Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist 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 | $588,268▲ | $561,334 |
| Hourly Rate | $282.82▲ | $269.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $341,195▲ | $325,574 |
| 25th Percentile | $423,553▲ | $404,161 |
| 75th Percentile | $707,539▲ | $669,879 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $900,214▲ | $773,514 |
| Total Employed | 65▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $26,934 (4.80%). Anchorage's median is +33.12% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $559,019,Fairbanks spans $447,940. 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 ($554,447 effective) pays 4.80% more than Fairbanks ($529,061 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 ($588,268/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($900,214)
- ✓Larger job market (65 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $554,447)
- ✓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, radiologist salaries in Anchorage grew 32.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$424,594 (2024) → $560,255 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$405,154 (2024) → $534,604 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov