Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Anchorage, AK and Fairbanks, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anchorage, AK | Fairbanks, AK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,111▲ | $106,657 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.86▲ | $51.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,024▲ | $77,170 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,902▲ | $89,338 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,238▲ | $117,274 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,372 | $139,420▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairbanks.
The salary gap between Anchorage and Fairbanks is $7,454 (6.99%). Anchorage's median is +12.59% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $49,348,Fairbanks spans $62,250. Fairbanks has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anchorage ($108,244 effective) pays 7.68% more than Fairbanks ($100,525 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 ($114,111/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,244)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Choose Fairbanks if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,420)
- ✓You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Anchorage grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Fairbanks over the same period.
Anchorage, AK
$97,700 (2019) → $108,750 (2025)
Fairbanks, AK
$87,930 (2022) → $101,646 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anchorage, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Anchorage or Fairbanks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Fairbanks?
Should I relocate from Anchorage to Fairbanks as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Anchorage vs Fairbanks?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov