Salaries in Meadow Lakes CDP, AK
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the thing about Meadow Lakes: you can make decent money here, but you’re not getting rich. The median household income sits at $81,250, which sounds solid until you realize the cost of living is 4.5% above the national average. It’s not a budget paradise, but it’s not a wallet-buster either.
Let’s talk purchasing power. That median income feels a bit different when you’re paying $1,306 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. With a COL index of 104.5, a $57,776 average salary effectively feels like $55,288 in national terms. It’s a wash. You’re not getting the bargain you might expect in an Alaskan CDP, but you’re not getting fleeced. It’s a tight, functional equilibrium.
Who actually thrives here? The data shows a stark divide. The top earners are in tech and healthcare—software developers pulling nearly $129,000, and nurses making over $87,000. But look closer. Only 17.6% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. This suggests a workforce built on skilled trades and essential services, not a white-collar hub. The local economy likely leans on logistics, construction, and the service sector that supports a population of nearly 9,000. I was honestly surprised the tech number was that high for a place this size; it signals some remote work or specialized local industry is holding on.
Here’s the catch: wages are treading water. With unemployment at a tight 4.2%, employers don’t have to throw money around, but the cost of living isn’t letting up, either. This place works well for a skilled tradesperson or a nurse who values space over city lights. For a software developer, it’s a chance to bank a higher salary while costs, while rising, haven’t yet exploded.
The numbers below tell the full story of who wins and who just gets by.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Meadow Lakes 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 Meadow Lakes 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 | Dental Hygienist | $50,674 |
| 9 | Marketing Manager | $50,674 |
| 10 | Web Developer | $50,674 |
| 11 | Physical Therapist | $50,674 |
| 12 | Paralegal | $50,674 |
| 13 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,674 |
| 14 | Welder | $50,674 |
| 15 | Police Officer | $50,674 |
| 16 | Project Manager | $50,674 |
| 17 | Graphic Designer | $50,674 |
| 18 | Data Analyst | $50,674 |
| 19 | Plumber | $50,674 |
| 20 | Carpenter | $50,674 |
| 21 | Medical Assistant | $50,674 |
| 22 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,674 |
| 23 | Pharmacist | $50,674 |
| 24 | HVAC Technician | $50,674 |
| 25 | Financial Analyst | $50,674 |
| 26 | Firefighter | $50,674 |
| 27 | Construction Manager | $50,674 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Meadow Lakes CDP
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Meadow Lakes CDP?
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❓ Meadow Lakes CDP Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Meadow Lakes CDP Worth It?
Bottom line: Meadow Lakes isn't a goldmine, but it's not a wallet-drainer either. With a $57,776 average salary and a cost-of-living index of 104.5, you’re slightly above the national curve—though rent at $1,306/mo will eat into that if you’re not careful. The standout? Tech. Software developers pull in $128,978, and even after adjusting for COL, they’re clearing $123,424. Healthcare and trades can do fine, but they won’t see those kinds of returns. If you’re in tech, this could be a smart move. For everyone else, it’s more of a lateral hop. My advice: line up a solid remote gig or a high local offer before you pack your bags—don’t move here on a maybe.