Healthcare Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Optometrist Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median optometrist salary in Fairbanks, AK is $169,547 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median and 4.7% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$169,547
vs State Avg
+$7,536
vs National
+$43,957
Cost of Living
130%

Optometrist Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median optometrist salary of $169,547, which is $7,536 above the Alaska state average of $162,011. Compared to the national median of $125,590, 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 $169,547 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $130,421. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in Fairbanks spans from $105,300 at the 10th percentile to $259,200 at the 90th percentile — a $153,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $110,700, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $240,300. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level optometrist earns around $110,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $240,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$110,700
+$28,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$172,800
+$44,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$240,300
+$62,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $105,300
25th Percentile $135,000
Median (50th) $169,547
75th Percentile $213,300
90th Percentile $259,200

Optometrist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$175,826
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$172,058
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$164,523
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$154,476
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Optometrist in Fairbanks

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open optometrist positions in Fairbanks, AK:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Optometrist make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $169,547 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $105,300 (10th percentile) to $259,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $169,547, a optometrist in Fairbanks earns approximately $82 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median optometrist salary of $169,547 is 4.7% above the Alaska state average of $162,011. 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 optometrist salary of $169,547 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Fairbanks? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Fairbanks require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.