Healthcare Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Physical Therapist Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median physical therapist salary in Fairbanks, AK is $131,922 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median and 4.7% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$131,922
vs State Avg
+$5,863
vs National
+$34,202
Cost of Living
130%

Physical Therapist Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median physical therapist salary of $131,922, which is $5,863 above the Alaska state average of $126,059. Compared to the national median of $97,720, 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 $131,922 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $101,478. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Fairbanks spans from $90,180 at the 10th percentile to $175,770 at the 90th percentile — a $85,590 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,800, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,800. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $91,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,800
+$23,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$132,300
+$34,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,800
+$44,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $90,180
25th Percentile $108,270
Median (50th) $131,922
75th Percentile $157,140
90th Percentile $175,770

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$136,808
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$133,876
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$128,013
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$120,196
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open physical therapist positions in Fairbanks, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $131,922 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $90,180 (10th percentile) to $175,770 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,922, a physical therapist in Fairbanks earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median physical therapist salary of $131,922 is 4.7% above the Alaska state average of $126,059. 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 physical therapist salary of $131,922 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Fairbanks? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Fairbanks require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.