Forester Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $82,927 (2026)

Forester Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median forester salary of $82,927, which is $3,827 above the Alaska state average of $79,100. Compared to the national median of $63,790, 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 $82,927 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for foresters in Fairbanks spans from $54,600 at the 10th percentile to $132,600 at the 90th percentile — a $78,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,500. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level forester earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,200

+$13,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$84,500

+$19,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$123,500

+$28,500 vs national

Percentile	Fairbanks	AK State	National
10th Percentile	$54,600	$52,080	$42,000
25th Percentile	$66,300	$63,240	$51,000
Median (50th)	$82,927	$79,100	$63,790
75th Percentile	$106,600	$101,680	$82,000
90th Percentile	$132,600	$126,480	$102,000

Percentile

Fairbanks

10th Percentile

$54,600

25th Percentile

$66,300

Median (50th)

$82,927

75th Percentile

$106,600

90th Percentile

$132,600

How to Become a Forester in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Forester make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼

The median forester salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $82,927 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $54,600 (10th percentile) to $132,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Forester make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $82,927, a forester in Fairbanks earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Fairbanks's median forester salary of $82,927 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $79,100. 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 forester salary of $82,927 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most forester positions in Fairbanks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Forest Management, GIS/GPS, Timber Cruising, Ecology. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Forester Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska