Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $210,824 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Fairbanks, AK — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $210,824/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Fairbanks's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,271 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Top-tier compensation for physician assistants in Fairbanks is particularly noteworthy in 2026, where experienced professionals can anticipate median earnings of $170,385 annually. Those in the upper echelon, particularly the 90th percentile, are projected to earn around $210,824, illustrating a substantial gap between the median and top-end salaries. This difference highlights the experience premium that seasoned physician assistants can command in Alaska's evolving healthcare market. To reach such lofty pay levels, PAs must cultivate specialized skills and gain extensive clinical experience, often diving into fields that demand advanced expertise and delivering value that justifies their higher salary.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Fairbanks earn between $207,281 and $210,824 per year (2026 est.). This $80,207 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Fairbanks median of $170,385 sits 21.36% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Fairbanks | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $170,385 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,281 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $210,824 | $196,597 |
In Fairbanks, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 23.73% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Fairbanks
Advanced Certifications in Alaska
AK physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $170,385 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Fairbanks employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Fairbanks command premium compensation, often reaching the $207,281–$210,824 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Fairbanks metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Fairbanks with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in Alaska who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physician Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Fairbanks
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFairbanks ranks #1 of 5 Alaska cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $210,824).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Fairbanks ($210,824) is 2.12% above the Alaska average P90 ($206,446).
2019 BLS Actual
$163,720
2025 BLS Actual
$204,050
2026 Current Est.
$210,824
2019–2027 Growth
+33.0%
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 | $163,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $164,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $176,533 | Actual |
| 2022 | $226,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $166,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $204,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $210,824 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $217,824 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Fairbanks saw their compensation grow 24.6% from $163,720 in 2019 to $204,050 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $217,824 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Physician Assistant Earnings in Fairbanks
Specialty areas play a significant role in determining senior physician assistant pay in AK, especially in high-demand fields such as surgical assistance in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery. Other specialties like emergency medicine, critical care, and dermatology also show robust salary opportunities. Compensation levels fluctuate considerably based on the type of employer, with hospital systems and surgical specialty practices often offering more competitive packages compared to primary care offices. Advancement opportunities abound, with potential paths leading to leadership roles like the chief PA, directing residency programs, or stepping into faculty positions. Obtaining advanced credentials—such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and the NCCPA national certification—can significantly enhance earning potential. Non-salary compensation factors, including RVU productivity bonuses and first-assist case involvement, further influence total income, making Fairbanks a compelling location for skilled PAs aiming for high earnings.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Fairbanks in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Fairbanks?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Fairbanks?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Fairbanks?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Fairbanks?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $204,050 for physician assistants in the Fairbanks metro area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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