Creative & Education Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Special Education Teacher Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median special education teacher salary in Fairbanks, AK is $81,848 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$81,848
vs State Avg
+$3,778
vs National
+$18,888
Cost of Living
130%

Special Education Teacher Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median special education teacher salary of $81,848, which is $3,778 above the Alaska state average of $78,070. Compared to the national median of $62,960, 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 $81,848 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for special education teachers in Fairbanks spans from $54,600 at the 10th percentile to $124,800 at the 90th percentile — a $70,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,000. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
+$13,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,200
+$19,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,000
+$27,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $54,600
25th Percentile $65,000
Median (50th) $81,848
75th Percentile $101,400
90th Percentile $124,800

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Alaska Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Fairbanks

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Fairbanks

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $81,848 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $54,600 (10th percentile) to $124,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,848, a special education teacher in Fairbanks earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median special education teacher salary of $81,848 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $78,070. 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 special education teacher salary of $81,848 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Fairbanks? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Fairbanks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.