Physician Assistant Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $170,385 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Fairbanks, AK earns a median $170,385/year (≈ $81.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Fairbanks's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $165,089 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.4% above the Alaska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physician assistants in Fairbanks, Alaska, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $170,385, exceeding the national figure of $140,391 by a significant margin. The salary range for this role varies notably, with the lowest 10% earning around $130,617 and the highest 90% making up to $210,824. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflect the diverse opportunities available for physician assistants in Fairbanks, particularly in different practice settings. With the choice between W-2 hospital employment and 1099 surgical practices, PAs can experience varying compensation levels, influenced by factors such as specialty, case volume, and employer structure in this vibrant medical community.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,617 | $62.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $143,057 | $68.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $170,385 | $81.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $207,281 | $99.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $210,824 | $101.36 |
Median Salary Position
21.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, AK, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,207 (2026 est.). At $170,385, the local median is 21.36% above the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairbanks: You'd be above the median
How Fairbanks Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Fairbanks median: $170,385/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairbanks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $148,938 | +14.40% more |
| National Average | $140,391 | +21.36% more |
Physician Assistants in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $170,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.36% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 14.40% above the Alaska state average of $148,938.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairbanks has a cost of living 3.21% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairbanks, AK has a cost-of-living index of 103.208 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $170,385 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $165,089 — a 3.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$140,350
2025 BLS Actual
$164,910
2026 Current Est.
$170,385
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,385 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,042 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 17.5% from $140,350 (2019) to $164,910 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $176,042 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,692 (25.43%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $130,617 – $143,057 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $143,057 – $170,385 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $170,385 – $207,281 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $207,281 – $210,824 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Fairbanks
The local job market in Fairbanks sees about 70 physician assistants employed, suggesting a healthy demand for skilled professionals in the area. However, the cost of living, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 103.208, reflects the necessity for PAs to account for expenses when evaluating their take-home pay. Hospital systems typically offer better compensation for PAs than private practices, especially for those working in high-demand specialties such as orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery. The disparity in salaries often correlates with the complexity of cases handled and additional incentives like performance bonuses. For those looking to maximize their earnings, targeting employment in surgical settings, considering call coverage agreements, and aiming for performance metrics can significantly enhance their salary potential in Fairbanks, AK.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $164,910 for physician assistantsin the Fairbanks metropolitan area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
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