650
- Clergy $55,040
- Community Health Workers $50,970
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $49,050
- Social and Human Service Assistants $46,210
Healthcare support 12
- Massage Therapists $135,200
- Physical Therapist Assistants $76,310
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $65,420
- Dental Assistants $55,950
- Medical Assistants $51,860
- Medical Equipment Preparers $48,330
- Psychiatric Aides $46,950
- Phlebotomists $46,110
- Nursing Assistants $45,840
- Physical Therapist Aides $42,320
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $38,370
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $37,530
Computing and mathematics 10
- Software Developers $119,600
- Computer Network Architects $112,560
- Information Security Analysts $102,170
- Computer Occupations, All Other $100,040
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $91,770
- Computer Programmers $88,930
- Computer Systems Analysts $84,800
- Computer Network Support Specialists $77,760
- Data Scientists $77,400
- Computer User Support Specialists $58,600
Arts, design, entertainment and media 8
Building and grounds maintenance 6
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $68,330
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $56,640
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $51,110
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $46,510
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $39,040
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $37,070
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Alaska?
The median across all occupations is $59,400 a year, or $28.56 an hour, covering 321,040 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Alaska?
Dentists, General ($230,830), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($226,490), Petroleum Engineers ($200,750) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Alaska employ the most people in?
Retail Salespersons, with 7,790 employed at a median of $36,940. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Alaska electricity averages 28.23¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.