Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary 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 | $118,426▲ | $113,004 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.94▲ | $54.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,687 | $70,373▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,267 | $85,326▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $151,585▲ | $144,645 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,561▲ | $175,156 |
| Total Employed | 65▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $5,422 (4.80%). Anchorage's median is -11.73% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $114,874,Fairbanks spans $104,783. 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 ($111,617 effective) pays 4.80% more than Fairbanks ($106,507 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 ($118,426/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,561)
- ✓Larger job market (65 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,617)
- ✓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, actuary salaries in Anchorage grew -9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.5% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$126,827 (2024) → $114,754 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$121,020 (2024) → $109,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% 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 Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov