Science & Research Anchorage, AK Pop. 291,247

Physicist Salary in Anchorage, Alaska

The median physicist salary in Anchorage, AK is $192,062 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 1.6% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$192,062
vs State Avg
+$3,049
vs National
+$39,632
Cost of Living
126%

Physicist Pay in Anchorage: What to Expect (2026)

Anchorage offers a median physicist salary of $192,062, which is $3,049 above the Alaska state average of $189,013. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Anchorage pays above average for this role.

However, Anchorage's cost of living index is 126%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $192,062 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Anchorage should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Anchorage spans from $98,280 at the 10th percentile to $299,880 at the 90th percentile — a $201,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $103,320, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $277,200. With a population of 291,247, Anchorage is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Anchorage by Experience

In Anchorage, an entry-level physicist earns around $103,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $277,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$103,320
+$21,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$195,300
+$40,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$277,200
+$57,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Anchorage, AK

Percentile Anchorage
10th Percentile $98,280
25th Percentile $136,080
Median (50th) $192,062
75th Percentile $245,700
90th Percentile $299,880

Physicist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$205,781
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$201,208
Pop. 8,458
Fairbanks, AK
$198,159
Pop. 32,325
Wasilla, AK
$179,867
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Physicist in Anchorage

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Anchorage may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Anchorage

Browse open physicist positions in Anchorage, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Anchorage

How much does a Physicist make in Anchorage, AK? ▼
The median physicist salary in Anchorage, Alaska is $192,062 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $98,280 (10th percentile) to $299,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Anchorage? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $192,062, a physicist in Anchorage earns approximately $92 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Anchorage compare to the Alaska state average for physicist pay? ▼
Anchorage's median physicist salary of $192,062 is 1.6% above the Alaska state average of $189,013. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Anchorage, AK? ▼
Anchorage has a cost of living index of 126% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $192,062 in Anchorage has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Anchorage? ▼
Most physicist positions in Anchorage require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.