Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist 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 | $82,247 | $83,535▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.54 | $40.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,291▲ | $55,307 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,089▲ | $69,374 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,289▲ | $96,976 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,448 | $110,671▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Anchorage.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $1,288 (1.57%). Fairbanks's median is +5.23% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $32,157,Fairbanks spans $55,364. Fairbanks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fairbanks ($78,732 effective) pays 0.92% more than Anchorage ($78,018 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anchorage if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,535/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,671)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,732)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Anchorage grew 21.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.1% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$65,160 (2019) → $79,160 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$82,083 (2024) → $80,399 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Anchorage or Fairbanks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Fairbanks?
Should I relocate from Anchorage to Fairbanks as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov