Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Alaska
Based on 290+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$80,800
$38.85/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
+21.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $97K
290 employed in Alaska
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Alaska averages $77,670 annually, positioning the state well above national benchmarks. With approximately 300 licensed practical nurses employed across Alaska, this median figure reflects strong compensation in the healthcare sector. The salary range spans from $60,060 to $96,490, demonstrating significant earning potential within the profession.
Several factors shape Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Alaska, including geographic location, healthcare facility type, and years of experience. Alaska's remote communities and high cost of living drive competitive wages to attract qualified healthcare professionals. Specialization, additional certifications, and employment in rural versus urban settings also significantly influence individual earning potential within the state's nursing workforce.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,400 |
| 25th percentile | $70,490 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,800 |
| 75th percentile | $87,380 |
| 90th percentile | $96,700 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Alaska tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,340 |
| 2023 | $75,610 |
| 2024 | $77,670 |
| 2025 | $80,800 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,056 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,340 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $75,610 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $77,670 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $80,800 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,056 | $69,430 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $70,490 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,800 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $87,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $96,700 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($80,800 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in AK | $452,620 | +460.2% | $217.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AK | $421,450 | +421.6% | $202.62/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AK | $366,080 | +353.1% | $176.00/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AK | $342,170 | +323.5% | $164.50/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AK | $341,210 | +322.3% | $164.04/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AK | $323,490 | +300.4% | $155.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in AK | $267,390 | +230.9% | $128.55/hr |
| Dentist in AK | $230,990 | +185.9% | $111.05/hr |
| Optometrist in AK | $170,310 | +110.8% | $81.88/hr |
| Pharmacist in AK | $167,310 | +107.1% | $80.44/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AK | $155,170 | +92.0% | $74.60/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AK | $150,700 | +86.5% | $72.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Alaska?
- Licensed practical nurses in Alaska earn a median salary of $77,670 per year, or approximately $37 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 22.1% premium for LPNs working in the state.
What is the salary range for LPNs in Alaska?
- The salary range for licensed practical nurses in Alaska spans from $60,060 at the lower end to $96,490 at the higher end. This range reflects variations based on experience, employer, and specific job responsibilities.
Is nursing a better-paying job in Alaska compared to other states?
- Yes, Alaska offers significantly better compensation for licensed practical nurses, with salaries 22.1% higher than the national average. At $77,670 median annually, LPNs in Alaska earn substantially more than their counterparts in most other states.
How many licensed practical nurses work in Alaska?
- There are approximately 300 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Alaska. This relatively smaller workforce reflects Alaska's lower overall population compared to other states.