Fairbanks vs Sitka: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Fairbanks, AK and Sitka, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairbanks, AK | Sitka, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $176,512▲ | $140,652 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.87▲ | $67.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $150,047▲ | $107,857 |
| 25th Percentile | $166,981▲ | $133,876 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,919▲ | $156,602 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,114▲ | $162,471 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sitka.
The salary gap between Fairbanks and Sitka is $35,860 (25.50%). Fairbanks's median is +23.01% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairbanks spans $46,067,Sitka spans $54,614. Sitka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fairbanks ($171,026 effective) pays 29.01% more than Sitka ($132,566 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,512/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,114)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $171,026)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Sitka if…
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Fairbanks grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.8% growth in Sitka over the same period.
Fairbanks, AK
$130,940 (2019) → $173,340 (2025)
Sitka, AK
$142,133 (2024) → $138,124 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Fairbanks or Sitka?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov