Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant 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 | $59,522▲ | $58,594 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.61▲ | $28.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,545▲ | $40,812 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,785 | $48,919▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,720▲ | $60,884 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,679▲ | $63,617 |
| Total Employed | 640▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $928 (1.58%). Anchorage's median is +20.05% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $23,134,Fairbanks spans $22,805. 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, Fairbanks ($56,773 effective) pays 0.55% more than Anchorage ($56,462 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 ($59,522/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,679)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,773)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Anchorage grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$45,730 (2019) → $57,710 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$45,480 (2019) → $56,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Anchorage or Fairbanks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Fairbanks?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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 Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov