Average Salary in the US by State

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Updated June 15, 2026

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learning about the average salary in the US can be useful in identifying the right opportunities that align with your short-term and long-term career goals.
  • Understanding the factors influencing the average salary and compensation can be valuable when making important decisions about your career.
  • Geographic location and cost of living often determine individual compensation and wages, with each state having its own average salary.
Learning about the average salary in the US can be useful in identifying the right opportunities that align with your short-term and long-term career goals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics regularly releases labor reports reflecting financial data for the year. These reports provide information about the average wages and salaries in the United States based on various factors. Understanding the factors influencing the average salary and compensation can be valuable when making important decisions about your career.In this article, we discuss the average salary in the US by state, factors that can affect average salary and the projected in-demand occupations.

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What is the average salary in the US?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 120.3 million full-time workers in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2024. During this period, the median average weekly earnings of full-time workers was $1,192. Among full-time workers, those in management, professional and related occupations earned the highest median weekly salaries—$1,880 for men and $1,396 for women.Related: 12 Steps for Getting Into Management (With Benefits)
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What is the average salary in the US by state?

Geographic location and cost of living often determine individual compensation and wages, with each state having its own average salary. As of February 2025, the five states with the highest average salaries were the District of Columbia, Washington, Massachusetts, California and Colorado. Here's an overview of the average weekly salary in each state, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
StateWeekly Average Salary
Alabama$1,110
Alaska$1,290
Arizona$1,215
Arkansas$1,037
California$1,376
Colorado$1,346
Connecticut$1,303
Delaware$1,047
District of Columbia$1,991
Florida$1,186
Georgia$1,183
Hawaii$1,280
Idaho$1,147
Illinois$1,176
Indiana$1,112
Iowa$1,026
Kansas$1,052
Kentucky$1,037
Louisiana$1,083
Maine$1,083
Maryland$1,184
Massachusetts$1,420
Michigan$1,124
Minnesota$1,287
Mississippi$999
Missouri$1,091
Montana$1,082
Nebraska$1,092
Nevada$1,087
New Hampshire$1,171
New Jersey$1,277
New Mexico$974
New York$1,267
North Carolina$1,132
North Dakota$1,166
Ohio$1,144
Oklahoma$1,082
Oregon$1,240
Pennsylvania$1,104
Rhode Island$1,191
South Carolina$1,073
South Dakota$1,020
Tennessee$1,073
Texas$1,254
Utah$1,177
Vermont$1,193
Virginia$1,214
Washington$1,471
West Virginia$1,016
Wisconsin$1,126
Wyoming$1,099

Factors that affect average salary in the US

Here are some key factors affecting the average salary in the US:

1. Geographic region

Highly populated metropolitan cities often serve as industry hubs, offering high-earning job opportunities. Below is a list of 10 cities in the United States along with their annual mean wage as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:Related: What Is the Average Hourly Wage in the US?

2. Level of education

The level of education a person completes can contribute to differences in national average salary amounts. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, people with a high school diploma who have not attended college earned an average weekly salary of $977, while those holding at least a bachelor's degree earned an average of $1,705 per week. Those with advanced degrees have the highest earnings, with male workers making $4,761 or more per week and female workers making $3,440 or more. Related: Top 5 College Majors for a Rewarding Career

3. Industry or sector

The industry or sector a person works in can also affect their earnings. Careers requiring an advanced degree, such as those in engineering or in medicine, for example, often yield annual salaries that are three to six times higher than that of the national average. Careers in teaching or skilled trades offer wages that compete with the average national annual salary. Entry-level jobs in retail or recreation regularly can yield wages that are 50% lower. Here's a list of the 2023 median pay per year of six careers across different industries:
  • Retail sales associate ($33,900 per year): Retail sales associates, also known as retail clerks, offer face-to-face customer service and assist people in selecting purchases. They organize goods for sale, conduct inventory, replenish stock and use point-of-sale machines.
  • Carpenter ($56,350 per year):  Carpentry is a skilled trade involving the construction or installation of buildings or structures. To become a carpenter, people regularly complete courses, certificate programs or apprenticeship programs.
  • High school teacher ($65,220 per year): A high school teacher is a licensed professional who regularly holds a four-year college degree in the subject that they teach. They prepare lessons, design units of study, deliver lectures and interact with students and parents.
  • Mechanical engineer ($99,510 per year): A medical engineer is a professional who designs machines using principles in mathematics and physics. Typically, this career requires a bachelor's degree or master's degree in mechanical engineering (technology).
  • Software architect ($130,160 per year): Software architects are professionals who design and create computer software. They typically hold a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science or computer engineering. They routinely write and review code to implement software systems.
  • Physician ($239,200 per year): Physicians are licensed medical professionals who diagnose, treat and manage illness, injury and disease. To prepare for their career, they undergo eight to 12 years of post-secondary education, including a four-year medical residency.
Related: Is It Worth It To Get a Bachelor's Degree?
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Projected in-demand occupations with average salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the following 20 occupations will see the highest projected percent change of employment between 2023-33. Here, we provide the projected growth rate along with the 2023 median pay:
  • Wind turbine service technicians (60%): $61,770 per year
  • Solar photovoltaic installers (48%): $48,880 per year
  • Nurse practitioners (46%): $126,260 per year
  • Data scientists (36%): $108,020 per year
  • Information security analysts (33%): $120,360 per year
  • Medical and health services managers (29%): $110,680 per year
  • Physician assistants (28%): $130,020 per year
  • Computer and information research scientists (26%): $145,080 per year
  • Physical therapist assistants (25%): $64,080 per year
  • Operations research analysts (23%): $83,640 per year
  • Occupational therapy assistants (22%): $67,010 per year
  • Actuaries (22%): $120,000 per year
  • Financial examiners (21%): $84,300 per year
  • Home health and personal care aides (21%): $33,530 per year
  • Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers (19%): $36,440 per year
  • Veterinary technologists and technicians (19%): $43,740 per year
  • Logisticians (19%): $79,400 per year
  • Veterinarians (19%): $119,100 per year
  • Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors (19%): $53,710 per year
  • Epidemiologists (19%): $81,390 per year
Salary figures reflect data listed on the quoted websites at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organization and a candidate’s experience, academic background and location.Please note that, at the time of this article's writing, the companies, institutions or organizations mentioned in this article may or may not be affiliated with Indeed, and their mention in this article does not imply a business relationship with Indeed.
The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers.
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