Average RN Salary in Alaska: See How Much AK Nurses Make
Updated June 16, 2023 · 4 Min Read
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Are you a registered nurse (RN) in Alaska or considering a move to the state? Did you know the average RN salary in Alaska is higher than most in U.S. states? Alaska ranks 11th for cost of living, with a regional price parity only slightly above the U.S. average. Adjusted for cost of living, Alaska takes the third spot in the U.S. for top nursing salaries with average annual wages of $94,000.
Keep reading to learn more about RN salaries in Alaska.
- Average Alaska RN Salary: $97,230 (Ranks 5th among all states)
- Hourly Alaska RN Salary: $46.74
- Projected Alaska RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 6.8%
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Average RN Salaries in Alaska
The U.S. annual mean salary for all RNs totals $82,750, but Alaska RNs average $97,230 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Factors that influence Alaska's fifth-place ranking for the highest state salaries include cost of living and supply and demand. According to a report from the Bureau of Health Workforce, by 2030, Alaska can expect a shortage of 5,400 RNs (22.7%).
Alaska RNs are well-compensated, with the lowest 10% of earners making $77,450, and the top 10% bringing in $127,020 annually. The median RN salary in Alaska reaches $99,110, as reported by the BLS.
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $77,450 | $37.24 |
| 25% | $78,760 | $37.86 |
| 50% (Median) | $99,110 | $47.65 |
| 75% | $101,650 | $48.87 |
| 90% | $127,020 | $61.07 |
Source: BLS
Alaska RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
Alaska's third-place ranking for average RN salary adjusted for cost of living reflects the price of clothing, education, groceries, housing, transportation, and other metrics. The cost-of-living index (or regional price parity) for Alaska totals 103.2, which exceeds the national average of 100 by just 3.2%.
The $3,000 difference between the adjusted salary of $94,119 and the actual average wage of $97,230 is far less than other high-paying states like California, where the difference adds up to nearly $13,000.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $94,119 (Ranks 3rd among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 103.2 (3.2% higher/less than the U.S. average)
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Alaska
Alaska is home to immense mountain ranges and vast open spaces. The largest city, Anchorage, offers urban amenities like galleries and restaurants and a Magnet-designated hospital, Providence Alaska Medical Center. Juneau sits on a channel alive with marine life and within sight of two major glaciers. Fairbanks, in the Alaskan interior and 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle, serves as the gateway to the remote northern wilderness.
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | $96,160 |
| Juneau | $96,380 |
| Fairbanks | $89,940 |
Source: BLS, Indeed
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in Alaska
Alaska nursing assistants in entry-level careers make average salaries of $43,080, and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) earn $63,650. RNs who pursue a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice degree can earn incomes of $96,020 for nurse midwives, $113,820 for nurse practitioners, and more than $208,000 for nurse anesthetists.
- Nursing Assistants: $43,080
- LPN/LVNs: $63,650
- Nurse Midwives: $96,020
- Nurse Practitioners: $113,820
- Nurse Anesthetists: $208,000
Methodology and Sources
Registered nursing salary data by state is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, released on March 31, 2022. Data reflects RN salaries as of May 2021. The highest-paying cities and states for RNs are ranked by average annual salary.
Cost-of-living data is collected from the U.S Bureau of Economic Analysis real personal income for states and metropolitan areas, released on December 14, 2021. RN salary adjusted for cost of living is calculated by multiplying each state's RN salary by its regional price parity (RPP). RPP measures differences in the cost of goods and services in a region compared to national prices.
Projected employment growth data by state is collected from Projections Central.
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