Respiratory Therapist Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $95,229 (2026)

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

Fairbanks offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $95,229, which is $4,232 above the Alaska state average of $90,997. Compared to the national median of $70,540, 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 $95,229 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $73,253. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Fairbanks spans from $64,800 at the 10th percentile to $133,650 at the 90th percentile — a $68,850 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,500, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,250. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $67,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$67,500

+$17,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$97,200

+$25,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$128,250

+$33,250 vs national

Percentile	Fairbanks	AK State	National
10th Percentile	$64,800	$61,920	$48,000
25th Percentile	$76,950	$73,530	$57,000
Median (50th)	$95,229	$90,997	$70,540
75th Percentile	$116,100	$110,940	$86,000
90th Percentile	$133,650	$127,710	$99,000

Percentile

Fairbanks

10th Percentile

$64,800

25th Percentile

$76,950

Median (50th)

$95,229

75th Percentile

$116,100

90th Percentile

$133,650

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Fairbanks

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $95,229 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $64,800 (10th percentile) to $133,650 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $95,229, a respiratory therapist in Fairbanks earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Fairbanks's median respiratory therapist salary of $95,229 is 4.7% above the Alaska state average of $90,997. 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 respiratory therapist salary of $95,229 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Fairbanks? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Fairbanks require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska