Vast areas of untouched wilderness dominate Alaska’s landscape, but the opportunity to forge a modern career is still alive and well. Use these Alaska Remote Work Resources to guide you to a virtual position that allows you to make a living while enjoying everything Alaska has to offer.
About Alaska
Known as “The Last Frontier,” Alaska is a bucket-list destination for travelers around the world. The picturesque mountains and abundant wildlife are found in few other places on the planet, adding to the allure of America’s 49th state. Yet the state offers so much more. From a trip around the Kenai Peninsula to one of the world’s northernmost settlements in Barrow, Alaska’s essence and aura envelop visitors like a warm blanket.
Eight out of America’s 62 national parks lie within the borders of Alaska, although getting to them is another battle. But avid outdoorsmen won’t balk at the chance for snowshoeing, skiing, fishing, and hiking in and around these parks. Outside of these remote areas, Alaska is surprisingly modern, offering craft brewpubs, upscale dining options, and plenty of entertainment. Drive out to Homer Spit for an interesting mix of culture and music, explore Anchorage’s downtown, or attempt to navigate the famed Dalton Highway. Whatever you love to do, Alaska has you covered.
“There’s a lot of people around Alaska now who are actually running the place who claim to just have gone there for the summer once 30 years ago. And that seems to be what happens.” – Tom Bodett, American author and voice actor
Five Fast Facts About Working in Alaska
According to Dec. 2019 stats from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alaska’s unemployment rate is 6.1%, putting it above the national rate of 3.6%.
Alaska’s unemployment rate is highly susceptible to fluctuations because of its low population, seasonal employment, and regional factors.
The BLS reports annual mean wage in Alaska is $58,710 or $28.22 per hour. The energy, healthcare, law, and professional services industries led the way, with many annual mean incomes above $100,000.
Remote Work Incentives in Alaska
Although Alaska doesn’t have any city or state programs to incentivize remote work or attract out-of-state workers, the state does offer a few initiatives to small business owners and current residents. The Alaska Permanent Fund is one of the state’s most progressive programs, paying out money to residents simply for living there. Each year, Alaskans receive $1,606 from seed money based on oil production revenues. Typically, the amount increases each year as the total invested amount of $64 billion grows.
Women who have an idea for a small business can apply for the Amber Grant for Women. Started in 1998 by WomensNet, this grant encourages women to become business owners by offering up to $4,000 in initial startup funding and the chance for a year-end bonus of $25,000. Applications are accepted year-round.
The Alaska Small Business Development Center offers up to $20,000 in grant money for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Kickstart grants range from $3,000 to $10,000, while the Alaska Seed Fund can provide up to $20,000 to startup and expansion costs.
Remote-Enabled Companies with Hubs in Alaska
Despite having only 631,000 residents, Alaska has plenty of remote-enabled companies searching for experienced workers. Check out a few of these organizations to narrow your search and scope for an Alaska remote job you’ll love.
Alaska Airlines
Anchorage is a major hub of Alaska Airlines, the fifth-largest air carrier in the United States. Since 1932, Alaska Airlines has provided cargo and passenger airfare across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, and other international destinations. Currently, the company has 22,000 employees stretched across North America.
Arctic IT
Arctic IT is an award-winning tech company that specializes in cybersecurity, customer relationship management, network and systems management, and application development. Based out of Maryland with major operations in Anchorage, Arctic IT handles local commercial accounts and tribal services.
Goldbelt, Inc.
Headquartered in Juneau, Goldbelt, Inc. is a company created to manage the assets of 3,600 Native Alaskans. To increase their return for shareholders, the company has operations in timber, mining, tourism, and government contracting and services.
Sealaska
Founded in 1971, Sealaska is a 100%-aboriginal-owned land management company dedicated to sustainable business practices. By implementing projects that consider not only financial feasibility but also environmental and social impacts, Sealaska aims to keep its 44 million acres of land pristine and profitable for its native shareholders and inhabitants.
Alaska Coworking Centers for Remote Work
Coworking centers offer comfortable, relaxed, and collaborative facilities that provide a workspace free from distractions. In Alaska, remote job workers can pay a small fee for a desk, coffee, and a networking forum to meet and connect with other like-minded individuals. From Anchorage to Juneau, these coworking spaces for individuals offer a much-needed break from the home office and an opportunity to excel as a remote worker.
You’ll find even more Alaska remote work resources and stats in our infographic below! You may also view the Alaska Remote Work Resources Infographic as a PDF, which will allow you to access the URLs hyperlinked via the orange text throughout the image as well as the links attached to the Virtual Vocations logo and social media icons.
How Virtual Vocations Can Assist in Your Alaska Remote Job Search
Alaska is often known as “The Last Frontier,” but that doesn’t mean it’s lagging behind in the remote work realm. If you’re searching for a remote job in Alaska, Virtual Vocations has the resources you need to succeed. We offer a comprehensive list of services for current or aspiring virtual workers, including:
Resumé and cover letter assessments and writing services.
Armed with a mix of experience, motivation, and Virtual Vocations’s services, you can enjoy a modern, remote work life in the middle of Alaska’s rugged beauty.
Are you searching for an Alaska remote job, or are you a current remote worker in Alaska? Share your story when you connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook and Twitter. We’d love to know your thoughts about our Alaska remote work resources!
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