How does Alaska teacher pay compare to the national average?

Alaska teachers earn about 8% above the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Alaska teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Alaska districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Alaska?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Alaska.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Alaska?

Yes. Almost every Alaska district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Alaska

Alaska teachers earn an average of $73,722 per year — 8% above the national average.

$73,722State Average

$48,000Entry-Level (BS)

#11National Rank

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Alaska Teacher Salary Overview

$48,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$73,722Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▲ Alaska teachers earn 8% more than the national average (+$5,253)

How Alaska Teacher Salaries Work

Alaska teacher salary schedules are bargained locally per school district. Anchorage School District, Mat-Su Borough School District, and Fairbanks North Star Borough School District set the high end of the scale; rural and bush districts can pay differently and frequently include geographic / housing differentials.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Alaska's headline salary is competitive but the cost of living, especially off the road system, materially erodes purchasing power. Teaching positions in remote villages typically include subsidized housing and travel stipends to compensate. The state's Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) moved new hires onto a defined-contribution plan in 2006, which has been a recurring political flashpoint.

Top Hiring Districts in Alaska

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District138 open positions Anchorage School District138 open positions Kenai Peninsula Borough School District121 open positions Juneau Borough School District110 open positions Lower Kuskokwim School District79 open positions North Slope Borough School District73 open positions Yukon Flats School District50 open positions Kodiak Island Borough School District50 open positions Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District31 open positions Yupiit School District28 open positions

925 total open positions across Alaska school districts.

Browse All Alaska Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Alaska ranks #11 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Alaska?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Alaska teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Alaska Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Alaska — apply directly on district sites.

View Alaska jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Alaska Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Alaska

What is the average teacher salary in Alaska?: The average public-school teacher salary in Alaska is approximately $73,722 per year (source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Alaska teacher pay compare to the national average?: Alaska teachers earn about 8% above the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.
Do Alaska teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Alaska districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.
What's the highest-paying school district in Alaska?: Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Alaska.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Alaska?: Yes. Almost every Alaska district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.