Anchorage Employment

Employment and Industries in the Anchorage, Alaska Area

The major economic sectors for Anchorage are transportation, the military, oil and gas, local and federal government and convention and tourism. Finance, construction, education and healthcare are also significant factors for the economy. Anchorage is not Alaska's center for oil production, however it's the administrative center for the petroleum industry. The economy is also bolstered by the tourism and conventions industry which usually brings in about 150 million dollars each year.

The Elmendorf Air Force Base, Fort Richardson Army Post and Kulis Air National Guard provide a vast number of jobs in Anchorage. The military and their families also stimulate the economy by patronizing local businesses. Although Juneau is the state capital, Anchorage actually has more state employees. Many of the federal government jobs are related to federal lands management.

Anchorage is the state's major transportation, trade, communications, finance and services center. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is one of the busiest airports regarding cargo traffic in the world. The direct and indirect employment associated with the airport provides approximately 10% of the jobs in the city. In addition, over 90% of the consumer goods arriving in Alaska come through the Port of Anchorage.

New and existing companies are helped in Anchorage by a variety of incentives including customized job training programs, municipal revenue bonds, low interest loans and property tax abatement. The Alaska Export Assistance Center helps local businesses expand into various foreign markets. In addition, the University of Alaska Anchorage, in association with the Alaska Economic Development Corporation, offers a mentor program that connects students with businesses.

A collection of notable information regarding Anchorage: Anchorage has been named an All-American city several times by the National Civic League. Wages are typically higher in Anchorage than the rest of the nation. In 2008 the cost of living index was at 90.5 and the national average is 100. The growth rate of the economy is typically a little lower than the rest of the nation, however during economic downturns Anchorage's economy is less effected than most of the nation. For residents over the age of 25 approximately 29% have a bachelor's degree or higher.

The largest employers in Anchorage are:

  • Ted Stevens International Airport
  • Providence Alaska Medical Center & Hospital System
  • Fort Richardson US Army Base
  • Teleco Telephone
  • University of Alaska at Anchorage
  • Alyeska Pipeline Service
  • Alaska Regional Hospital
  • Sullivan Arena/Government offices
  • Conoco Philips
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Alaska Regional Hospital
  • US Army Corps of Engineers
  • US Emergency Transportation Services
  • GCI
  • Northern Air Cargo
  • Wal-Mart/Sam's Club
  • Trident Seafoods
  • Banner Health System
  • NANA Management Services

Two helpful business organizations:

The Anchorage Daily News provides information about the current business activities in the Anchorage area.

Jobs in Anchorage

RankTitleTotal EmployeesLocal Mean Salary (Per Year)Local Mean Salary (Per hour)National Growth % 2014-2024
1All Occupations174500$60,020$28.85100
2Office and Administrative Support Occupations26770$46,070$22.1513.75
3Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations16720$28,370$13.648.7
4Transportation and Material Moving Occupations15210$61,890$29.766.7
5Sales and Related Occupations14850$41,070$19.759.5
6Management Occupations11830$111,680$53.696.35
7Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations11140$96,470$46.385.85
8Educational Instruction and Library Occupations10170$61,870$29.756
9Healthcare Support Occupations9620$40,090$19.272.85
10Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations9100$61,000$29.333.75
11Construction and Extraction Occupations8450$67,450$32.434.6
12Business and Financial Operations Occupations7920$74,840$35.985.35
13Retail Salespersons6250$33,750$16.232.7
14Home Health and Personal Care Aides4700$32,980$15.860
15Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations4490$35,240$16.943.6
16Architecture and Engineering Occupations4440$102,180$49.131.7
17Registered Nurses4270$88,860$42.721.95
18Fast Food and Counter Workers4060$25,050$12.042.45
19Office Clerks, General4000$46,210$22.221.9
20Protective Service Occupations4000$62,250$29.932.2
21General and Operations Managers3660$118,780$57.11.5
22Personal Care and Service Occupations3360$32,790$15.774.65
23Computer and Mathematical Occupations3280$81,740$39.33
24Production Occupations3220$52,430$25.215.6
25Community and Social Service Occupations3070$55,100$26.491.75
26Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations2930$80,540$38.720.8
27Cashiers2880$28,240$13.582.2
28Stockers and Order Fillers2860$34,820$16.741.25
29Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive2780$43,330$20.831.4
30Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand2670$36,480$17.541.8
31Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners2660$32,710$15.721.5
32Waiters and Waitresses2520$26,530$12.761.65
33Customer Service Representatives2490$39,900$19.181.75
34First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers2280$64,390$30.950.95
35Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations2170$57,560$27.671.8
36Food Preparation Workers2170$29,340$14.110.5
37Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks2120$49,250$23.681.05
38Medical Assistants2000$45,110$21.690.45
39Cooks, Restaurant1870$29,520$14.190.9
40Receptionists and Information Clerks1710$35,300$16.970.7
41Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants1680$40,680$19.560.4
42Legal Occupations1530$91,350$43.920.8
43Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other1490$83,540$40.160.7
44Maintenance and Repair Workers, General1480$48,860$23.490.9
45Light Truck Drivers1360$48,750$23.440.6
46Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers1300$61,160$29.41.2
47Construction Laborers1290$56,450$27.140.9
48Accountants and Auditors1280$79,620$38.280.9
49First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers1270$47,890$23.020.95
50First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers1250$36,140$17.370.6
51Substitute Teachers, Short-Term1200$41,480$19.940.4
52Carpenters1100$66,720$32.080.6
53Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics1090$48,020$23.090.5
54Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products1090$58,760$28.250.85
55Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians1070$66,350$31.90.1
56Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators1050$76,680$36.870.25
57Security Guards1050$41,710$20.050.7
58Bartenders980$26,300$12.640.4
59Civil Engineers940$105,680$50.810.2
60Electricians920$73,750$35.460.45
61Nursing Assistants920$38,430$18.470.95
62Childcare Workers820$28,170$13.540.7
63Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners780$29,460$14.170.9
64Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers770$25,730$12.370.3
65Passenger Vehicle Drivers, Except Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity770$42,860$20.610.3
66Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education770$32,210$15.480.3
67Construction Managers760$102,630$49.340.3
68Lawyers760$112,820$54.240.5
69Dishwashers730$23,910$11.490.3
70Financial Managers730$114,730$55.160.4
71Personal Service Managers, All Other; Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling; and Managers, All Other720$113,000$54.330.7
72Billing and Posting Clerks710$46,450$22.330.3
73Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel700$58,410$28.080.7
74First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers690$87,380$42.010.3
75Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants680$61,180$29.410.35
76Medical Dosimetrists, Medical Records Specialists, and Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other680$58,370$28.060
77First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers670$90,240$43.390.4
78Medical and Health Services Managers600$107,050$51.470.3
79Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters600$80,530$38.710.3
80Tellers590$33,800$16.250.25
81Network and Computer Systems Administrators580$80,250$38.580.2
82Cooks, Fast Food570$28,580$13.740.3
83Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers570$92,630$44.530.4
84Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers550$38,440$18.480.75
85Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers530$98,630$47.420.1
86Chief Executives520$190,140$91.410.15
87Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks520$41,780$20.080.1
88Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks510$43,660$20.990.4
89Dental Assistants500$46,050$22.140.2
90Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks500$26,670$12.820.15
91Human Resources Specialists500$70,110$33.710.4
92Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment480$30,020$14.430.3
93Petroleum Engineers480$151,040$72.620
94Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products480$80,890$38.890.2
95Social and Human Service Assistants480$42,740$20.550.3
96Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers480$72,500$34.850.1
97Computer Occupations, All Other470$99,380$47.780.3
98Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria470$40,610$19.530.3
99Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors460$59,860$28.780.2
100Child, Family, and School Social Workers450$56,480$27.150.2
Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
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Additional Details

Anchorage Colleges
Anchorage colleges and trade schools.

Jobs More Common Near Anchorage Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
All Occupations$60,020174,500
Office and Administrative Support Occupations$46,07026,770
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$28,37016,720
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations$61,89015,210
Sales and Related Occupations$41,07014,850
Management Occupations$111,68011,830
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations$96,47011,140
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations$61,87010,170
Healthcare Support Occupations$40,0909,620
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations$61,0009,100
Construction and Extraction Occupations$67,4508,450
Business and Financial Operations Occupations$74,8407,920
Retail Salespersons$33,7506,250
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$32,9804,700
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations$35,2404,490
Architecture and Engineering Occupations$102,1804,440
Registered Nurses$88,8604,270
Fast Food and Counter Workers$25,0504,060
Office Clerks, General$46,2104,000
Protective Service Occupations$62,2504,000
General and Operations Managers$118,7803,660
Personal Care and Service Occupations$32,7903,360
Computer and Mathematical Occupations$81,7403,280
Production Occupations$52,4303,220
Community and Social Service Occupations$55,1003,070
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations$80,5402,930
Cashiers$28,2402,880
Stockers and Order Fillers$34,8202,860
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$43,3302,780
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$36,4802,670
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$32,7102,660
Waiters and Waitresses$26,5302,520
Customer Service Representatives$39,9002,490
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$64,3902,280
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations$57,5602,170
Food Preparation Workers$29,3402,170
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$49,2502,120
Medical Assistants$45,1102,000
Cooks, Restaurant$29,5201,870
Receptionists and Information Clerks$35,3001,710
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$40,6801,680
Legal Occupations$91,3501,530
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other$83,5401,490
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$48,8601,480
Light Truck Drivers$48,7501,360
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$61,1601,300
Construction Laborers$56,4501,290
Accountants and Auditors$79,6201,280
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$47,8901,270
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$36,1401,250

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Anchorage, Alaska Metro Area (2008 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
All Occupations$60,020174,500
Office and Administrative Support Occupations$46,07026,770
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$28,37016,720
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations$61,89015,210
Sales and Related Occupations$41,07014,850
Management Occupations$111,68011,830
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations$96,47011,140
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations$61,87010,170
Healthcare Support Occupations$40,0909,620
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations$61,0009,100
Construction and Extraction Occupations$67,4508,450
Business and Financial Operations Occupations$74,8407,920
Retail Salespersons$33,7506,250
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$32,9804,700
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations$35,2404,490
Architecture and Engineering Occupations$102,1804,440
Registered Nurses$88,8604,270
Fast Food and Counter Workers$25,0504,060
Office Clerks, General$46,2104,000
Protective Service Occupations$62,2504,000
General and Operations Managers$118,7803,660
Personal Care and Service Occupations$32,7903,360
Computer and Mathematical Occupations$81,7403,280
Production Occupations$52,4303,220
Community and Social Service Occupations$55,1003,070
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations$80,5402,930
Cashiers$28,2402,880
Stockers and Order Fillers$34,8202,860
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$43,3302,780
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$36,4802,670
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$32,7102,660
Waiters and Waitresses$26,5302,520
Customer Service Representatives$39,9002,490
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$64,3902,280
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations$57,5602,170
Food Preparation Workers$29,3402,170
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$49,2502,120
Medical Assistants$45,1102,000
Cooks, Restaurant$29,5201,870
Receptionists and Information Clerks$35,3001,710
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$40,6801,680
Legal Occupations$91,3501,530
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other$83,5401,490
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$48,8601,480
Light Truck Drivers$48,7501,360
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$61,1601,300
Construction Laborers$56,4501,290
Accountants and Auditors$79,6201,280
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$47,8901,270
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$36,1401,250

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