Business & Finance Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Economist Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median economist salary in Fairbanks, AK is $148,122 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$148,122
vs State Avg
+$6,836
vs National
+$34,182
Cost of Living
130%

Economist Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median economist salary of $148,122, which is $6,836 above the Alaska state average of $141,286. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $148,122 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Fairbanks spans from $80,600 at the 10th percentile to $257,400 at the 90th percentile — a $176,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $84,500, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $240,500. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level economist earns around $84,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $240,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,500
+$19,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$149,500
+$34,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$240,500
+$55,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $80,600
25th Percentile $106,600
Median (50th) $148,122
75th Percentile $201,500
90th Percentile $257,400

Economist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$153,819
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$150,401
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$143,564
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$134,449
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Economist in Fairbanks

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open economist positions in Fairbanks, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Economist make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median economist salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $148,122 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $80,600 (10th percentile) to $257,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $148,122, a economist in Fairbanks earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for economist pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median economist salary of $148,122 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $141,286. 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 economist salary of $148,122 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Fairbanks? ▼
Most economist positions in Fairbanks require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.