Salaries in Jackson, WY
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You might picture Jackson as a playground for the ultra-wealthy, but the local economy is surprisingly normal. The median household income is $112,609, yet the cost of living index sits at 97.0—just below the national average. For a town of 10,746 people, that’s a rare and powerful combo.
So what does that mean for your wallet? A $100 paycheck here buys you about $103 of goods and services compared to the typical U.S. city. The real head-turner is rent: a one-bedroom apartment averages just $921 a month. That allows a single person making the city’s average salary of $56,493 to dedicate less than 25% of their gross income to housing—a financial sweet spot almost extinct in much of America.
Who actually thrives here? The economy isn’t just built on tourism. Yes, Grand Teton National Park and high-end resorts are massive employers, but there’s a solid professional class. The top earners are software developers, pulling in $126,114, a figure that’s become a quiet reality in this remote mountain hub. Accountants and registered nurses both earn around $85,000, while skilled trades like electricians make nearly $61,000.
Here’s the honest catch: that low cost of living index is starting to feel like a lagging indicator. Wages, while strong, haven’t fully caught up to the rapid inflation that’s hit the valley. This city works best for dual-income households or those in high-demand fields like tech or healthcare. If you’re an elementary school teacher earning $63,000, you’re doing okay, but you’re not getting rich.
The data below breaks down exactly who gets paid what—and how far that money really goes in Jackson.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Jackson
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 Jackson
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (97/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $126,114 |
| 2 | Accountant | $85,305 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $85,295 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $63,096 |
| 5 | Electrician | $60,996 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $60,926 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $52,612 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $49,549 |
| 9 | Marketing Manager | $49,549 |
| 10 | Medical Assistant | $49,549 |
| 11 | Paralegal | $49,549 |
| 12 | Welder | $49,549 |
| 13 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $49,549 |
| 14 | Police Officer | $49,549 |
| 15 | Project Manager | $49,549 |
| 16 | Graphic Designer | $49,549 |
| 17 | Data Analyst | $49,549 |
| 18 | Plumber | $49,549 |
| 19 | Carpenter | $49,549 |
| 20 | Physical Therapist | $49,549 |
| 21 | Human Resources Specialist | $49,549 |
| 22 | Financial Analyst | $49,549 |
| 23 | Pharmacist | $49,549 |
| 24 | HVAC Technician | $49,549 |
| 25 | Firefighter | $49,549 |
| 26 | Construction Manager | $49,549 |
| 27 | Dental Hygienist | $49,549 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Jackson
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Jackson?
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❓ Jackson Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Jackson Worth It?
As your editor, here’s my honest take: Jackson isn’t a slam dunk financially. With an average salary of $56,493 and a cost-of-living index of 97.0, you can get by, but you won’t get ahead fast unless you’re in the right lane. The clear winner here is tech—Software Developers earn a COL-adjusted $130,014, which stretches surprisingly well given the $921/month rent. Healthcare and trades can do fine, especially with overtime, but the ceiling is lower. If you’re not in a high-demand field, the math gets tight fast. My advice: line up a job before you move—don’t gamble on the mountain-town magic paying the bills. Jackson’s stunning, but your bank account needs a plan. If tech isn’t your game, think hard about whether the lifestyle is worth the trade-off.