Salaries in Wasilla, AK
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You'd be wrong to assume Wasilla is just a cheap place to live. The city’s software developers, pulling in nearly $129,000, have more purchasing power here than their counterparts in many larger tech hubs. That’s a surprising edge for a town of 9,435 people.
Let’s talk real money. Wasilla’s cost of living sits at 104.5, meaning it’s 4.5% pricier than the national average. It’s not a bargain, but it’s not crushing you either. That $1,306/month one-bedroom rent eats up about 22% of the median household income of $70,756. It’s manageable, but tight. The COL-adjusted average salary of $55,288 tells the real story of your take-home power here.
Who actually thrives here? The data points to two clear paths. The healthcare sector, anchored by major regional providers, keeps nurses earning a solid $87,000. Then there’s the remote tech workforce, which is quietly booming. You’ll also find skilled trades like electricians doing well, earning over $62,000, because you can’t outsource fixing a breaker box in Alaska. A mild surprise is how competitive teacher salaries are, at $64,529, given the state's focus on education funding.
Here’s the catch: wages, while decent, aren’t exploding. The 4.2% unemployment rate shows a stable, but not red-hot, job market. This city works best for remote professionals who can command coastal salaries and for skilled tradespeople in demand locally. It’s less ideal if you’re in a low-wage service role.
The numbers below break down who gets paid what, both raw and adjusted for what it actually costs to live here. Look at them closely.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Wasilla
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 Wasilla
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 | Medical Assistant | $50,674 |
| 11 | Paralegal | $50,674 |
| 12 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,674 |
| 13 | Welder | $50,674 |
| 14 | Police Officer | $50,674 |
| 15 | Project Manager | $50,674 |
| 16 | Graphic Designer | $50,674 |
| 17 | Data Analyst | $50,674 |
| 18 | Plumber | $50,674 |
| 19 | Carpenter | $50,674 |
| 20 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,674 |
| 21 | Physical Therapist | $50,674 |
| 22 | Financial Analyst | $50,674 |
| 23 | Pharmacist | $50,674 |
| 24 | HVAC Technician | $50,674 |
| 25 | Construction Manager | $50,674 |
| 26 | Firefighter | $50,674 |
| 27 | Web Developer | $50,674 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Wasilla
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Wasilla?
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❓ Wasilla Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Wasilla Worth It?
Here’s my honest verdict: Wasilla isn’t a gold rush, but it’s a solid bet if you know where you stand. The average salary ($57,776) feels tight when rent is $1,306 and the cost of living sits at 104.5, but the math flips if you’re in tech. Software developers are the clear winners here, pulling $128,978 raw and $123,424 adjusted for COL. Healthcare and trades can do well, but tech is where the money aligns with the lifestyle.
If you’re considering the move, don’t come unless you have a job lined up that pays at least $80k—anything less and you’ll feel the squeeze. Wasilla rewards specialists, not generalists. If you’re in tech, it’s a smart play; if not, do the math before packing your bags.