Personal Care & Fitness Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Cosmetologist Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median cosmetologist salary in Fairbanks, AK is $45,604 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$45,604
vs State Avg
+$2,105
vs National
+$10,524
Cost of Living
130%

Cosmetologist Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median cosmetologist salary of $45,604, which is $2,105 above the Alaska state average of $43,499. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $45,604 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Fairbanks spans from $28,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,400 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,200, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,500. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $31,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,200
+$7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,800
+$10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,500
+$16,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $28,600
25th Percentile $35,100
Median (50th) $45,604
75th Percentile $59,800
90th Percentile $75,400

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$47,358
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$46,306
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$44,201
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$41,394
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Fairbanks

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologist Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Fairbanks, AK:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $45,604 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $28,600 (10th percentile) to $75,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,604, a cosmetologist in Fairbanks earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median cosmetologist salary of $45,604 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $43,499. 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 cosmetologist salary of $45,604 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Fairbanks? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Fairbanks require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.