Software Engineer Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska
The median software engineer salary in Fairbanks, AK is $157,734 per year, which is 27.0% above the national median and 5.0% above the Alaska state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)
Fairbanks offers a median software engineer salary of $157,734, which is $7,452 above the Alaska state average of $150,282. Compared to the national median of $124,200, 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 $157,734 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $121,334. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for software engineers in Fairbanks spans from $94,742 at the 10th percentile to $252,197 at the 90th percentile — a $157,455 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $99,060, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $234,950. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Software Engineer Salary in Fairbanks by Experience
In Fairbanks, an entry-level software engineer earns around $99,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $234,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK
| Percentile | Fairbanks |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $94,742 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,714 |
| Median (50th) | $157,734 |
| 75th Percentile | $200,914 |
| 90th Percentile | $252,197 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Alaska Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Fairbanks
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Fairbanks
Browse open software engineer positions in Fairbanks, AK: