Fairbanks vs Juneau: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Fairbanks, AK and Juneau, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairbanks, AK | Juneau, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,108▲ | $107,753 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.97▲ | $51.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,729▲ | $74,176 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,542 | $92,977▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,624▲ | $120,468 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,642▲ | $143,639 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6▲ |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Juneau.
The salary gap between Fairbanks and Juneau is $355 (0.33%). Fairbanks's median is +5.24% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairbanks spans $69,913,Juneau spans $69,463. 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 ($101,893 effective) pays 0.33% more than Juneau ($101,558 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 ($108,108/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,642)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,893)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Juneau if…
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Fairbanks grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.3% growth in Juneau over the same period.
Fairbanks, AK
$84,600 (2019) → $102,657 (2025)
Juneau, AK
$108,036 (2024) → $102,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairbanks, AK
Juneau, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Fairbanks or Juneau?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairbanks and Juneau?
Should I relocate from Fairbanks to Juneau as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Fairbanks vs Juneau?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov