Healthcare Anchorage, AK Pop. 291,247

Registered Nurse Salary in Anchorage, Alaska

The median registered nurse salary in Anchorage, AK is $106,398 per year, which is 31.0% above the national median and 1.6% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$106,398
vs State Avg
+$1,624
vs National
+$25,178
Cost of Living
126%

Registered Nurse Pay in Anchorage: What to Expect (2026)

Anchorage offers a median registered nurse salary of $106,398, which is $1,624 above the Alaska state average of $104,774. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $106,398 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $84,443. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Anchorage should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in Anchorage spans from $75,194 at the 10th percentile to $158,248 at the 90th percentile — a $83,054 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,980, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $150,650. With a population of 291,247, Anchorage is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Anchorage by Experience

In Anchorage, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $75,980, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,980
+$17,980 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,420
+$25,420 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,650
+$35,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Anchorage, AK

Percentile Anchorage
10th Percentile $75,194
25th Percentile $87,508
Median (50th) $106,398
75th Percentile $132,441
90th Percentile $158,248

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$113,708
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$111,271
Pop. 8,458
Fairbanks, AK
$109,647
Pop. 32,325
Wasilla, AK
$99,901
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Anchorage

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Anchorage and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Anchorage may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Anchorage

Browse open registered nurse positions in Anchorage, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Anchorage

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Anchorage, AK? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Anchorage, Alaska is $106,398 per year, which is 31.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $75,194 (10th percentile) to $158,248 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Anchorage? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,398, a registered nurse in Anchorage earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Anchorage compare to the Alaska state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Anchorage's median registered nurse salary of $106,398 is 1.6% above the Alaska state average of $104,774. 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 registered nurse salary of $106,398 in Anchorage has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Anchorage? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Anchorage require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.