Registered Nurse Salary in Alaska
Based on 8K+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$109,480
$52.63/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+16.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $149K
8K employed in Alaska
Registered Nurse salary in Alaska averages $110,690 annually, placing the state 22% above the national average. With approximately 7,040 nursing professionals currently employed across Alaska, the field remains competitive and well-compensated. Salaries typically range from $82,400 to $137,400 depending on individual circumstances and experience levels.
Several factors influence earning potential for nurses in Alaska, including years of experience, specialty certifications, and work setting. Geographic location within the state, facility type—whether hospital, clinic, or remote healthcare provider—and shift differentials also impact compensation. Additionally, Alaska's unique labor market and higher cost of living contribute to the elevated salary levels compared to national standards.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,030 |
| 25th percentile | $97,700 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $109,480 |
| 75th percentile | $129,100 |
| 90th percentile | $149,070 |
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Alaska tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,260 |
| 2023 | $106,410 |
| 2024 | $110,690 |
| 2025 | $109,480 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,480 |
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 | $102,260 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $106,410 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $110,690 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $109,480 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,480 | $94,098 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,700 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $109,480 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $129,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $149,070 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Registered Nurse ($109,480 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in AK | $452,620 | +313.4% | $217.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AK | $421,450 | +285.0% | $202.62/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AK | $366,080 | +234.4% | $176.00/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AK | $342,170 | +212.5% | $164.50/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AK | $341,210 | +211.7% | $164.04/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AK | $323,490 | +195.5% | $155.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in AK | $267,390 | +144.2% | $128.55/hr |
| Dentist in AK | $230,990 | +111.0% | $111.05/hr |
| Optometrist in AK | $170,310 | +55.6% | $81.88/hr |
| Pharmacist in AK | $167,310 | +52.8% | $80.44/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AK | $155,170 | +41.7% | $74.60/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AK | $150,700 | +37.7% | $72.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Alaska?
- Registered nurses in Alaska earn a median salary of $110,690 per year, or approximately $53 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 22.4% increase above the typical RN salary across the United States.
What is the salary range for nurses in Alaska?
- The salary range for registered nurses in Alaska spans from $82,400 to $137,400 annually. This wide range reflects differences based on experience level, specialization, employer type, and years of practice in the field.
Is nursing a good-paying job in Alaska compared to the rest of the US?
- Yes, nursing is particularly well-compensated in Alaska, with the median RN salary of $110,690 exceeding the national average by 22.4%. This makes Alaska one of the more lucrative states for registered nurse employment opportunities.
How many registered nurses work in Alaska?
- There are approximately 7,040 registered nurses employed in Alaska. This represents the total nursing workforce in the state across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.