Average Nursing Assistants Salary in Alaska
Nursing Assistants in Alaska earn an impressive average annual salary of $48,550, substantially exceeding the national average of $41,050. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Alaska's unique logistical challenges and the specialized demands of providing healthcare in a geographically vast and often remote state, necessitating higher pay to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,780.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,660 Nursing Assistants and a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 5.159, Alaska demonstrates a stable presence of this vital role. The Location Quotient of 0.57 suggests that while not as concentrated as the national average, the demand for Nursing Assistants is consistent within the state's healthcare sector, indicating a steady job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Nursing Assistants in Alaska earns+18.3%above the national average.
$23.3
$934
$4,046
Nursing Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Nursing Assistants in Alaska have experienced a positive growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and a competitive labor market likely contribute to a gradual but steady increase in average annual earnings for this profession.
Nursing Assistants Salary Distribution in Alaska
The salary for Nursing Assistants in Alaska, like elsewhere, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching higher percentiles of the salary distribution. The gap between entry-level and senior-level earnings signifies clear career progression opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $41,190 | $19.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $36,413 | $17.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $45,840 | $22 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $60,688 | $29.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $59,780 | $28.7 |
Detailed Nursing Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,349
Adjusted for COL (126.6)
While the nominal average salary of $48,550 in Alaska appears attractive, it's crucial to consider the local Cost of Living Index of 126.6, which is 26.6% higher than the national average. This means that while the gross income is higher, the purchasing power of that income is somewhat diminished by the increased cost of goods and services in the state.
Job Market Context
1,660
Total Jobs
5.159
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Alaska has 0.57x the national average concentration of Nursing Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.57 indicates that Nursing Assistants are less concentrated in Alaska compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially leading to a more favorable job market for qualified individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistants make in Alaska?
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistants in Alaska is $48,550. This typically ranges from $41,190 for entry-level positions to $59,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alaska is 18.3% higher than the national median of $41,050.
Is Alaska a lucrative place for Nursing Assistants?
Yes, with caveats.Nursing Assistants in Alaska earn a higher average salary than the national average. However, this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living, requiring careful financial planning.
Is Alaska a good place to live for Nursing Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
What is the average salary for a Nursing Assistant in Alaska?
The average annual salary for a Nursing Assistant in Alaska is $48,550.
How does Alaska's Nursing Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Nursing Assistants in Alaska earn approximately $7,500 more annually than the national average salary of $41,050.
What is the cost of living in Alaska compared to the rest of the US?
Alaska has a Cost of Living Index of 126.6, meaning it is 26.6% more expensive to live there than the national average.
How concentrated is the Nursing Assistant job market in Alaska?
With a Location Quotient of 0.57, Nursing Assistants are less concentrated in Alaska than the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,660 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 5.159 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Nursing Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alaska