Fairbanks vs Wasilla: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Fairbanks, AK and Wasilla, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairbanks, AK | Wasilla, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,535▲ | $77,861 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.16▲ | $37.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,307▲ | $54,563 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,374▲ | $64,983 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,976▲ | $88,350 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,671▲ | $98,663 |
| Total Employed | 5▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wasilla.
The salary gap between Fairbanks and Wasilla is $5,674 (7.29%). 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 Fairbanks spans $55,364,Wasilla spans $44,100. 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 ($78,732 effective) pays 7.29% more than Wasilla ($73,385 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 ($83,535/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,671)
- ✓Larger job market (5 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,732)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Wasilla if…
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Fairbanks grew -2.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.1% growth in Wasilla over the same period.
Fairbanks, AK
$82,083 (2024) → $80,399 (2025)
Wasilla, AK
$76,507 (2024) → $74,938 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairbanks, AK
Wasilla, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Fairbanks or Wasilla?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairbanks and Wasilla?
Should I relocate from Fairbanks to Wasilla 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