Creative & Education Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Instructional Designer Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median instructional designer salary in Fairbanks, AK is $93,600 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$93,600
vs State Avg
+$4,320
vs National
+$21,600
Cost of Living
130%

Instructional Designer Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median instructional designer salary of $93,600, which is $4,320 above the Alaska state average of $89,280. Compared to the national median of $72,000, 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 $93,600 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $72,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for instructional designers in Fairbanks spans from $57,200 at the 10th percentile to $153,400 at the 90th percentile — a $96,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,600. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Instructional Designer Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
+$13,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,200
+$22,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,600
+$33,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $57,200
25th Percentile $72,800
Median (50th) $93,600
75th Percentile $123,500
90th Percentile $153,400

Instructional Designer Salary in Other Alaska Cities

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, instructional designer 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 Instructional Designer Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open instructional designer positions in Fairbanks, AK:

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $93,600 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $57,200 (10th percentile) to $153,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,600, a instructional designer in Fairbanks earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median instructional designer salary of $93,600 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $89,280. 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 instructional designer salary of $93,600 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Fairbanks? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Fairbanks require a master's degree. Key skills include Instructional Design, Articulate/Captivate, LMS, ADDIE Model. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.