Fairbanks vs Sitka: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Fairbanks, AK and Sitka, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairbanks, AK | Sitka, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,061▲ | $66,724 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.97▲ | $32.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,870▲ | $55,973 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,682▲ | $63,370 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,528▲ | $76,365 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,189▲ | $80,788 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 5 |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sitka.
The salary gap between Fairbanks and Sitka is $14,337 (21.49%). Fairbanks's median is +19.08% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairbanks spans $31,319,Sitka spans $24,815. 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 ($78,541 effective) pays 24.89% more than Sitka ($62,888 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 ($81,061/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,189)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,541)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Sitka if…
- ✓Larger job market (5 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Fairbanks grew 36.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.6% growth in Sitka over the same period.
Fairbanks, AK
$56,340 (2019) → $76,690 (2025)
Sitka, AK
$70,576 (2024) → $63,126 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Fairbanks or Sitka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairbanks and Sitka?
Should I relocate from Fairbanks to Sitka as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Fairbanks vs Sitka?
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