Dental Assistant Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $57,389 (2026)

Dental Assistant Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median dental assistant salary of $57,389, which is $2,551 above the Alaska state average of $54,838. Compared to the national median of $42,510, 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 $57,389 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $44,145. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dental assistants in Fairbanks spans from $40,500 at the 10th percentile to $81,000 at the 90th percentile — a $40,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,850, while senior dental assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,300. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Assistant Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $41,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,850

+$10,850 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,050

+$15,050 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$78,300

+$20,300 vs national

Percentile	Fairbanks	AK State	National
10th Percentile	$40,500	$38,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$47,250	$45,150	$35,000
Median (50th)	$57,389	$54,838	$42,510
75th Percentile	$70,200	$67,080	$52,000
90th Percentile	$81,000	$77,400	$60,000

Percentile

Fairbanks

10th Percentile

$40,500

25th Percentile

$47,250

Median (50th)

$57,389

75th Percentile

$70,200

90th Percentile

$81,000

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼

The median dental assistant salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $57,389 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $40,500 (10th percentile) to $81,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,389, a dental assistant in Fairbanks earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for dental assistant pay? ▼

Fairbanks's median dental assistant salary of $57,389 is 4.7% above the Alaska state average of $54,838. 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 dental assistant salary of $57,389 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Fairbanks? ▼

Most dental assistant positions in Fairbanks require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Dental Assistant Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska