Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Anchorage, AK and Fairbanks, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anchorage, AK | Fairbanks, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,951▲ | $54,146 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.71▲ | $26.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,234▲ | $31,405 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,834▲ | $38,985 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,085▲ | $69,307 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,817▲ | $83,926 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $11,805 (21.80%). Anchorage's median is -17.97% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $80,583,Fairbanks spans $52,521. Anchorage has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anchorage ($62,560 effective) pays 22.59% more than Fairbanks ($51,033 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anchorage if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,951/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,817)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,560)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Anchorage grew -36.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -51.7% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$99,340 (2021) → $63,123 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$107,339 (2024) → $51,824 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov