Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician 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 | $54,106▲ | $49,522 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.01▲ | $23.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,317▲ | $39,166 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,984▲ | $42,532 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,783▲ | $55,404 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,106 | $67,908▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $4,584 (9.26%). Anchorage's median is +14.98% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $21,789,Fairbanks spans $28,742. Fairbanks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced emergency medical technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anchorage ($51,324 effective) pays 9.96% more than Fairbanks ($46,675 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 ($54,106/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,324)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,908)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Anchorage grew 10.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -7.4% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$46,450 (2021) → $51,130 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$50,513 (2024) → $46,798 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Anchorage or Fairbanks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Fairbanks?
Should I relocate from Anchorage to Fairbanks as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Anchorage vs Fairbanks?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov