Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $120,542 (2026)

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $120,542, which is $5,358 above the Alaska state average of $115,184. Compared to the national median of $89,290, 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 $120,542 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $92,725. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Fairbanks spans from $81,270 at the 10th percentile to $172,800 at the 90th percentile — a $91,530 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,700, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,000. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $83,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$83,700

+$21,700 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$121,500

+$31,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$162,000

+$42,000 vs national

Percentile	Fairbanks	AK State	National
10th Percentile	$81,270	$77,658	$60,200
25th Percentile	$98,550	$94,170	$73,000
Median (50th)	$120,542	$115,184	$89,290
75th Percentile	$145,800	$139,320	$108,000
90th Percentile	$172,800	$165,120	$128,000

Percentile

Fairbanks

10th Percentile

$81,270

25th Percentile

$98,550

Median (50th)

$120,542

75th Percentile

$145,800

90th Percentile

$172,800

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Fairbanks

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $120,542 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $81,270 (10th percentile) to $172,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $120,542, a speech-language pathologist in Fairbanks earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼

Fairbanks's median speech-language pathologist salary of $120,542 is 4.7% above the Alaska state average of $115,184. 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 speech-language pathologist salary of $120,542 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Fairbanks? ▼

Most speech-language pathologist positions in Fairbanks require a master's degree. Key skills include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Therapy, AAC Devices. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska