Employment in Alaska
Major industries in Alaska include oil, fishing, and tourism, followed by other sectors like agriculture, mining, and timber. Several of the most common and highest-paying careers in the state are in these fields.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 30% of Alaskans hold college degrees. As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a mean annual wage of $61,760 for the state. This figure outpaces the national mean of $56,310 and correlates with the high cost of living index in Alaska, which is at 125.8. The national average cost of living index is 100.
The unemployment rate in Alaska is 6.6% as of June 2021, according to the BLS. Those numbers exceed the national unemployment rate for the same period by nearly one percentage point, but they reflect unprecedented conditions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following information explores the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Alaska. Salary information applies specifically to Alaska, while job growth data pertains to the entire United States.
Highest-Paying Careers in Alaska
| Career |
Annual Mean Salary (2020) |
Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) |
Education Required |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers |
$180,100 |
13% |
Bachelor's |
| Chief Executives |
$166,360 |
8% |
Bachelor's |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
$122,430 |
32% |
Bachelor's |
| Lawyers |
$116,440 |
9% |
Law Degree |
| Financial Managers |
$111,200 |
17% |
Bachelor's |
| General and Operations Managers |
$110,170 |
8% |
Bachelor's |
| Construction Managers |
$103,570 |
11% |
Bachelor's |
Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics
The following data reflects the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,500 professionals in Alaska. Salary figures apply specifically to Alaska, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
Most Common Careers in Alaska
| Career |
Annual Mean Salary (2020) |
Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) |
Education Required |
| General and Operations Managers |
$110,170 |
8% |
Bachelor's |
| Registered Nurses |
$95,270 |
9% |
Associate |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education |
$74,720 |
7% |
Bachelor's |
| Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists |
$86,700 |
6% |
Bachelor's |
| Accountants and Auditors |
$80,520 |
7% |
Bachelor's |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education |
$75,790 |
8% |
Bachelor's |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers |
$88,420 |
-3% |
High School Diploma |
| Civil Engineers |
$100,160 |
8% |
Bachelor's |
Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alaska has two community colleges with options for online learning. Each school offers two-year programs in fields that align with some of the state's top industries. An online associate degree in hospitality or business, for example, could qualify students for entry-level work in the tourism or oil industries.
Online learning at this level continues to expand amid the pandemic, giving learners the opportunity to graduate, enter the workforce, and contribute to the state's economy. Individuals interested in further study or advancement can earn transfer credits to switch to four-year institutions throughout the state.
Online Graduate Degrees in Alaska
For students pursuing graduate-level study, the best online colleges in Alaska offer convenient pathways to further your career, especially in areas like science and engineering. Most schools deliver their coursework through learning methods that blend self-paced study with structured, interactive experiences with faculty and peers.
These schools feature several options for internships, practicums, and other capstone projects. Some may provide virtual lab experiences that simulate real-world work conditions, while others may work with students to identify work placements in their local areas.
