Agriculture & Environment Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Zoologist Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median zoologist salary in Fairbanks, AK is $88,699 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$88,699
vs State Avg
+$4,094
vs National
+$20,469
Cost of Living
130%

Zoologist Pay in Fairbanks: What to Expect (2026)

Fairbanks offers a median zoologist salary of $88,699, which is $4,094 above the Alaska state average of $84,605. Compared to the national median of $68,230, 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 $88,699 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,230. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for zoologists in Fairbanks spans from $54,600 at the 10th percentile to $145,600 at the 90th percentile — a $91,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,500. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level zoologist earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
+$13,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,000
+$21,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,500
+$31,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $54,600
25th Percentile $70,200
Median (50th) $88,699
75th Percentile $117,000
90th Percentile $145,600

Zoologist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$92,111
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$90,064
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$85,970
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$80,511
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Zoologist in Fairbanks

Education

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

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open zoologist positions in Fairbanks, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Zoologist make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $88,699 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $54,600 (10th percentile) to $145,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,699, a zoologist in Fairbanks earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median zoologist salary of $88,699 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $84,605. 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 zoologist salary of $88,699 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Fairbanks? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Fairbanks require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Wildlife Biology, Field Research, Data Analysis, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.