Fairbanks vs Sitka: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $170,385▲ | $137,615 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.91▲ | $66.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,617▲ | $109,444 |
| 25th Percentile | $143,057▲ | $126,712 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,281▲ | $160,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,824▲ | $180,164 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sitka.
The salary gap between Fairbanks and Sitka is $32,770 (23.81%). Fairbanks's median is +21.36% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairbanks spans $80,207,Sitka spans $70,720. 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 ($165,089 effective) pays 27.28% more than Sitka ($129,703 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 ($170,385/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,824)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,089)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Sitka if…
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Fairbanks grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.4% growth in Sitka over the same period.
Fairbanks, AK
$140,350 (2019) → $164,910 (2025)
Sitka, AK
$147,034 (2024) → $133,193 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Fairbanks or Sitka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairbanks and Sitka?
Should I relocate from Fairbanks to Sitka as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Fairbanks vs Sitka?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov