Civil Engineer Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $116,922 (2026)

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

Fairbanks offers a median civil engineer salary of $116,922, which is $5,396 above the Alaska state average of $111,526. Compared to the national median of $89,940, 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 $116,922 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $89,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for civil engineers in Fairbanks spans from $78,520 at the 10th percentile to $180,180 at the 90th percentile — a $101,660 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,600, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $169,000. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Civil Engineer Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $80,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $169,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$80,600

+$18,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$117,000

+$27,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$169,000

+$39,000 vs national

Percentile	Fairbanks	AK State	National
10th Percentile	$78,520	$74,896	$60,400
25th Percentile	$95,160	$90,768	$73,200
Median (50th)	$116,922	$111,526	$89,940
75th Percentile	$148,200	$141,360	$114,000
90th Percentile	$180,180	$171,864	$138,600

Percentile

Fairbanks

10th Percentile

$78,520

25th Percentile

$95,160

Median (50th)

$116,922

75th Percentile

$148,200

90th Percentile

$180,180

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼

The median civil engineer salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $116,922 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $78,520 (10th percentile) to $180,180 (90th percentile).

How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $116,922, a civil engineer in Fairbanks earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for civil engineer pay? ▼

Fairbanks's median civil engineer salary of $116,922 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $111,526. 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 civil engineer salary of $116,922 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Fairbanks? ▼

Most civil engineer positions in Fairbanks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Civil Engineer Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska