Certifications & licenses in Alaska
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in AK. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Alaska
Licensing landscape in Alaska
As of July 1, 2015, applicants must complete 625 hours of in-class instruction and pass a national exam to be licensed.
Alaska Board of Massage Therapists
General contractors doing residential work must obtain a specific endorsement requiring a 16-hour cold climate course and a $20,000 bond.
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
CNA training in Alaska takes weeks, not years, and the state has the highest average CNA salary in the nation at $42,500 per year.
Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association
All businesses, including licensed professionals, must obtain a statewide business license from CBPL for a $100 annual fee as of 2025.
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Alaska
A $75K salary in Alaska has roughly the purchasing power of a $59K salary in an average-cost-of-living state.
Regional comparison: Alaska vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs AK |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $46,370 | — |
| WA | $49,180 | +6% vs AK |
| OR | $49,830 | +7% vs AK |
| State | Required training hours | vs AK |
|---|---|---|
| AK | 625 hours | — |
| WA | 625 hours | 0 hours |
| OR | 625 hours | 0 hours |
Healthcare in Alaska
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $46,370 |
| Dental Assistant | No | $57,710 |
| EMT | Required | $57,440 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $80,800 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $52,560 |
| Medical Coder | No | $61,090 |
| Paramedic | Required | $71,860 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $52,640 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $45,900 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $98,920 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $109,480 |
| Respiratory Therapist | No | $97,950 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $80,380 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $132,690 |
Skilled Trades in Alaska
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $70,100 |
| Electrician | Required | $89,440 |
| HVAC Technician | No | $77,430 |
| Plumber | Required | $93,920 |
| Welder | No | $80,840 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Alaska
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | Required | $46,210 |
| Barber | Required | — |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $32,150 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $134,930 |
Professional & Business in Alaska
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $83,460 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $68,700 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $50,500 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $89,170 |