Physicist Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska
The median physicist salary in Fairbanks, AK is $198,159 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.
Physicist Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)
Fairbanks offers a median physicist salary of $198,159, which is $9,146 above the Alaska state average of $189,013. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $198,159 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for physicists in Fairbanks spans from $101,400 at the 10th percentile to $309,400 at the 90th percentile — a $208,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $106,600, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $286,000. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Fairbanks by Experience
In Fairbanks, an entry-level physicist earns around $106,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $286,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK
| Percentile | Fairbanks |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $101,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,400 |
| Median (50th) | $198,159 |
| 75th Percentile | $253,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $309,400 |
Physicist Salary in Other Alaska Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Fairbanks
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Fairbanks
Browse open physicist positions in Fairbanks, AK: