Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $38.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Fairbanks, AK runs $38.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,061 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,637 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fairbanks, Alaska, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) earn a competitive median hourly pay of $38.97, significantly surpassing the national median of $32.73. This advantageous hourly rate allows LPNs in the region to thrive in various employment settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician office exam rooms. For those considering part-time shifts, such as three days a week, this salary can provide a substantial income, while per-diem roles enable greater flexibility and potential earnings, albeit varying by demand and employer. With a reported hourly range from $30.23 for entry-level positions to $45.28 for the highest earners, these figures from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data highlight the robust earning potential for licensed practical nurses in Fairbanks.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.23 | $241.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.58 | $252.67 |
| Median (P50) | $38.97 | $311.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.04 | $344.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.28 | $362.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $38.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.97/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $81,061 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,766. With a cost-of-living index of 103.21 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,558.86 | $6,755 | $81,061 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $935.32 | $4,053 | $48,637 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.55 | $2,702 | $32,424 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Fairbanks) | $38.97 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $81,061 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.08% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 12.20% above the Alaska state average of $72,247.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.97/hr = $48,637/year (purchasing power: $47,125).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,061/year (purchasing power: $78,541).
CoL index: 103.208 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Fairbanks grew 36.2% from $27.08/hr (2019) to $36.87/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.19/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Fairbanks
For LPNs contemplating part-time work, a schedule of three days a week translates to an annual income of roughly $48,000, an attractive prospect compared to full-time roles. Additionally, per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Fairbanks shows variability; contracting agencies typically offer rates ranging from $28 to $42 per hour, while LPNs working in necessary staffing roles at nursing facilities can expect to bill $45 to $60 per hour, reflecting different employer needs. Hourly rates also fluctuate across employer types—whether in long-term care, home health, hospitals, or assisted living communities—each presenting its own benefits and drawbacks. For those willing to accept lower hourly rates for health benefits, the trade-off becomes clearer when considering overall job security versus hourly take-home pay. Furthermore, LPNs can negotiate rates depending on their specialization and local demand, ensuring they secure wages that reflect their skills and the local market in Fairbanks.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Fairbanks in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Fairbanks?
Are licensed practical nurses in Fairbanks paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Fairbanks. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov