Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $87,023▲ | $81,061 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.84▲ | $38.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,438▲ | $62,870 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,924▲ | $65,682 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,065▲ | $89,528 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,686▲ | $94,189 |
| Total Employed | 160 | N/A |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $5,962 (7.35%). Anchorage's median is +27.84% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $29,248,Fairbanks spans $31,319. Fairbanks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anchorage ($82,549 effective) pays 5.10% more than Fairbanks ($78,541 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 ($87,023/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,686)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,549)
- ✓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, licensed practical nurse salaries in Anchorage grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$64,860 (2019) → $82,330 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$56,340 (2019) → $76,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Anchorage or Fairbanks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Fairbanks?
Should I relocate from Anchorage to Fairbanks as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Anchorage vs Fairbanks?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov