Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $81,061 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Fairbanks, AK earns a median $81,061/year (≈ $38.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Fairbanks's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $78,541 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.2% above the Alaska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the licensed practical nurse salary is quite competitive, with a 2026 median annual pay of $81,061, significantly higher than the national figure of $68,071. Salaries in this field range from $62,870 at the 10th percentile up to $94,189 at the 90th percentile. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, and shift differentials along with weekend premiums are key factors propelling compensation in long-term care settings. Fairbanks’s job market reflects a growing demand for LPNs, indicating a robust environment for both new entrants and seasoned professionals aiming to elevate their earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,870 | $30.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,682 | $31.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,061 | $38.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,528 | $43.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,189 | $45.28 |
Median Salary Position
19.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, AK, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,319 (2026 est.). At $81,061, the local median is 19.08% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Fairbanks: You'd be above the median
How Fairbanks Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Fairbanks median: $81,061/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairbanks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $72,247 | +12.20% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +19.08% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairbanks has a cost of living 3.21% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairbanks, AK has a cost-of-living index of 103.208 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,061 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,541 — a 3.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,340
2025 BLS Actual
$76,690
2026 Current Est.
$81,061
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,061 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,682 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 36.1% from $56,340 (2019) to $76,690 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,682 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,342 (52.08%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,870 – $65,682 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,682 – $81,061 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,061 – $89,528 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,528 – $94,189 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Fairbanks
Local demand for licensed practical nurses in Fairbanks is strong, with around 35% of LPNs nationally working in long-term care settings. The cost of living index in Fairbanks stands at 103.208, suggesting that while salaries are higher, expenses can consume a larger portion of income. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most competitive pay, followed closely by hospitals and home health agencies. Variability in wages can stem from factors such as shift differentials, the necessity for IV therapy certification, and additional pay for weekend or holiday shifts. To maximize pay in this market, LPNs should consider pursuing further certifications, leveraging their experience in various work environments, and looking for positions that offer incentivized weekend or holiday work. By being strategic about job choices and considering the projected growth rate of 5.70%, LPNs can enhance both their earnings and career trajectory in Fairbanks, AK.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,690 for licensed practical nursesin the Fairbanks metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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