Fairbanks vs Wasilla: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $113,037▲ | $99,827 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.35▲ | $47.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,135▲ | $69,973 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,674▲ | $80,081 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,401▲ | $113,399 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,023▲ | $127,739 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fairbanks, AK offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wasilla.
The salary gap between Fairbanks and Wasilla is $13,210 (13.23%). Fairbanks's median is +11.07% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairbanks spans $71,888,Wasilla spans $57,766. 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 ($109,523 effective) pays 16.41% more than Wasilla ($94,088 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 ($113,037/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,023)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,523)
- ✓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, speech-language pathologist salaries in Fairbanks grew 2.0% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 1.9% growth in Wasilla over the same period.
Fairbanks, AK
$106,600 (2023) → $108,700 (2025)
Wasilla, AK
$94,163 (2024) → $95,997 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairbanks, AK
Wasilla, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Fairbanks or Wasilla?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairbanks and Wasilla?
Should I relocate from Fairbanks to Wasilla as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Fairbanks vs Wasilla?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov