Elementary School Teacher Salary in Alaska: $79,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Alaska's 5 metropolitan areas, the average median elementary school teacher pay sits at $79,920/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 25-2021. Because Alaska sits at BEA RPP 106.1 (6% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $75,325 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Anchorage ($79,270), Fairbanks ($79,160), Juneau ($67,097).
In 2026, elementary school teachers in Alaska can expect an average median salary of $79,921, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597, representing a 23.7% increase. The highest salaries are found in Anchorage at $80,047, while Sitka offers the lowest at $63,320, creating a notable salary gap of $16,727 driven by factors such as cost of living, local funding for education, and demand for qualified teachers in urban versus more rural areas. State licensing requirements for teachers in Alaska ensure a baseline of qualifications, but the unique geographical and demographic factors also influence teacher availability and salaries. The total number of employed elementary school teachers stands at 2,025, indicating a stable workforce with a projected growth rate of 0.98% annually. Other cities like Fairbanks and Juneau offer median salaries of $79,936 and $67,755 respectively, reflecting varying local economies and community investment in education. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for those considering a teaching career in Alaska, as the job market appears stable with continued demand for educators across the state.
Alaska Elementary School Teacher Salary Range
Overall salary range in Alaska: $49,646 (lowest entry-level) to $104,900 (highest top earner)
Alaska vs National Average
Alaska elementary school teachers earn 23.72% more than the national median (+$15,323/year difference).
Alaska Elementary School Teacher Salary Distribution (2026)
Elementary School Teacher salaries in Alaska range from $63,035 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $98,365 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $79,920. The Alaska median is $15,323 above the US national median of $64,597. The average hourly rate is $38.42/hr. Approximately 2,025 elementary school teachers are employed across 5 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$75,264
2025 BLS Actual
$79,145
2026 Current Est.
$79,920
2019–2027 Growth
+7.2%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Alaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,264 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,216 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,622 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alaska metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 5.2% from $75,264 (2019) to $79,145 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,439 (7.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alaska metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Alaska
Best Value Cities for Elementary School Teachers in Alaska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Alaska cities offer the most purchasing power for elementary school teachers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks | $79,936 | 103.208 | $77,451 |
| Anchorage | $80,047 | 105.42 | $75,932 |
| Juneau | $67,755 | 106.1 | $63,860 |
| Wasilla | $63,361 | 106.1 | $59,718 |
| Sitka | $63,320 | 106.1 | $59,680 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $63,035 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $79,920 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $98,365 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Alaska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 5 Cities in Alaska
More Alaska Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore elementary school teacher hourly pay in Alaska cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced elementary school teachers.
Explore More Elementary School Teacher Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Alaska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for elementary school teachers in Alaska?
How does Alaska elementary school teacher pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level elementary school teacher salary in Alaska?
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Alaska?
Which Alaska city offers the best value for elementary school teachers?
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 elementary school teacher compensation across Alaska. State averages are employment-weighted across 5 metro areas — larger metro areas with more elementary school teacherscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov