Science & Research Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Geologist Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median geologist salary in Fairbanks, AK is $108,784 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$108,784
vs State Avg
+$5,021
vs National
+$25,104
Cost of Living
130%

Geologist Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median geologist salary of $108,784, which is $5,021 above the Alaska state average of $103,763. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 $108,784 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Fairbanks spans from $66,300 at the 10th percentile to $192,400 at the 90th percentile — a $126,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,000. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level geologist earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
+$16,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,500
+$25,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,000
+$42,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $66,300
25th Percentile $81,900
Median (50th) $108,784
75th Percentile $145,600
90th Percentile $192,400

Geologist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$112,968
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$110,458
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$105,437
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$98,742
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Geologist in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist 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.

Find Geologist Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open geologist positions in Fairbanks, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Geologist make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median geologist salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $108,784 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $66,300 (10th percentile) to $192,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,784, a geologist in Fairbanks earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for geologist pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median geologist salary of $108,784 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $103,763. 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 geologist salary of $108,784 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Fairbanks? ▼
Most geologist positions in Fairbanks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.