Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager 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 | $142,699▲ | $142,171 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.61▲ | $68.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,604 | $101,631▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $117,051 | $126,462▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $176,972▲ | $175,204 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $236,139▲ | $184,625 |
| Total Employed | 900▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $528 (0.37%). Anchorage's median is +19.99% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $136,535,Fairbanks spans $82,994. Anchorage has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fairbanks ($137,752 effective) pays 1.77% more than Anchorage ($135,362 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 ($142,699/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($236,139)
- ✓Larger job market (900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,752)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Anchorage grew 38.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$99,900 (2019) → $137,980 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$101,100 (2019) → $137,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Anchorage or Fairbanks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Fairbanks?
Should I relocate from Anchorage to Fairbanks as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Anchorage vs Fairbanks?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov