Engineering Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Chemical Engineer Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median chemical engineer salary in Fairbanks, AK is $138,138 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$138,138
vs State Avg
+$6,376
vs National
+$31,878
Cost of Living
130%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median chemical engineer salary of $138,138, which is $6,376 above the Alaska state average of $131,762. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Fairbanks pays above average for this role.

However, Fairbanks's cost of living index is 130%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $138,138 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $106,260. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Fairbanks spans from $88,400 at the 10th percentile to $223,600 at the 90th percentile — a $135,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,000, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $210,600. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $91,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $210,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,000
+$21,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$140,400
+$32,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$210,600
+$48,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $88,400
25th Percentile $109,200
Median (50th) $138,138
75th Percentile $179,400
90th Percentile $223,600

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Alaska Cities

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Fairbanks

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Fairbanks, AK:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $138,138 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $88,400 (10th percentile) to $223,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $138,138, a chemical engineer in Fairbanks earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median chemical engineer salary of $138,138 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $131,762. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
Fairbanks has a cost of living index of 130% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $138,138 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Fairbanks? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Fairbanks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.