Find a Job You Really Want In
Congratulations on your college graduation! As you step into the job market, you might be wondering, “What’s next?” For many recent grads, the priority is clear: securing a job. However, the competitive landscape can make this daunting. To help you navigate your options, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best jobs for recent college graduates in Alaska for 2026.
Here’s our curated list:
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Yes, you read that right—airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers! Read on to discover how we determined this ranking and why these roles stand out, even for newcomers to the workforce.
How We Identified the Best Entry-Level Jobs in Alaska
We’ve consulted with numerous recent graduates to understand what they seek in their first job. Their priorities typically include:
- Job availability
- Location
- Salary
- Growth potential
- Work-life balance
Fortunately, data from various reputable sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state Departments of Labor, allow us to analyze these factors reliably. Using this data, we created a comprehensive database to evaluate professions based on:
- Location quotient: Indicates how prevalent a job is in Alaska.
- Jobs requiring a college degree in Alaska.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Projected industry growth over the next decade.
By focusing solely on jobs that require a bachelor’s degree, we ranked the remaining positions based on the criteria above, assigning scores from 1 to 2 (with 1 being the highest). The final step involved calculating an average “Job Score” to finalize our rankings.
Finding Your First Job
Graduating college is both a thrilling and nerve-wracking experience. With numerous opportunities available, the job market is yours to explore. If you’re ready to dive in, the following section provides a detailed overview of the best jobs for recent college graduates in the Last Frontier.
Detailed List of the Best Entry-Level Jobs in Alaska for Recent College Graduates
| Rank | Job | Growth % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 11.05% |
| 2 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | 4.08% |
As you embark on your job search, remember that opportunities abound in Alaska. Whether you’re drawn to the skies as a pilot or the dynamic world of sales, there’s a path for you. Embrace the adventure that lies ahead!
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
