Employment
Ranked as #2 on Forbes "Richest Cities" list , Anchorage employees yield an average income of $61,695. Males have a median income of $41,267 versus $31,682 for females. A prime reason for these slightly heighten salaries is the high amount of two income households, in addition to the younger population and low number of retirees.
Employment is centered on oil and gas production, however recent slowed production has paved the way for lay-offs. Other major industries in Anchorage include: timber, mining, seafood, tourism, and air cargo. Opportunities for teachers are in abundance for schools in rural areas and certain specialties. In contrast to the rest of the country, manufacturing jobs count for only 2% of employed people. Most employees are highly educated and young. The median age is 32, compared to the national average of 36. The summer tourism trend opens more jobs for eager employees.