The path to becoming a nurse practitioner may be pursued by registered nurses after attaining a master’s or doctorate. Nurse practitioners require high levels of education and training in both theory and practice.
Nurse practitioners are capable of providing complete medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment due to their advanced education and training. Furthermore, nurse practitioners can order lab tests, perform procedures, and prescribe medications.
In order to become a nurse practitioner, a person must possess a strong desire, as well as invest time and money. The salary of a nurse practitioner may be a major concern for nursing students, registered nurses contemplating becoming nurse practitioners, or nurse practitioners who have achieved this level of practice.
In deciding whether to become a nurse practitioner, you may weigh the benefits of an increase in salary with the cost and time of education. In order to determine nurse practitioner salaries, a number of factors must be considered. Workplace location is an important factor for nurse practitioners.
We will examine nurse practitioner salaries in Alaska in this article. Additionally, we will discuss nurse practitioner salaries for different cities within Alaska, salary ranges for different levels of experience, and how nurse practitioner salaries compare to those of other healthcare professionals.
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Starting Salary
An entry-level nurse practitioner in Alaska will earn an average salary of $89,551. That breaks down to $7,462 a month or $43.05 an hour. A nurse practitioner’s starting salary is based on their first year of practice.
A nurse practitioner’s starting salary varies from state to state within the United States. Within the same state, salaries also differ from city to city. The size of the city and the cost of living are also important considerations. Later in this article, we will look at nurse practitioner salaries by city in detail.
Nurse practitioner salaries in Alaska are affected by the cost of living. Most cities in Alaska have a higher cost of living than most of the rest of the country.
When comparing nurse practitioner pay between states, it is important to keep this in mind. Comparison of nurse practitioner salaries along with how much it will cost to live in each area is important.
Nursing specialty and practice setting will also influence your starting salary as a nurse practitioner.
| Hourly | $43.05 |
| Monthly | $7,462 |
| Yearly | $89,551 |
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Average Salary
Nurse practitioners’ salaries in Alaska are determined by a variety of factors, just like other careers or jobs. A nurse practitioner’s salary depends on a variety of factors, including location, specialty, type of practice, experience, shift differentials, and degrees and certifications.
As a general rule, nurse practitioners in Alaska earn around $128,319 a year on average. This works out to $10,693 per month and $61,69 per hour.
| Hourly | $61.69 |
| Monthly | $10,693 |
| Yearly | $128,319 |
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Years of Experience Salary
As we all know, the more experience one has in a career, the higher their income potential. It is no different for nurse practitioners. The salary of nurse practitioners increases as they advance in their careers. The salary of a nurse practitioner is heavily influenced by the number of years they have worked.
In the course of working as a nurse practitioner, a nurse practitioner gains valuable skills. During their careers, nurse practitioners develop an increased level of clinical judgment and skill. Working for many years, and acquiring on-the-job training and hands-on skills, is not something that can be taught.
As a result, nurse practitioners with more experience are worth more, resulting in higher salaries. When considering nurse practitioner salaries, experience is an important factor.
A nurse practitioner in Alaska earns an average salary of $89,551 per year, or $43.05 per hour. In the first five or six years after becoming a nurse practitioner, the average salary rises to $115,304 per year. In just a few short years, that’s an increase of over $25,000 in salary.
In a mid-level experience range, nurse practitioners with ten years of experience earn an average salary of $132,650. This equals $11,054 per month and $63.77 per hour.
A nurse practitioner with more than twenty years of experience can earn $159,522 a year, or $11,380 per month and $65.66 an hour.
| # of Years of Experience | Hourly | Monthly | Yearly |
| Less Than 1 Year of Experience | $43.05 | $7,462 | $89,551 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $46.96 | $8,139 | $97,670 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $55.43 | $9,608 | $115,304 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $63.77 | $11,054 | $132,650 |
| 20+ Years of Experience | $65.66 | $11,380 | $159,522 |
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Practice Setting Salary
The practice setting in which a nurse practitioner works impacts the salary they receive as well as their years of experience. The reasons for these differences include shift work versus a traditional schedule, as well as the different levels of risk associated with each practice setting.
Since the work in hospitals can be high risk and the shifts are harder to fill (i.e. weekends, nights, holidays, overtime, etc.), these nurse practitioners typically earn more.
In Alaska, nurse practitioners working in hospitals earn an average of $124,660 per year. At the lower end of the pay scale, nurse practitioners that work in a lower-risk area with more appealing hours can expect to earn about $111,400 a year.
When assessing all of these factors, people should take into account their own situation and goals. Some people may find it advantageous to work weekends and holidays in order to earn a higher salary.
Others may find that working weekends and holidays isn’t ideal for their personal or family situations, so they are willing to accept a lower salary to avoid working during those times. Many different types of options are available that can address a wide range of situations and needs.
| Practice Setting Type | Hourly | Yearly |
| Outpatient Facilities | $59.06 | $122,840 |
| Hospitals | $59.93 | $124,660 |
| Other Healthcare Provider Offices | $53.66 | $111,610 |
| Doctor’s Offices | $55.08 | $114,570 |
| Colleges and Universities | $53.56 | $111,400 |
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Speciality Salary
Adult Gerontology-Acute Care
- Nurse practitioners who specialize in adult gerontology-acute care diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of severe acute conditions, primarily in people over 65
- Work in hospitals, urgent care facilities, and skilled nursing care centers
- The average Alaska adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner makes $109,960 per year or $52.87 an hour
| Hourly | $52.87 |
| Yearly | $109,960 |
Adult Gerontology-Primary Care
- Adult gerontology-primary care nurse practitioners have some similarities with family nurse practitioners
- Care for patients who are 18 years of age or older
- Work in doctor’s offices, home health, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics
- The average Alaska adult gerontology-primary care nurse practitioner makes $103,980 per year or $49.99 an hour
| Hourly | $49.99 |
| Yearly | $103,980 |
Dermatology
- Nurse practitioners are certified by the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board after passing examinations and obtaining qualifications
- Provide assistance with skin cancer treatments in dermatology offices, cosmetic treatment centers, and surgical settings
- The average Alaska dermatology nurse practitioner makes $108,450 per year or $52.14 an hour
| Hourly | $52.14 |
| Yearly | $108,450 |
Family
- Family nurse practitioners provide care to the entire family, diagnosing and managing a variety of health conditions for adults and children alike
- Work in offices, hospitals, and clinics
- The average Alaska family nurse practitioner makes $107,870 per year or $51.86 an hour
| Hourly | $51.86 |
| Yearly | $107,870 |
Neonatal
- A neonatal nurse practitioner manages and treats high-risk infants in a neonatal intensive care unit
- Works closely and collaborates with the neonatologist
- The average Alaska neonatal nurse practitioner makes $115,790 per year or $55.67 an hour
| Hourly | $55.67 |
| Yearly | $115,790 |
Pediatric-Acute Care
- A pediatric-acute care nurse practitioner diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of serious acute conditions, primarily in children and adolescents
- Work in skilled nursing care centers, urgent care facilities, and hospitals
- The average Alaska pediatric-acute care nurse practitioner makes $112,840 per year or $54.25 an hour
| Hourly | $54.25 |
| Yearly | $112,840 |
Pediatric-Primary Care
- Pediatric-primary care nurse practitioners have some similarities with family nurse practitioners
- Care for patients under 18 years of age
- Work in pediatric offices, urgent care clinics, and schools
- The average Alaska pediatric-primary care nurse practitioner makes $104,480 per year or $50.23 an hour
| Hourly | $50.23 |
| Yearly | $104,480 |
Psychiatric-Mental Health
- Nurse practitioners with psychiatric-mental health training identify, diagnose, and treat patients who have mental health concerns or substance abuse issues
- Provide care in hospitals, drug rehabilitation centers, outpatient facilities, residential facilities, and doctor’s offices
- The average Alaska psychiatric nurse practitioner makes $113,600 per year or $54.62 an hour
| Hourly | $54.62 |
| Yearly | $113,600 |
Women’s Health
- Women’s health nurse practitioners assist women with a variety of health problems and provide comprehensive healthcare to women throughout their lifetimes
- Work hospitals, OB/GYN offices, prenatal clinics, private practices, women’s correctional facilities, and local clinics
- The average Alaska women’s health nurse practitioner makes $104,480 per year or $50.23 an hour
| Hourly | $50.23 |
| Yearly | $104,480 |
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Salary By City
It is common knowledge that “location, location, location” is important. There is a tendency to use this phrase in relation to real estate, but it can be applied to many other areas as well. In the case of nurse practitioners, for instance, this concept impacts their salary.
The general implication is that location matters a lot. When analyzing an Alaska nurse practitioner’s salary, it is important to consider the location in which they work.
When you are looking at different locations, it is important to keep the type of location you are looking for in mind. There are many types of towns to choose from, whether they are big cities or small towns, suburbs or rural areas.
In addition to the salary, each location differs based on the availability of nurse practitioners in that area. In areas where nurse practitioners are in high demand, nurse practitioner salaries and benefits tend to be higher and more competitive. In order to make an informed choice, you should keep these factors in mind when selecting an area.
Below you will find a breakdown of Alaska’s average salaries for some of the major cities.
Anchorage
- Population of Anchorage in the 2020 census was 291,247
- Largest city in the state of Alaska
- Contains almost 40% of the entire state’s population
- Home to Alaska Regional Hospital, Providence Alaska Medical Center, and Alaska Native Medical Center
- The average nurse practitioner in Anchorage makes $136,027 per year or $65.40 an hour
| Hourly | $65.40 |
| Yearly | $136,027 |
Juneau
- Population of Juneau in the 2020 census was 32,255
- The capital city of the state of Alaska
- Second-largest city in the United States by area
- Home to Bartlett Regional Hospital, Ethel Lund Medical Center, and Timberline Group Home
- The average nurse practitioner in Juneau makes $135,005 per year or $64.91 an hour
| Hourly | $64.91 |
| Yearly | $135,005 |
Fairbanks
- Population of Fairbanks in the 2020 census was 32,515
- After Anchorage, it’s the second most populous metropolitan area in Alaska
- The largest and coldest city in the interior region of the state
- Second-largest city in the state of Alaska
- Home to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Bassett Army Community Hospital, and Polar Wind Medical Center
- The average nurse practitioner in Waldor makes $125,502 per year or $60.34 an hour
| Hourly | $60.34 |
| Yearly | $125,502 |
Sitka
- Population of Sitka in the 2020 census was 8,458
- The fourth-most populous city in the state
- First and oldest city in the state of Alaska
- Home to Southeast Alaska Regional Health, Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center, and Sitka Long-Term Care
- The average nurse practitioner in Crisfield makes $118,411 a year or $56.93 an hour
| Hourly | $56.93 |
| Yearly | $118,411 |
Kodiak
- Population of Kodiak in the 2020 census was 5,581
- Tenth-largest city in the state
- The main city and one of seven communities on Kodiak Island in Alaska
- Home to Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center
- The average nurse practitioner in Annapolis makes $125,502 a year or $60.34 an hour
| Hourly | $60.34 |
| Yearly | $125,502 |
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared To Other Nursing Careers
Registered nurses in Alaska may find that pursuing a nurse practitioner education is well worth the investment. Compared to registered nurses, nurse practitioners make roughly 30 percent more in Alaska.
Salary ranges are wide among nursing professions. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) earn $36,592, which is at the lower end of the pay scale. Nursing professionals with the highest salaries are nurse anesthetists.
In Alaska, nurse anesthetists earn an average of $195,009 per year, nearly 35 percent more than nurse practitioners, who earn $128,319. We are able to see that they are compensated considerably more for their educational investment when we consider the time and finances they must devote to it.
| Occupation | Average Yearly Salary |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $195,009 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $128,319 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $119,909 |
| Nursing School Professor | $63,619 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $89,620 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $53,854 |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $36,592 |
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared To Other Healthcare Careers
The salaries of physician assistants and nurse practitioners in Alaska are similar, with the difference between the two professions at less than $5,000 per year. Alaskan chiropractors earn an average salary of $69,190 per year, which is on the low end of the salary spectrum.
On the other end of the pay scale, dentists make an average of $213,250 per year. Nurse practitioners in Alaska earn about $128,319 per year, a salary that is near the middle for other healthcare professionals.
| Occupation | Average Yearly Salary |
| Dentist | $206,210 |
| Podiatrist | $231,485 |
| Optometrist | $149,098 |
| Pharmacist | $145,331 |
| Physician’s Assistant | $123,500 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,319 |
| Veterinarian | $104,921 |
| Physical Therapist (PT) | $97,090 |
| Audiologist | $88,292 |
| Speech Therapist | $88,839 |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | $91,962 |
| Chiropractor | $111,400 |
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared Nationwide
The average salary for nurse practitioners in Alaska is $128,319 per year. In the United States, nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $119,671. Thus, Alaskan nurse practitioners earn an average of $8,648 (over 7%) more than their counterparts nationwide.
Top Five Paid Alaska Nurse Practitioners
As compared to other nurse practitioners, neonatal nurse practitioners earn the highest average salaries in Alaska. The average annual salary of neonatal nurse practitioners in Alaska is $133,325. At the bottom of the top five are adult gerontology nurse practitioners, whose salary is still very nice at $100,893 per year.
| Rank | Nurse Practitioner Specialty | Yearly |
| 1 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) | $133,325 |
| 2 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | $114,670 |
| 3 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $114,036 |
| 4 | Dermatology Nurse Practitioner | $106,244 |
| 5 | Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $100,893 |
Alaska Nurse Practitioner Future
Nurse practitioners have a very promising job outlook in Alaska. The salary potential for nurse practitioners in Alaska is expected to increase by 11% over five years. The estimated salary for nurse practitioners in Alaska is projected to be $142,462 by the year 2027.
There will be a need for more physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and physicians in Alaska, especially in rural areas. It is possible for nurse practitioners to make a significant contribution to meeting this need. As a result of this supply and demand issue, Alaska’s nurse practitioners are expected to earn competitive salaries.
How To Become a Nurse Practitioner
If you are not already a nurse practitioner, you may be interested in becoming one based on all these salary numbers. In order to become a nurse practitioner, you must be a registered nurse and have graduated from an advanced degree program.
In order to apply to an advanced degree program (master’s degree or doctorate), you must have worked as a registered nurse for a certain period of time (usually two or three years) in the specialty you desire. The next step in becoming a nurse practitioner is gaining acceptance into an advanced degree in nursing program.
The time it takes to become a nurse practitioner in Alaska varies. The program of study you choose will determine how long it takes you to become a nurse practitioner, as well as whether or not you will be a full-time or part-time student. In addition to didactic courses, internships, and clinical experiences, there are a number of requirements for the program.
You must first become a registered nurse in order to become a nurse practitioner, as mentioned above. Obtaining a registered nurse license requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Obtaining a graduate degree in nursing (MSN or DNP) will qualify you to sit for the nurse practitioner licensing exam in the specialty you choose to practice after finishing your undergraduate education.
Furthermore, nurse practitioner programs vary in length depending on whether the student chooses a traditional or accelerated program. Additionally, the process of obtaining a registered nurse license is an important consideration.
In general, the entire educational process of becoming a nurse practitioner takes between six and seven years to complete. Typically, this involves four years of undergraduate study for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and two more years for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Fast-tracking this process is possible through accelerated programs. The process can, however, be slowed down by studying part-time rather than full-time or by going through a traditional program versus an accelerated program.
Conclusion
There are many options to consider when looking at nurse practitioner salaries, regardless of whether you’re just starting your education journey, a registered nurse, or a nurse practitioner already.
Several factors need to be taken into consideration when comparing salaries in different locations for nurse practitioners. Alaska offers nurse practitioners many opportunities for living and working in this beautiful state.
It offers a salary that is competitive with the rest of the country, as well as very attractive benefits and compensation. Nurse practitioners may want to consider Alaska as a potential practice location when deciding where to practice.
Written by Joanne Potter
Joanne, BSN and RN, is a writer that specializes in health and wellness. She has fifteen years of experience as a Registered Nurse in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Her years working at the bedside and extensive neonatal knowledge enable her to write with a deep understanding of what patients and families want from their communities. Visit her LinkedIn page.
Sources (August 2022):
State of Alaska
Things To Do in Alaska
U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
SalaryExpert
U.S. Department of Labor
Healthgrades
Careeronestop
Salary.com
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