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20 Highest-Paying Jobs in Alaska (+ Salary)

Highest-Paying Jobs in Alaska

Are you looking for a high-paying job in Alaska? 

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, there are many opportunities in Alaska for jobs with high salaries. 

In this article, I’ll be discussing the 20 highest-paying jobs in Alaska based on average annual salaries. 

From healthcare to engineering to finance, there’s something for everyone.

SEE ALSO: HOW TO FIND A JOB YOU LOVE (FULFILLED CAREER)

Highest Paying Jobs in Alaska

Job TitleAverage Salary
Surgeon$423,567
Psychiatrist$277,393
Orthodontist$276,823
Physician$258,884
Dentist$246,065
Pharmacist$146,931
Petroleum Engineer$140,747
Nurse Anesthetist$138,919
IT Manager$130,947
Architectural and Engineering Manager$129,026
Marketing Manager$122,321
Financial Manager$121,811
Natural Sciences Manager$121,091
Pilot$120,677
Software Developer$119,125
Mining Engineer$116,282
Human Resources Manager$113,341
Physical Therapist$89,232
Occupational Therapist$84,950
Speech-Language Pathologist$79,383

It should be noted that these are average salaries and may vary based on various factors such as experience, education, location, industry, and company.

Surgeon – Average Salary: $423,567

Surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical procedures. 

To become a surgeon, you need to complete medical school and a surgical residency program. 

Surgeons work long hours and are often on call, but the high salary and job satisfaction make it a worthwhile career choice.

Psychiatrist – Average Salary: $277,393

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness. 

To become a psychiatrist, you need to complete medical school and a psychiatry residency program. 

The demand for psychiatrists is growing due to the increasing awareness and acceptance of mental health issues.

Orthodontist – Average Salary: $276,823

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities. 

To become an orthodontist, you need to complete dental school and a residency program in orthodontics. 

Orthodontists work with patients of all ages and help them achieve healthy and beautiful smiles.

Physician – Average Salary: $258,884

Physicians are medical doctors who diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. 

To become a physician, you need to complete medical school and a residency program in your chosen specialty. 

Physicians work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to clinics to private practice.

Dentist – Average Salary: $246,065

Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. 

To become a dentist, you need to complete dental school and pass a licensure exam. 

Dentists work with patients of all ages and help them maintain good oral health.

Jobs 6-10

Pharmacist – Average Salary: $146,931

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who dispense medications and provide advice on their use. 

To become a pharmacist, you need to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program and pass a licensure exam. Pharmacists work in pharmacies and hospitals.

Petroleum Engineer – Average Salary: $140,747

Petroleum engineers are professionals who design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. 

To become a petroleum engineer, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field. 

Petroleum engineers work in the oil and gas industry.

SEE ALSO: 15 HIGHEST PAYING JOBS IN MONTANA + SALARY

Nurse Anesthetist – Average Salary: $138,919

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia to patients. 

To become a nurse anesthetist, you need to complete a master’s degree in nursing and a certification program. 

Nurse anesthetists work in hospitals and surgery centers.

IT Manager – Average Salary: $130,947

IT managers are professionals who oversee a company’s information technology (IT) department. 

To become an IT manager, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and several years of work experience. 

IT managers work in a variety of industries.

Architectural and Engineering Manager – Average Salary: $129,026

Architectural and engineering managers are professionals who oversee the design and development of buildings, bridges, and other structures. 

To become an architectural and engineering manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering and several years of work experience. 

These managers work in a variety of industries, including construction, engineering, and architectural services.

Marketing Manager – Average Salary: $122,321

Marketing managers are professionals who oversee a company’s marketing and advertising campaigns. 

To become a marketing manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field and several years of work experience. 

Marketing managers work in a variety of industries, including advertising, public relations, and marketing research.

Financial Manager – Average Salary: $121,811

Financial managers are professionals who oversee a company’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, and investment activities. 

To become a financial manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field and several years of work experience. 

Financial managers work in a variety of industries, including banking, insurance, and investment firms.

Natural Sciences Manager – Average Salary: $121,091

Natural sciences managers are professionals who oversee scientific research and development projects. 

To become a natural sciences manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in a natural science field and several years of work experience. 

These managers work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science.

Pilot – Average Salary: $120,677

Pilots are professionals who fly aircraft, including commercial airlines, cargo planes, and helicopters. 

To become a pilot, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a related field, complete flight training and obtain a commercial pilot’s license. 

Pilots work for airlines, corporations, and government agencies.

Software Developer – Average Salary: $119,125

Software developers are professionals who design and develop computer programs and applications. 

To become a software developer, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and several years of work experience. 

Software developers work in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance.

Jobs 16-20

Mining Engineer – Average Salary: $116,282

Mining engineers are professionals who design and develop methods for extracting minerals from the earth. 

To become a mining engineer, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or a related field. 

Mining engineers work in the mining industry.

Human Resources Manager – Average Salary: $113,341

Human resources managers are professionals who oversee a company’s human resources department, including hiring, training, and benefits administration. 

To become a human resources manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field and several years of work experience. 

Human resources managers work in a variety of industries.

Construction Manager – Average Salary: $111,658

Construction managers are professionals who oversee construction projects, including planning, budgeting, and scheduling. 

To become a construction manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field and several years of work experience. 

Construction managers work in the construction industry.

Sales Manager – Average Salary: $110,361

Sales managers are professionals who oversee a company’s sales department and develop strategies to increase sales. 

To become a sales manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field and several years of work experience. Sales managers work in a variety of industries.

Physical Therapist – Average Salary: $110,127

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who help patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercises and other therapies. 

To become a physical therapist, you typically need to have a doctoral degree in physical therapy and obtain a state license. 

Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

SEE ALSO: 20 HIGH PAYING JOBS IN ARIZONA (+ SALARY)

Final Thoughts

Alaska offers a variety of high-paying career opportunities in a range of industries. 

Whether you’re interested in healthcare, engineering, or management, there are numerous career paths to explore in this state. 

By considering your skills, interests, and values, you can find a fulfilling and rewarding career in Alaska. 

FAQs

What industries are the highest paying in Alaska?

The highest-paying industries in Alaska include healthcare, engineering, technology, management, and natural resources. Within these industries, numerous job opportunities offer high salaries.

What qualifications are needed for these high-paying jobs?

The qualifications required for high-paying jobs in Alaska vary depending on the job and industry. However, most high-paying jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. Some jobs may also require additional certifications or licenses.

What is the job outlook for these high-paying jobs in Alaska?

The job outlook for high-paying jobs in Alaska varies depending on the industry and specific job. However, many industries with high-paying jobs are expected to see job growth in the coming years, particularly in healthcare and technology.

What are the benefits of working in Alaska?

Alaska offers numerous benefits for those looking for high-paying jobs, including a lower cost of living compared to other states with high salaries, opportunities to work in unique and picturesque locations, and a strong sense of community and culture.

How do I find high-paying jobs in Alaska?

There are numerous resources available to help you find high-paying jobs in Alaska, including online job boards, career fairs, and networking events. It’s also helpful to research the industries and companies that are thriving in Alaska and tailor your job search accordingly. Additionally, consider reaching out to staffing agencies or career counselors who specialize in Alaska job opportunities.