Fairbanks vs Sitka: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer 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 | $114,001▲ | $101,446 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.80▲ | $48.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,647▲ | $74,779 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,798▲ | $83,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,282▲ | $126,470 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,178▲ | $153,624 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sitka.
The salary gap between Fairbanks and Sitka is $12,555 (12.38%). Fairbanks's median is +10.15% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairbanks spans $85,531,Sitka spans $78,845. Fairbanks 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 ($110,458 effective) pays 15.52% more than Sitka ($95,614 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 ($114,001/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,178)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,458)
- ✓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, civil engineer salaries in Fairbanks grew 32.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.6% growth in Sitka over the same period.
Fairbanks, AK
$84,030 (2019) → $111,080 (2025)
Sitka, AK
$105,864 (2024) → $98,846 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov