Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $118,540▲ | $108,594 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.99▲ | $52.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,695▲ | $80,902 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,607▲ | $94,877 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,350▲ | $125,764 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,421 | $151,251▲ |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $9,946 (9.16%). Anchorage's median is +50.93% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $53,726,Fairbanks spans $70,349. Fairbanks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anchorage ($112,445 effective) pays 6.87% more than Fairbanks ($105,219 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 ($118,540/year)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,445)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,251)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Anchorage grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$92,440 (2019) → $115,020 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$85,850 (2019) → $105,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov