School Counselor Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $78,182 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median school counselor salary of $78,182, which is $3,608 above the Alaska state average of $74,574. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 $78,182 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Fairbanks spans from $49,660 at the 10th percentile to $123,240 at the 90th percentile — a $73,580 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,500. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level school counselor earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,000

+$12,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$78,000

+$18,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$110,500

+$25,500 vs national

Percentile	Fairbanks	AK State	National
10th Percentile	$49,660	$47,368	$38,200
25th Percentile	$61,100	$58,280	$47,000
Median (50th)	$78,182	$74,574	$60,140
75th Percentile	$99,060	$94,488	$76,200
90th Percentile	$123,240	$117,552	$94,800

Percentile

Fairbanks

10th Percentile

$49,660

25th Percentile

$61,100

Median (50th)

$78,182

75th Percentile

$99,060

90th Percentile

$123,240

How to Become a School Counselor in Fairbanks

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a School Counselor make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $78,182 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $49,660 (10th percentile) to $123,240 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $78,182, a school counselor in Fairbanks earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Fairbanks's median school counselor salary of $78,182 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $74,574. 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 school counselor salary of $78,182 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Fairbanks? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Fairbanks require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska