Alaska is derived from the Aleut word "Aleyska," meaning "a great land" — a fitting name for the largest state in America. Combine Texas, California, and Montana, and it still wouldn’t equal the 663,300 square miles that make up Alaska. On the flip side, it’s the least densely populated state and has the third lowest number of residents.
Alaska’s natural beauty and need for healthcare professionals are usually enough to pique job seekers’ curiosity. But perhaps the biggest draw for anyone looking for nursing jobs in Alaska? Salary. The average annual nursing salary here is among the highest anywhere in the country.
Whether you want to work full time, part time, contract, temporary, or per diem, your skill set is needed, and you can expect to be well compensated. Read on to find out what else the Last Frontier can offer you.
Quick Facts About Alaska Nursing Jobs
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Alaska
Just 740,133 people reside in Alaska, which has a population density of about one person per square mile. The median age of residents is 35 — younger than the nation’s median of 38.4 — and people ages 65 and over make up just over 14% of the population. The sparse population and lack of access to healthcare services creates a great demand for people to fill healthcare roles. Some of the more popular jobs include:
Curious about what your patient base might look like? There are more men than women and a little more than half the population is married. Of the married couples, 35% have children; 18% of residents are single with children.
To stand out in the talent pool, be sure cultural competency is in your skill set before applying to nursing jobs — Alaska is a diverse state. Around 61.5% of residents are White, 13.8% are Indigenous; 7.4% are two or more races; 6.8% are Hispanic or Latino, 6.1% are Asian; 3.1% are Black, and 1.2% are Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
Working in Alaska
The need for nursing professionals in Alaska can’t be overstated, but there is also a need for nurse educators. Reportedly, for every student who wants to enroll in nursing school in Alaska, two applicants are turned away. Furthermore, the health insurance in this state is among the most costly in the country, further straining residents’ access to care.
Want to be of service? You can set your sights on Alaska public health nurse jobs in cities, rural communities, and villages. If you prefer to work in hospitals or medical systems, consider exploring roles in these facilities:
Looking instead for post-acute options? There are at least 20 long-term care facilities throughout the state, as well as home care agencies, that rely on skilled clinicians to care for residents and patients.
Another great aspect of pursuing Alaska nursing jobs is that your commute is an average of just 18.8 minutes, which is considerably less than the national average of 26.4 minutes. Most residents drive solo to work, but you can also depend on the public transportation systems in major areas.
The state also has resources available to help you with child care while you’re busy working your shifts, and there are pet sitters available to take care of your animals too.
Living in Alaska
If you’re an explorer at heart, Alaska is where you want to be. The Last Frontier has plenty of adventures to offer visitors and residents alike. On any given day, you can encounter some type of wildlife — moose and bald eagle sightings are not uncommon, and you might catch a glimpse of whales while you’re strolling along the water. Check out the ice caves, go white water rafting, tour the glaciers, and try your hand at dog sledding.
The three major cities in Alaska are Anchorage, Juneau (the capital), and Fairbanks, and each offer lots of cultural options for your downtime. Visit the Anchorage Museum to explore its collection, which is broken into four categories: art, cultural and historical heritage pieces, historical photographs, and library resources. Then cap it off with dinner at any of the city’s acclaimed restaurants, from fine dining to casual pubs.
In Juneau, you can see performances at the Perseverance Theatre, and check out the Sealaska Heritage Institute’s collection that spotlights the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. After, head to the Alaskan Brewing Company for a frosty pint.
Fairbanks has a variety of events for all ages year-round, including the Midnight Sun Festival, the Tanana Valley State Fair, the Winter Solstice Celebration, and the Open North American Championship — the oldest dog sled race series in the world.
Unless you’re a big fan of cold weather, the climate in Alaska might be a bit challenging. The summers are short and mild and the winters are predictably long and frigid — and it’s among the rainiest of states. On the upside, the sun shines almost around the clock during the summer days — hence its nickname the Land of the Midnight Sun. Plus, you’ve got a front row seat to the spectacular northern lights.
Alaska has a high cost of living — around 16.5% higher than the U.S. average — because groceries and most other items need to be shipped to the state. However, full-time residents don’t pay income tax or sales tax. Furthermore, the state actually pays people to live there. The Permanent Fund Dividend is an annual payment made to eligible residents; in 2024, the payment was $1,702.
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