Do you dream of going to Alaska? The state is still the last great American frontier, and many Americans dream of going there to live a life in a beautiful setting that challenges their living skills. However, Alaska has a high cost of living in part because shipping goods to the state is expensive. If you want to live a comfortable life in Alaska, surrounded by natural beauty, make sure you’ve already attended college and received your degree because the best paying jobs in Alaska often require decades of education.
The Best Paying Jobs in Alaska
Like the rest of the United States, the best-paying jobs in Alaska require advanced degrees and a specialized skill set. Here are the top seven jobs.
Family/General Practitioners
A family physician in Alaska can expect to make between $180,000 and $310,000 a year. However, in part because Alaska has a small population of around three-quarters of a million, there are less than 500 family practitioners in Alaska.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist in Alaska can make between $200,000 to $400,000 a year. However, there are even fewer psychiatrists in the state than family practitioners. The state has approximately 100 psychiatrists.
General Dentists
According to Forbes, Alaskan dentists are the second-best paid in the country, earning on average $259,350 a year. Like other medical professionals, dentists are a small group, with less than 300 in the entire state.
Internists
Like a family physician in Alaska, an internist can expect to make well over $200,000 a year. On average, internists make between $227,000 and $287,000 a year.
Pediatricians
Pediatricians in Alaska earn on average $268,000, which makes Alaska the highest paying state for pediatricians in the United States. Of course, a pediatrician who is just out of school may make $100,000 or a little less.
There is a shortage of pediatricians in Alaska and an even greater shortage of pediatric psychiatrists. If you’re looking for an in-demand career in Alaska, these two offer excellent options.
Judges
Judges play a vital role in maintaining order and safety. On average, judges in Alaska make approximately $200,000 a year. There are 45 Superior Court judges in Alaska and many more in the lower courts of Alaska.
Airplane Pilots

Even though general dentists and judges earn more per year than pilots, there are far more jobs for pilots available in Alaska. That is partially because the state is so remote. Pilots are needed to reach those settled in isolated, remote areas of the land. However, the pay isn’t bad for pilots in Alaska. They make between $136,000 and $178,000 a year.
Final Thoughts
Having one of the best-paying jobs in Alaska means you will be financially comfortable, but you’ll never be short on adventure. Due to the limited number of skilled workers in the state, if you’re a doctor, pilot, or judge, know that no day will ever be the same and that you’ll be challenged in ways that you wouldn’t if you practiced in the lower 48 states.
Do you want to go to Alaska? You can buy Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan to avail of the lowest fares to Alaska.
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Melissa is a freelance writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking.
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