YKHC recognizes that recruiting exceptional pediatricians to rural Alaska requires compensation that reflects both the challenge and the meaning of this work. The result is a structure where first-year total earnings routinely exceed $400,000—and for many physicians, approach $500,000–$560,000+ when all components are included. When combined with Alaska’s tax advantages and Bethel’s lower living costs, this compensation becomes even more powerful, enabling long-term wealth accumulation unmatched by urban pediatric positions paying $200,000–250,000.
Your base salary ranges from $261,248 (new residency graduates) to $407,555 (experienced physicians). YKHC appropriately values experience—seasoned pediatricians provide immediate independent practice, mentorship, and clinical leadership. Unlike productivity-based models that pressure physicians to see more patients, YKHC’s salary is stable and predictable, supporting sustainable care with an average of 12 patients per day.
You can earn an additional $75,000 per year in quarterly bonuses ($18,750 every three months). These incentives reward quality—timely documentation, patient satisfaction (Press Ganey), and appropriate patient volumes—not excessive productivity.
This brings your guaranteed potential compensation (base + performance) to $336,248 in year one before retention bonuses, loan repayment, or other benefits.
YKHC provides a generous $75,000 sign-on bonus for three-year commitments:
This provides immediate financial flexibility during relocation and settling in.
YKHC rewards continuity of care through annual retention bonuses:
For experienced physicians, this represents $22,400–35,000 annually, accumulating to $140,000–170,000 over five years.
As a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) site, YKHC physicians qualify for multiple repayment programs. YKHC strongly recommends the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) due to:
NHSC typically provides $50,000 over two years (~$25,000 annually). Alternatives include Alaska SHARP (taxed, Alaska-only) and IHS loan repayment.
YKHC offers:
Because you have no call, no weekends, and no after-hours responsibilities, your time off is truly uninterrupted.
Coverage begins the first month after your start date, with 19 plan options accommodating different health needs, family sizes, and financial priorities. Dental and vision benefits are comprehensive and especially valuable for families with children.
YKHC offers:
Maxing the 403(b) from day one ($23,000 annually) builds substantial long-term wealth.
Malpractice coverage is provided under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), meaning:
Alaska has no state income tax and no statewide sales tax. For many physicians, this means $30,000–$40,000 annually stays in your pocket rather than going to state taxes—as much as $700,000+ over 20 years.
All Alaska residents receive an annual dividend. In 2024, this amount totaled $1,702 per person. For a family of four, that’s $6,800 in tax-free household income.
For an experienced pediatrician, your realistic first-year compensation includes:
Total Year One Cash Compensation: $492,400–556,600
With additional benefits:
Total First-Year Financial Package: $542,400–606,600+
Your Bethel-based income provides equivalent purchasing power of:
Housing remains dramatically more affordable. A $300,000–400,000 home in Bethel provides space and quality equivalent to:
A disciplined physician at YKHC can realistically reach $650,000–800,000 net worth by age 42 while eliminating loans and enjoying true work-life balance—far exceeding the financial trajectory of most urban pediatricians.
Financial stability allows you to:
YKHC’s compensation is transformative—providing security, autonomy, and the resources to build a life aligned with your values while practicing meaningful, high-impact medicine.