About Jobs in Alaska
The state of Alaska offers a number of jobs that range from teaching and retail sales to oil exploration and commercial fishing. Though jobs in the state typically pay more than similar occupations in the contiguous 48 states, and working in the state has some inherent benefits, the high pay helps compensate for dangerous conditions, risky work, harsh winters, and a much higher cost of living.
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Types
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Although most of Alaska consists of undeveloped terrain and ice fields, the state has a number of communities and cities that require the same services found throughout the rest of the country. Some common jobs in Alaska include teaching, retail services, customer service, transportation services, librarian work and government work. A number of industries, though, are more prominent in Alaska than others. The state's official Hot Jobs in Alaska website lists health care, oil, gas, mining, transportation and education among the most popular Alaskan jobs. In addition, the natural scenery and cool temperatures in the state make Alaska a tourist destination; as a result, many Alaskans work in local recreation or for the state's Department of Natural Resources. As Alaska artist Elise Tomlinson notes on her website, the main industries of the state are oil, tourism and fishing.
Compensation
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Compensation for jobs in Alaska tends to be considerably higher than for similar jobs in the contiguous 48 states. Though a portion of this difference can be considered a premium for working in an area with long and harsh winters, the higher salaries help support the significantly higher cost of living in the state. Energy costs in remote areas can be hundreds of times more than the costs for similar services in the lower 48 states, and the limited development keeps real estate prices high. Many fishing jobs popular in the state, according to Alaska Job Finder, do not guarantee a specific income; instead, those employed in the industry may receive compensation based on their success for the season.
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Benefits
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Alaska features abundant wilderness and natural scenery, and this environment offers a rewarding destination for those who enjoy working with nature, animals, recreation and outdoor activities. Also, residents of the state receive an annual payment as part of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, a state program that disburses payments from taxes collected on the sale of oil. Alaskans need not hold a job to collect one of these checks, which vary and have ranged from $386 to more than $3,000, according to Elise Tomlinson, but the payments can help provide a cushion for periods of unemployment.
Considerations
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Alaska's rugged and undeveloped terrain give rise to some dangerous jobs, and jobs in the logging, fishing and oil industries carry a very high level of risk. In addition, the state's long, cold winters and near absence of sunlight during the winter months lead to high levels of alcoholism, domestic abuse and seasonal affective disorder.
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References
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- Photo Credit factory in alaska image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
