Healthcare Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Registered Nurse Salary in Alaska

The median registered nurse salary in Alaska is $104,774 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $81,220.

Median Salary
$104,774
vs National
+$23,554
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Registered Nurse Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for registered nurse compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for registered nurses seeking high pay. At $104,774 per year, registered nurses in Alaska earn $23,554 more than the national median of $81,220.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $104,774 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $84,495.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: registered nurses at the 10th percentile earn $74,046, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $155,832 — a $81,786 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $113,708.

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for registered nurses across the country.

Registered Nurse Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $74,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,350 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,820
+$16,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,780
+$23,780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,350
+$33,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $74,046
25th Percentile $86,172
Median (50th) $104,774
75th Percentile $130,419
90th Percentile $155,832

Registered Nurse Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for registered nurses in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Alaska

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Alaska

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Alaska? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Alaska is $104,774 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $74,046 (10th percentile) to $155,832 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,774, a registered nurse in Alaska earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for registered nurses? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for registered nurse pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level registered nurses earn $74,820, while senior professionals earn $148,350.
How does Alaska compare to other states for registered nurse salary? ▼
The highest paying state for registered nurses is Hawaii at $144,572. Alaska's median of $104,774 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($118,581) and Massachusetts ($116,145).
What is the entry-level registered nurse salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level registered nurse in Alaska earns approximately $74,820 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $105,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $148,350.
What city in Alaska pays registered nurses the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for registered nurses, with a median salary of $113,708. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.