Trades & Labor Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Welder Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median welder salary in Fairbanks, AK is $65,814 per year, which is 40.0% above the national median and 4.5% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$65,814
vs State Avg
+$2,821
vs National
+$18,804
Cost of Living
130%

Welder Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median welder salary of $65,814, which is $2,821 above the Alaska state average of $62,993. Compared to the national median of $47,010, 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 $65,814 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $50,626. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in Fairbanks spans from $46,480 at the 10th percentile to $99,120 at the 90th percentile — a $52,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,800, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,200. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level welder earns around $44,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,800
+$12,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
+$19,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,200
+$27,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $46,480
25th Percentile $54,320
Median (50th) $65,814
75th Percentile $81,480
90th Percentile $99,120

Welder Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$68,165
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$66,754
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$63,934
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$60,173
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Welder in Fairbanks

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open welder positions in Fairbanks, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Welder make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median welder salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $65,814 per year, which is 40.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $46,480 (10th percentile) to $99,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,814, a welder in Fairbanks earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for welder pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median welder salary of $65,814 is 4.5% above the Alaska state average of $62,993. 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 welder salary of $65,814 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Fairbanks? ▼
Most welder positions in Fairbanks require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.