Interior Designer Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $80,067 (2026)

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

Fairbanks offers a median interior designer salary of $80,067, which is $3,695 above the Alaska state average of $76,372. Compared to the national median of $61,590, 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 $80,067 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interior designers in Fairbanks spans from $44,200 at the 10th percentile to $140,400 at the 90th percentile — a $96,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior interior designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,000. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Interior Designer Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level interior designer earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,800

+$10,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$81,900

+$18,900 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$130,000

+$30,000 vs national

Percentile	Fairbanks	AK State	National
10th Percentile	$44,200	$42,160	$34,000
25th Percentile	$57,200	$54,560	$44,000
Median (50th)	$80,067	$76,372	$61,590
75th Percentile	$106,600	$101,680	$82,000
90th Percentile	$140,400	$133,920	$108,000

Percentile

Fairbanks

10th Percentile

$44,200

25th Percentile

$57,200

Median (50th)

$80,067

75th Percentile

$106,600

90th Percentile

$140,400

How to Become a Interior Designer in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

Space PlanningAutoCAD/SketchUpColor TheoryMaterial SelectionProject ManagementClient Relations

Job Outlook

Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Interior Designer make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼

The median interior designer salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $80,067 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $44,200 (10th percentile) to $140,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $80,067, a interior designer in Fairbanks earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Fairbanks's median interior designer salary of $80,067 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $76,372. 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 interior designer salary of $80,067 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most interior designer positions in Fairbanks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Space Planning, AutoCAD/SketchUp, Color Theory, Material Selection. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Interior Designer Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska