Fairbanks vs Wasilla: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fairbanks, AK and Wasilla, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairbanks, AK | Wasilla, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $149,278▲ | $134,245 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.76▲ | $64.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,981 | $111,706▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,075▲ | $121,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,193▲ | $154,291 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,607▲ | $165,164 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wasilla.
The salary gap between Fairbanks and Wasilla is $15,033 (11.20%). Fairbanks's median is +9.07% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairbanks spans $130,626,Wasilla spans $53,458. 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 ($144,638 effective) pays 14.31% more than Wasilla ($126,527 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 ($149,278/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,607)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,638)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Wasilla if…
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fairbanks grew 10.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.7% growth in Wasilla over the same period.
Fairbanks, AK
$130,160 (2019) → $144,300 (2025)
Wasilla, AK
$133,397 (2024) → $129,768 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairbanks, AK
Wasilla, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fairbanks or Wasilla?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairbanks and Wasilla?
Should I relocate from Fairbanks to Wasilla as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fairbanks vs Wasilla?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov