How does Alaska teacher pay compare to the national average?

Alaska teachers earn about 3% 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

Q: What is the average teacher salary in Alaska?

The average public-school teacher salary in Alaska is approximately $70,277 per year (source: Alaska Department of Education & Early Development / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

Alaska teachers earn an average of $70,277 per year — 3% above the national average.

$70,277State Average

$46,372Entry-Level (BS)

#10National Rank

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Alaska Teacher Salary Overview

$46,372Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$70,277Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▲ Alaska teachers earn 3% more than the national average (+$1,808)

How Alaska Teacher Salaries Work

Alaska uses district-level salary schedules with no state minimum. The Anchorage School District, Fairbanks North Star Borough, and Matanuska-Susitna Borough are among the higher-paying districts. Remote rural districts often provide additional cost-of-living allowances.

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 high cost of living partially offsets its above-average teacher salaries. Many rural districts offer housing stipends and relocation assistance to attract teachers to remote communities.

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.

Anchorage School District116 open positions Lower Kuskokwim School District77 open positions Juneau Borough School District54 open positions Fairbanks North Star Borough School District51 open positions Kenai Peninsula Borough School District38 open positions Yupiit School District31 open positions Kodiak Island Borough School District21 open positions Lower Yukon School District20 open positions Copper River School District7 open positions Haines Borough School District6 open positions

436 total open positions across Alaska school districts.

Browse All Alaska Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Alaska ranks #10 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

Compare All States →

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 & 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.