Trades & Labor Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Painter Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median painter salary in Fairbanks, AK is $62,580 per year, which is 40.0% above the national median and 4.5% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$62,580
vs State Avg
+$2,682
vs National
+$17,880
Cost of Living
130%

Painter Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median painter salary of $62,580, which is $2,682 above the Alaska state average of $59,898. Compared to the national median of $44,700, 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 $62,580 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,138. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for painters in Fairbanks spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $98,000 at the 90th percentile — a $56,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,400, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Painter Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level painter earns around $43,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,400
+$12,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,000
+$18,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $62,580
75th Percentile $79,800
90th Percentile $98,000

Painter Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$64,815
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$63,474
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$60,792
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$57,216
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Painter in Fairbanks

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook

Nationally, painter 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 Painter Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open painter positions in Fairbanks, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Painter make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median painter salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $62,580 per year, which is 40.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $98,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,580, a painter in Fairbanks earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for painter pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median painter salary of $62,580 is 4.5% above the Alaska state average of $59,898. 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 painter salary of $62,580 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Fairbanks? ▼
Most painter positions in Fairbanks require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surface Preparation, Paint Application, Color Matching, Spray Equipment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.