Salaries in Knik-Fairview CDP, AK
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You’d expect a place called a “CDP” in Alaska to be a sleepy outpost, but Knik-Fairview is quietly becoming a tech satellite. With a population under 19,000, it’s got a software developer earning nearly $129,000—more than double the city’s average salary. That’s the kind of outlier that makes you look twice.
Let’s talk real money. The cost of living here sits at 104.5, meaning it’s 4.5% pricier than the national average. A $95,000 median household income sounds solid, but when a one-bedroom apartment runs you $1,306 a month, you feel that premium. It’s not a budget paradise, but it’s not crushing you either. The COL-adjusted average salary drops to about $55,288, which tells you your paycheck buys a little less here than it would in a truly average American town.
The economy here leans on a few strong pillars. Healthcare is a big one—registered nurses pull in $87,231, and you can bet Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is a major employer. Education and skilled trades are also steady; teachers and electricians make a respectable living. But the real story is the tech trickle-down. That $128,978 for a software developer suggests remote work or a local firm is anchoring high-end salaries, pulling up the ceiling for everyone else.
Here’s the honest catch: wages aren’t exploding. With unemployment at a healthy 4.2% and only 20.5% holding a bachelor’s degree, there’s a ceiling for many. This city works best if you’re in a licensed profession or a high-demand field. If you’re in retail or food service, the math gets tight fast.
The numbers below will show you exactly where the money is—and where it isn’t.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Knik-Fairview CDP
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Knik-Fairview CDP
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (105/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $128,978 |
| 2 | Accountant | $87,242 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $87,231 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $64,529 |
| 5 | Electrician | $62,380 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $62,309 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,806 |
| 8 | Paralegal | $50,674 |
| 9 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,674 |
| 10 | Welder | $50,674 |
| 11 | HVAC Technician | $50,674 |
| 12 | Project Manager | $50,674 |
| 13 | Graphic Designer | $50,674 |
| 14 | Data Analyst | $50,674 |
| 15 | Plumber | $50,674 |
| 16 | Carpenter | $50,674 |
| 17 | Physical Therapist | $50,674 |
| 18 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,674 |
| 19 | Financial Analyst | $50,674 |
| 20 | Pharmacist | $50,674 |
| 21 | Police Officer | $50,674 |
| 22 | Construction Manager | $50,674 |
| 23 | Dental Hygienist | $50,674 |
| 24 | Firefighter | $50,674 |
| 25 | Web Developer | $50,674 |
| 26 | Marketing Manager | $50,674 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $50,674 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Knik-Fairview CDP
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Knik-Fairview CDP?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Knik-Fairview CDP. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Knik-Fairview CDP Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Knik-Fairview CDP Worth It?
Here’s my honest verdict: Knik-Fairview isn’t a gold rush, but it’s a sensible base if you play your cards right. With a cost-of-living index of 104.5 and rent at $1,306, you’re paying slightly above the national average for housing, but not getting crushed. The average salary of $57,776 feels tight unless you’re in one of the standout roles.
Software developers are the clear winners here—both in raw pay ($128,978) and purchasing power ($123,424 adjusted). They’re the only ones truly beating the cost curve. Healthcare and trades can do fine with steady demand, but you’ll need to budget carefully. Tech workers? This is a viable, lower-stress alternative to big-city burnout.
My advice: If you’re not in software, don’t move here just for the job. Come for the lifestyle—mountains, space, quiet—and find remote or specialized work to make the math work.