Jobs in Alaska, United States

Alaska is where you can get away from the mundane every day and discover something truly amazing. It’s not just the stunning beauty that makes Alaska such a desirable place to work, it’s also the endless opportunities.

Popular work fields. Many of the most popular Alaska jobs for foreigners (or U.S. citizens) focus on the state’s stunning nature, national parks, and wildlife. Zoologists and wildlife biologists are in high demand. Teaching is also one of the most in-demand fields for work in Alaska. Alaska is one of the top three highest paying states for teachers, with salaries reaching as high as $80,550.  

Short term jobs/summer jobs vs. long term jobs. If you want something more short-term for work in Alaska, summer jobs are primarily focused on the hospitality industry. While long-term jobs abroad in Alaska provide more stability, short-term jobs still teach you valuable skills and boost your resume. 

Unpaid vs. paid jobs in Alaska. Some international jobs in Alaska will provide free housing in exchange for work. However, if working for free isn’t your idea of an ideal summer job you’re in luck! Due to the state’s low population, many summer jobs are high-paying and don’t require much experience. 

Alaska may be a US state, but being so far away from the lower 48 can make it feel like a different world. Alaska has one of the most diverse populations in the entire country, and the prevalence of military bases and tourists have taught locals how to welcome strangers with open arms.  

During work in Alaska, you’ll find out that the weather is both a blessing and a curse. In the summer, the state receives over 19 hours of sunlight a day and extremely mild temperatures. But in the winter, the sun is up for only about five hours a day and in some parts of the state temperatures drop to negative 50 Fahrenheit. 

Work abroad in Alaska means nature becoming part of your everyday life. Cities in Alaska aren’t full of just pigeons and squirrels! It’s not uncommon to find moose and bears wandering through neighborhoods or even the downtown streets of Anchorage. 

Because almost everything has to be imported, everyday household items and groceries that may only cost a few dollars in the continental United States can cost astronomically more in Alaska. However, local farmers’ markets and cheaper local goods can bring the cost of living down.

Traveling and working in a different culture teaches you more about yourself than you can ever imagine. It doesn’t matter if it’s a summer job or a career-defining position, work abroad in Alaska will change your life! 

Get used to “Alaskan time.” Compared to the lower 48, Alaska is a bit slower. The hustle and bustle of a hectic world simply has no place in Alaska. It’s not that Alaskans are lazy, it’s just they’ve found a way to be more relaxed. 

Alaska is notoriously expensive. However, with no state income tax and an average income of over $73,000, affording Alaska is a bit easier than it seems. Plus, residents that turn Alaska into their permanent home get part of the oil-funded Permanent Funded Dividend. In 2015, the PFD paid out over $2,000 a person. 

To make the most of your work in Alaska, find a job that truly matches what you’re looking for! Be warned, after spending only a few months in the last frontier you won’t ever want to leave. –Read our comprehensive guide on working abroad in the United States.