Agriculture & Environment Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Park Ranger Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median park ranger salary in Fairbanks, AK is $55,250 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$55,250
vs State Avg
+$2,550
vs National
+$12,750
Cost of Living
130%

Park Ranger Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median park ranger salary of $55,250, which is $2,550 above the Alaska state average of $52,700. Compared to the national median of $42,500, 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 $55,250 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $42,500. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for park rangers in Fairbanks spans from $36,400 at the 10th percentile to $93,600 at the 90th percentile — a $57,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,000, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,400. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Park Ranger Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level park ranger earns around $39,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,000
+$9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
+$13,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,400
+$20,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $36,400
25th Percentile $44,200
Median (50th) $55,250
75th Percentile $75,400
90th Percentile $93,600

Park Ranger Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$57,375
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$56,100
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$53,550
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$50,150
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Park Ranger in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook

Nationally, park ranger 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 Park Ranger Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open park ranger positions in Fairbanks, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Park Ranger make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $55,250 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $36,400 (10th percentile) to $93,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,250, a park ranger in Fairbanks earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median park ranger salary of $55,250 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $52,700. 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 park ranger salary of $55,250 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Fairbanks? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Fairbanks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Conservation, Law Enforcement, Public Education, Wildlife Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.