Anchorage vs Wasilla: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Anchorage, AK and Wasilla, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anchorage, AK | Wasilla, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,412▲ | $100,765 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.37▲ | $48.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,398▲ | $77,493 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,888▲ | $83,873 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,955▲ | $112,615 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,388▲ | $132,579 |
| Total Employed | 4,990▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wasilla.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Wasilla is $20,647 (20.49%). Anchorage's median is +18.19% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $72,990,Wasilla spans $55,086. Anchorage 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, Anchorage ($115,170 effective) pays 21.27% more than Wasilla ($94,972 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anchorage if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,412/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,388)
- ✓Larger job market (4,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,170)
- ✓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, registered nurse salaries in Anchorage grew 28.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.3% growth in Wasilla over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$89,800 (2019) → $115,290 (2025)
Wasilla, AK
$101,029 (2024) → $95,684 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Wasilla, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Anchorage or Wasilla?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Wasilla?
Should I relocate from Anchorage to Wasilla as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Anchorage vs Wasilla?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov