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Fairbanks, AK

Truck Driver Salary in Fairbanks

2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Fairbanks, Alaska. Compare local pay to state and national averages.

CDL-A Avg

$66,739

CDL-B Avg

$52,032

Non-CDL Avg

$60,422

Owner-Op Gross

$235,200

Salary Comparison by License Type

How Fairbanks truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.

CDL-A
$66,739
CDL-B
$52,032
Non-CDL
$60,422
Owner-Op (Gross)
$235,200

Cost of Living in Fairbanks

Cost of Living Index124
Low (75)National Avg (100)High (200)

Fairbanks's cost of living is 24% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay

Nominal CDL-A Salary

$66,739

Adjusted Purchasing Power

$53,822

After adjusting for Fairbanks's cost of living index of 124, a CDL-A salary of $66,739 provides the same purchasing power as $53,822 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.

Fairbanks vs Alaska vs National Average

MetricFairbanksAK AvgNational
CDL-A Average$66,739$69,520$58,710
vs State$-2,781
vs National+$8,029
Cost of Living124127100
Adjusted Purchasing Power$53,822$54,740$58,710

Salary Trend in Fairbanks

Stable

Trucking pay in Fairbanks has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from oil field supply (north slope) and military (fort wainwright, eielson afb). The Alaska market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.

Which carriers run freight through Fairbanks?

These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Fairbanks — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.

  • CRST International
  • Knight-Swift
  • Saia Inc.
  • Covenant Transport

Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.

Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Fairbanks

These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Fairbanks market.

1
Oil Field Supply (North Slope)
2
Military (Fort Wainwright, Eielson AFB)
3
Mining (Gold)
4
Tourism
5
Government

Find Trucking Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse CDL driver positions in Fairbanks, AK from top carriers and local companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Fairbanks

What is the average truck driver salary in Fairbanks, AK?

CDL-A truck drivers in Fairbanks, Alaska earn an average of $66,739 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Fairbanks market is influenced by oil field supply (north slope) and military (fort wainwright, eielson afb) freight demand.

How much do owner-operators make in Fairbanks?

Owner-operators based in Fairbanks gross approximately $235,200 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $89,376 to $112,896. The Fairbanks area's cost of living index of 124 is above the national average by 24%.

Is Fairbanks a good city for trucking jobs?

Fairbanks offers strong trucking employment thanks to its oil field supply (north slope) and military (fort wainwright, eielson afb) sectors. The city's cost of living is above the national average, which should be factored into salary comparisons with lower-cost markets. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.