Last Updated: May 2026

Alaska RN Salary 2026: High Pay, No Income Tax, Remote Premiums

Alaska RNs earn an average of $96,990/year ($46.63/hr)in 2026 — above the national average of approximately $89,000, with zero state income tax amplifying every paycheck. The combination of high base pay, no state tax, and remote location premiums makes Alaska one of the most financially compelling markets for nurses willing to relocate. Anchorage's Providence Alaska Medical Center and the Alaska Native Medical Center are the anchor employers, with experienced specialty nurses reaching $110,000–$128,000.

Alaska RN Salary by City (2026)

Metro AreaAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly Rate
Anchorage$103,000–$115,000$49.52–$55.29/hr
Fairbanks$98,000–$108,000$47.12–$51.92/hr
Juneau$95,000–$105,000$45.67–$50.48/hr
Kenai / Soldotna$92,000–$102,000$44.23–$49.04/hr
State Average$96,990$46.63/hr

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 projections

Alaska RN Salary by Experience Level

AK RN Salary by Years of Experience (2026)

Experience LevelAnnual Salary RangeHourly Rate
New Grad (0–1 yr)$76,000–$83,000$36.54–$39.90/hr
Early Career (2–4 yrs)$87,000–$97,000$41.83–$46.63/hr
Mid-Career (5–9 yrs)$97,000–$110,000$46.63–$52.88/hr
Senior (10+ yrs)$110,000–$128,000$52.88–$61.54/hr

Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 data

No State Income Tax: The Real Advantage

Alaska has no state income tax. On a $96,990 salary, this saves approximately $5,000–$9,000/year compared to states like California (9.3%) or Minnesota (9.85%). A nurse moving from Minnesota to Anchorage at the same gross salary effectively gets a $5,000–$8,000 raise from tax savings alone — before factoring in Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend (typically $1,000–$2,000/year paid to residents), which adds further real income.

Travel Nursing in Alaska

Travel RN rates in Alaska run $2,400–$3,400/week — among the highest nationally due to persistent staffing shortages in remote areas. Rural Alaska hospitals, including those operated by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, offer some of the most competitive travel packages in the country. No state income tax on stipends further boosts net pay.

Travel Nurse Salary Guide →

Compare Alaska to Other High-Paying States

📊 Data Methodology

Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.

Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do nurses make in Alaska?
The average RN salary in Alaska is $96,990/year ($46.63/hr). Alaska has no state income tax, so nurses keep significantly more of that than counterparts in high-tax states. Anchorage nurses at Providence and Alaska Regional earn $103,000–$115,000 for experienced roles.
Does Alaska have state income tax for nurses?
No — Alaska has zero state income tax. On a $96,990 salary, this saves approximately $5,000–$9,000/year compared to states like California or Minnesota. Combined with the higher base pay, Alaska nurses have strong real take-home despite the high cost of living.
What is the Alaska cost of living for nurses?
Anchorage has a cost of living index of approximately 130 (vs. national 100), driven by higher food, transportation, and housing costs. Rural Alaska is significantly more expensive. Nurses considering Alaska should factor in the COL premium against the no-tax advantage when comparing offers.
What are the best hospitals to work at in Alaska?
Providence Alaska Medical Center (Anchorage) and Alaska Regional Hospital are the two largest employers. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) operates the Alaska Native Medical Center — a unique employer with strong mission-driven culture and competitive compensation.
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