Media & Communications Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Interpreter Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median interpreter salary in Fairbanks, AK is $74,217 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$74,217
vs State Avg
+$3,425
vs National
+$17,127
Cost of Living
130%

Interpreter Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median interpreter salary of $74,217, which is $3,425 above the Alaska state average of $70,792. Compared to the national median of $57,090, 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 $74,217 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interpreters in Fairbanks spans from $41,600 at the 10th percentile to $131,300 at the 90th percentile — a $89,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,500, while senior interpreters 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.

Interpreter Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level interpreter earns around $45,500, 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)
$45,500
+$10,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,400
+$17,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,500
+$28,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $41,600
25th Percentile $54,600
Median (50th) $74,217
75th Percentile $101,400
90th Percentile $131,300

Interpreter Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$77,072
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$75,359
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$71,933
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$67,366
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Interpreter in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook

Nationally, interpreter 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.

Find Interpreter Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open interpreter positions in Fairbanks, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Interpreter make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $74,217 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $41,600 (10th percentile) to $131,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,217, a interpreter in Fairbanks earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median interpreter salary of $74,217 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $70,792. 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 interpreter salary of $74,217 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Fairbanks? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Fairbanks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, Consecutive Interpreting, Simultaneous Interpreting, Cultural Competency. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.