Dental Assistant Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $58,594 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Fairbanks, AK earns a median $58,594/year (≈ $28.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Fairbanks's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $56,773 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.4% above the Alaska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the dental assistant salary is projected to be quite competitive, with a median annual pay of $58,594 for 2026. This figure not only places Fairbanks 18.18% above the national median of $49,579 but also reflects a robust salary range between $40,812 at the 10th percentile and $63,617 at the 90th percentile. These insights are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlighting the flourishing demand for skilled dental assistants in the region. Given Fairbanks' diverse dental practices, particularly those specializing in orthodontics and oral surgery, aspiring dental assistants can expect lucrative opportunities as the local job market solidifies.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,812 | $19.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,919 | $23.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,594 | $28.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,884 | $29.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,617 | $30.59 |
Median Salary Position
18.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, AK, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,805 (2026 est.). At $58,594, the local median is 18.18% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairbanks: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Fairbanks Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Fairbanks median: $58,594/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairbanks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $52,598 | +11.40% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +18.18% more |
Dental Assistants in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $58,594 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.18% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 11.40% above the Alaska state average of $52,598.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairbanks has a cost of living 3.21% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairbanks, AK has a cost-of-living index of 103.208 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,594 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,773 — a 3.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,480
2025 BLS Actual
$56,810
2026 Current Est.
$58,594
2019–2027 Growth
+32.9%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,594 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,434 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 24.9% from $45,480 (2019) to $56,810 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,434 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,954 (32.88%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,812 – $48,919 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,919 – $58,594 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,594 – $60,884 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,884 – $63,617 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Fairbanks
With approximately 140 dental assistants employed in Fairbanks, the local job market offers promising prospects for those entering the field. The cost of living in the area, reflected by a cost-of-living index of 103.208, indicates that while the salaries are competitive, they must also accommodate local expenses. Dental assistants in specialized practices such as oral surgery and orthodontics often command higher wages compared to general dental settings, which is indicative of the skill set and credentialing required. For individuals looking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Fairbanks, pursuing expanded functions or transitioning into roles such as treatment coordinators can facilitate greater earning potential. Additionally, aligning with the growing number of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) in the area could provide access to standardized training programs and tiered pay scales, enhancing overall compensation opportunities.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,810 for dental assistantsin the Fairbanks metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov