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Salary by State Statistics 2026
California is the best-paying state for 193 of the 769 US occupations that resolve to a named state, or 25.1% of them. 48 different states are named across the dataset, and for 55 occupations no state employs enough people to qualify, so the national figure is used instead.
Wage and employment estimates: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. The 500-employee floor and the selection rule are PayCrunch's, not the BLS's, and are documented in full on this page.
Which state pays best for each of 824 US occupations, measured by the annual 90th-percentile wage in the BLS OEWS May 2025 release, with one rule applied: a state must employ at least 500 people in an occupation before it can be named. That rule changes the answer for 389 occupations, and the comparison is published below.
California · 193
Top state and occupations it leads
48
States named at least once
389
Answers the floor changes
$18,380
Median gap the floor removes
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
824 occupations
Free to quote with attribution
Recomputed 2026-08-31
Key statistics
Each line is one figure with its source. Quote any of them directly; the citation format is at the foot of the page.
- California is the best-paying state for 193 of the 769 occupations that resolve to a named state, 25.1% of them.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- 48 different states, counting the District of Columbia, are the best-paying state for at least one occupation.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- New York is second, best-paying for 95 occupations, and Washington third with 60.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- For 55 of the 824 occupations no state employs at least 500 people, so the national 90th-percentile figure is used instead.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Requiring a state to employ at least 500 people in an occupation changes which state is named for 389 of the 824 occupations.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- The median gap between the unfiltered best-state figure and the filtered one, across those 389 occupations, is $18,380 a year.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- The largest single gap is $376,450, for dentists, all other specialists: $784,410 in New Jersey unfiltered against $407,960 in Texas with the floor applied.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- In 43 of the 389 changed cases the unfiltered winner is a state for which BLS publishes no employment estimate for that occupation at all.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- The highest state-level 90th-percentile wage in the filtered dataset is $934,460, for cardiologists in Georgia.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
- Unfiltered, 53 states appear as the best-paying state for some occupation; with the floor applied that falls to 48.Source: PayCrunch calculation from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Which states pay best, and how often
769 of the 824 occupations in the release resolve to a named best-paying state; for the other 55 no state employs at least 500 people in the occupation and the national 90th-percentile figure is used instead. Across those 769, 48 different states are named, counting the District of Columbia.
California is the best-paying state for 193 of them — 25.1%, more than twice the next — followed by New York with 95 and Washington with 60. At the other end, 5 states are named for a single occupation each.
| State▲ | Occupations it pays best▲ | Share of the 769▲ | Median 90th pct across them▲ | Highest 90th pct there▲ | That occupation▲ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 193 | 25.1% | $136,900 | $500,170 | Commercial Pilots |
| New York | 95 | 12.4% | $143,180 | $621,330 | Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys |
| Washington | 60 | 7.8% | $115,955 | $646,940 | Anesthesiologists |
| District of Columbia | 42 | 5.5% | $131,175 | $346,130 | Public Relations Managers |
| Massachusetts | 35 | 4.6% | $119,060 | $346,200 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary |
| Texas | 33 | 4.3% | $124,220 | $878,190 | Athletes and Sports Competitors |
| New Jersey | 33 | 4.3% | $105,620 | $372,770 | General and Operations Managers |
| Hawaii | 21 | 2.7% | $69,530 | $166,730 | Massage Therapists |
| Illinois | 17 | 2.2% | $116,300 | $193,760 | Therapists, All Other |
| Nevada | 16 | 2.1% | $91,545 | $414,290 | Lawyers |
| Colorado | 16 | 2.1% | $148,875 | $684,280 | Radiologists |
| Florida | 14 | 1.8% | $202,745 | $672,830 | Emergency Medicine Physicians |
| Oregon | 14 | 1.8% | $141,795 | $772,840 | Chief Executives |
| Maryland | 12 | 1.6% | $161,575 | $232,930 | Aerospace Engineers |
| Alaska | 12 | 1.6% | $97,060 | $182,740 | Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas |
| Minnesota | 10 | 1.3% | $83,410 | $158,750 | Property Appraisers and Assessors |
| Georgia | 10 | 1.3% | $172,700 | $934,460 | Cardiologists |
| Virginia | 9 | 1.2% | $161,720 | $235,980 | Optometrists |
| Arizona | 9 | 1.2% | $105,060 | $408,620 | Pediatricians, General |
| Louisiana | 9 | 1.2% | $111,950 | $244,020 | Ship Engineers |
| Pennsylvania | 8 | 1.0% | $79,605 | $271,030 | Funeral Home Managers |
| Connecticut | 7 | 0.9% | $85,420 | $120,750 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers |
| North Carolina | 7 | 0.9% | $82,370 | $600,460 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists |
| Indiana | 6 | 0.8% | $101,090 | $221,430 | Architects, Except Landscape and Naval |
| New Mexico | 6 | 0.8% | $171,580 | $242,730 | Nuclear Engineers |
| Rhode Island | 6 | 0.8% | $170,850 | $311,260 | Managers, All Other |
| Ohio | 6 | 0.8% | $63,455 | $641,190 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric |
| Missouri | 5 | 0.7% | $80,950 | $427,970 | Dentists, General |
| Utah | 5 | 0.7% | $133,810 | $224,280 | Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians |
| Tennessee | 5 | 0.7% | $105,140 | $250,590 | Information Security Analysts |
| Alabama | 5 | 0.7% | $78,370 | $236,210 | Real Estate Sales Agents |
| North Dakota | 4 | 0.5% | $124,510 | $564,890 | Physicians, All Other |
| Arkansas | 4 | 0.5% | $139,295 | $394,880 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
| Kansas | 4 | 0.5% | $89,940 | $219,100 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
| Michigan | 4 | 0.5% | $118,000 | $213,610 | Statisticians |
| Idaho | 4 | 0.5% | $71,740 | $525,140 | Family Medicine Physicians |
| Iowa | 4 | 0.5% | $135,615 | $191,910 | Skincare Specialists |
| New Hampshire | 3 | 0.4% | $83,140 | $350,260 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary |
| South Dakota | 3 | 0.4% | $91,620 | $239,700 | Financial and Investment Analysts |
| Oklahoma | 2 | 0.3% | $256,110 | $262,620 | Chiropractors |
| Kentucky | 2 | 0.3% | $121,395 | $162,460 | Maintenance Workers, Machinery |
| West Virginia | 2 | 0.3% | $118,245 | $145,770 | Social Science Research Assistants |
| South Carolina | 2 | 0.3% | $49,730 | $51,960 | Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other |
| Delaware | 1 | 0.1% | $78,030 | $78,030 | Loan Interviewers and Clerks |
| Mississippi | 1 | 0.1% | $82,040 | $82,040 | Manicurists and Pedicurists |
| Maine | 1 | 0.1% | $48,740 | $48,740 | Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders |
| Wyoming | 1 | 0.1% | $63,930 | $63,930 | Stockers and Order Fillers |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 0.1% | $802,110 | $802,110 | Surgeons, All Other |
PayCrunch aggregation of BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates under a 500-employee floor. 769 occupations resolve to a named state; the other 55 fall back to the national figure.
The employment floor, and what it changes
This is the one genuinely non-obvious thing in the dataset. OEWS publishes a state wage estimate wherever the survey collected enough responses to compute one, without regard to how large the occupation is in that state. Rank those estimates unfiltered and the winner is frequently the state with the thinnest sample.
Requiring a state to employ at least 500 people in an occupation before it can be named changes the answer for 389 of the 824 occupations. In every one of those cases the state the unfiltered data picks employs fewer than 500 people in the job; in 43 of them OEWS publishes no employment estimate for that state at all, and in a further 89 the estimate is under 100 people. The median gap between the unfiltered figure and the filtered one is $18,380 a year; the largest is $376,450, for dentists, all other specialists, where the unfiltered answer is $784,410 in New Jersey and the filtered answer is $407,960 in Texas.
The floor also narrows the field: 53 different states appear as winners in the unfiltered data against 48 once the floor is applied.
| Occupation▲ | Unfiltered state▲ | Unfiltered 90th pct▲ | Employed there▲ | With the 500 floor▲ | 90th pct there▲ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | New Jersey | $784,410 | 290 | Texas | $407,960 |
| Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | West Virginia | $894,940 | 120 | Ohio | $641,190 |
| Dermatologists | Wisconsin | $757,250 | 160 | Texas | $534,030 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | Alaska | $303,850 | 70 | Texas | $104,420 |
| Choreographers | New York | $333,210 | 340 | national figure | $138,630 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | California | $317,680 | not published | New York | $129,520 |
| Pediatricians, General | Louisiana | $555,290 | 40 | Arizona | $408,620 |
| Surgeons, All Other | Tennessee | $946,560 | 490 | Wisconsin | $802,110 |
| Craft Artists | California | $204,390 | 170 | Texas | $71,990 |
| Radiologists | Georgia | $813,360 | not published | Colorado | $684,280 |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary | Arizona | $342,950 | 150 | California | $217,700 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | New York | $300,530 | 370 | California | $175,900 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | Colorado | $288,300 | 460 | Iowa | $170,820 |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | New York | $264,510 | 70 | Illinois | $147,070 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | Wyoming | $347,540 | 190 | South Dakota | $239,700 |
| Orthodontists | Colorado | $520,000 | 160 | national figure | $416,000 |
| Production Workers, All Other | District of Columbia | $179,600 | 70 | Washington | $79,580 |
| Neurologists | Alaska | $547,200 | 100 | Texas | $449,840 |
| Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary | California | $222,470 | 310 | national figure | $129,120 |
| Commercial Divers | Washington | $250,960 | not published | national figure | $157,790 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | New Hampshire | $310,170 | 90 | Massachusetts | $219,420 |
| Physicists | Hawaii | $383,510 | 40 | California | $296,740 |
| Geography Teachers, Postsecondary | California | $250,700 | 280 | national figure | $165,460 |
| Audiologists | Oregon | $242,080 | 140 | California | $158,640 |
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | Washington | $162,100 | 60 | New York | $79,280 |
| Models | New York | $213,740 | not published | California | $131,470 |
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | Utah | $338,220 | 310 | Texas | $259,320 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | Connecticut | $367,460 | 480 | Georgia | $290,070 |
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | North Carolina | $252,100 | 250 | California | $174,810 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary | Iowa | $289,920 | 40 | California | $213,200 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | Connecticut | $186,000 | not published | California | $109,390 |
| Psychiatrists | Missouri | $644,800 | 240 | Florida | $568,460 |
| Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers | Maryland | $180,030 | 370 | New Jersey | $103,920 |
| Counselors, All Other | Massachusetts | $185,160 | 140 | Georgia | $111,750 |
| Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other | Alaska | $158,240 | 70 | Minnesota | $85,010 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Idaho | $288,280 | 380 | Kansas | $219,100 |
| Sociologists | Illinois | $229,480 | not published | California | $161,710 |
| Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood | Maryland | $131,980 | 130 | Arkansas | $64,850 |
| Mathematicians | New York | $261,670 | 150 | national figure | $195,190 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | Iowa | $124,320 | 80 | California | $58,480 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | District of Columbia | $324,950 | 220 | Florida | $259,990 |
| Optometrists | Puerto Rico | $300,250 | 280 | Virginia | $235,980 |
| Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | California | $169,670 | 480 | national figure | $105,460 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | Kentucky | $179,990 | 250 | California | $118,710 |
| Printing Press Operators | District of Columbia | $138,590 | 350 | New Jersey | $77,550 |
| Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders | New York | $108,140 | 120 | South Carolina | $47,500 |
| Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | Puerto Rico | $197,080 | 70 | Michigan | $136,990 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Ohio | $229,130 | 60 | Texas | $169,420 |
| Chemical Engineers | Minnesota | $269,800 | 210 | Texas | $210,460 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | Florida | $279,970 | 370 | Texas | $222,850 |
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | Texas | $230,020 | 330 | national figure | $173,330 |
| Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | Connecticut | $402,560 | 300 | Massachusetts | $346,200 |
| Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators | Georgia | $139,830 | 50 | California | $84,430 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | Louisiana | $141,650 | 310 | Illinois | $86,860 |
| Model Makers, Metal and Plastic | California | $153,640 | 260 | Michigan | $99,010 |
| Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Maryland | $228,470 | 220 | New York | $174,100 |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | Delaware | $331,850 | 360 | New York | $278,010 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | District of Columbia | $241,300 | 50 | California | $187,550 |
| Acupuncturists | Tennessee | $251,420 | not published | Florida | $198,010 |
| Physicians, Pathologists | Illinois | $546,740 | not published | New York | $493,460 |
| Fallers | Oregon | $135,250 | 180 | national figure | $82,360 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Michigan | $183,570 | 50 | national figure | $130,790 |
| Print Binding and Finishing Workers | District of Columbia | $115,420 | 200 | Maryland | $62,730 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | District of Columbia | $156,670 | not published | Washington | $104,220 |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | Connecticut | $278,160 | 370 | Colorado | $225,810 |
| Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary | California | $201,100 | 110 | national figure | $148,920 |
| Agricultural Technicians | New Jersey | $139,440 | not published | Minnesota | $87,550 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | West Virginia | $271,340 | 200 | California | $219,750 |
| Therapists, All Other | Virginia | $245,320 | 420 | Illinois | $193,760 |
| Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers | Missouri | $113,810 | not published | California | $62,830 |
| Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians | Connecticut | $130,460 | 170 | California | $79,960 |
| Animal Breeders | Ohio | $140,850 | 80 | national figure | $90,550 |
| Floor Sanders and Finishers | Indiana | $120,510 | not published | national figure | $70,340 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Louisiana | $177,310 | 270 | Georgia | $128,540 |
| Medical Dosimetrists | New Jersey | $234,140 | 90 | national figure | $185,450 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | New York | $146,070 | not published | California | $97,430 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | New York | $97,670 | 100 | California | $50,970 |
| Etchers and Engravers | New Jersey | $120,690 | 60 | California | $74,510 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | Indiana | $111,990 | 380 | Pennsylvania | $65,870 |
| Motion Picture Projectionists | California | $134,010 | 190 | national figure | $88,310 |
| Animal Scientists | Texas | $211,650 | 40 | national figure | $166,000 |
| Survey Researchers | District of Columbia | $217,080 | 150 | California | $171,640 |
| Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other | New York | $97,210 | 250 | South Carolina | $51,960 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | Louisiana | $212,740 | 460 | New York | $168,280 |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | Florida | $213,850 | 250 | California | $169,590 |
| Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters | Florida | $143,260 | 90 | national figure | $99,360 |
| Tutors | Puerto Rico | $148,920 | 250 | Maryland | $105,040 |
| Locomotive Engineers | Mississippi | $211,440 | 300 | Massachusetts | $168,600 |
| Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | Alabama | $104,180 | 140 | Ohio | $62,830 |
| Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers | Washington | $96,600 | 90 | Florida | $55,590 |
| Transportation Workers, All Other | Massachusetts | $119,020 | 30 | California | $78,260 |
| Financial Examiners | District of Columbia | $256,820 | 470 | New York | $216,090 |
| Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders | Wyoming | $115,270 | 50 | Alabama | $74,710 |
| Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | Alaska | $134,860 | 60 | Texas | $94,740 |
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | Connecticut | $104,080 | 110 | Ohio | $64,080 |
| Motorcycle Mechanics | Oregon | $115,910 | 160 | California | $76,070 |
| Riggers | North Dakota | $169,480 | 140 | New York | $129,780 |
| Hearing Aid Specialists | New York | $136,580 | 380 | California | $97,010 |
| Conservation Scientists | Rhode Island | $173,650 | 60 | Colorado | $134,350 |
| Genetic Counselors | California | $178,040 | 440 | national figure | $138,760 |
| Historians | Maryland | $170,980 | 50 | national figure | $131,810 |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Alaska | $167,880 | 370 | California | $128,840 |
| Anthropologists and Archeologists | Hawaii | $143,840 | 210 | Arizona | $105,060 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | District of Columbia | $116,630 | 180 | New Jersey | $77,860 |
| Personal Service Managers, All Other | Colorado | $174,720 | 30 | California | $136,000 |
| Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | New York | $137,890 | 220 | Illinois | $99,430 |
| Insurance Sales Agents | District of Columbia | $222,460 | not published | Alabama | $184,800 |
| Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers | Florida | $213,310 | 50 | California | $175,940 |
| Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Missouri | $102,870 | 80 | California | $66,250 |
| Transportation Inspectors | District of Columbia | $185,220 | 150 | Texas | $149,430 |
| Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers | Washington | $90,210 | 100 | Massachusetts | $54,980 |
| Surgical Assistants | New Hampshire | $165,110 | 130 | Florida | $130,030 |
| Signal and Track Switch Repairers | Massachusetts | $160,180 | 160 | Illinois | $125,340 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | Arizona | $386,290 | 360 | Oregon | $351,690 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | Rhode Island | $139,100 | 40 | Minnesota | $104,770 |
| Sales Engineers | Idaho | $260,510 | 360 | Arizona | $226,940 |
| Forest and Conservation Workers | Georgia | $79,070 | 160 | California | $45,760 |
| Logging Workers, All Other | Louisiana | $98,750 | 30 | Oregon | $65,510 |
| Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other | Washington | $110,420 | 360 | Oregon | $77,320 |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | Maryland | $125,490 | 110 | Texas | $93,070 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | Alaska | $133,500 | 100 | Hawaii | $101,190 |
| Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | New Jersey | $128,740 | 400 | New York | $96,910 |
| Technical Writers | Vermont | $223,650 | 60 | Missouri | $192,040 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | Rhode Island | $271,090 | 120 | Washington | $239,740 |
| Nurse Midwives | Arizona | $258,680 | 80 | California | $227,590 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | Massachusetts | $209,940 | 430 | California | $178,950 |
| Athletic Trainers | District of Columbia | $143,050 | 100 | New Jersey | $112,330 |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | Maine | $104,780 | 40 | Colorado | $74,350 |
| Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners | Washington | $108,720 | 410 | Texas | $78,620 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | Oregon | $151,570 | 160 | California | $122,590 |
| Helpers--Extraction Workers | Wyoming | $91,020 | 110 | California | $62,060 |
| Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians | Kentucky | $123,410 | 360 | Massachusetts | $94,500 |
| Credit Counselors | Utah | $133,970 | 190 | Tennessee | $105,140 |
| Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | Wyoming | $120,400 | 30 | Nevada | $91,880 |
| Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Washington | $104,660 | 140 | Texas | $76,160 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Wyoming | $117,600 | 410 | New Jersey | $89,340 |
| Paperhangers | California | $97,120 | 130 | national figure | $69,050 |
| Embalmers | Kansas | $108,350 | 120 | California | $80,590 |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | Connecticut | $79,650 | 280 | New York | $51,930 |
| Farm and Home Management Educators | Maryland | $124,850 | 150 | Virginia | $97,140 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | Alaska | $142,430 | 300 | Washington | $115,240 |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Washington | $105,440 | 350 | Alabama | $78,370 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | New Jersey | $370,440 | 470 | New York | $343,540 |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Wyoming | $110,270 | 170 | Nevada | $83,390 |
| Fence Erectors | Nebraska | $108,000 | 190 | Illinois | $81,310 |
| Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers | Ohio | $74,660 | 50 | Texas | $48,240 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | Louisiana | $128,130 | 280 | Massachusetts | $101,760 |
| Concierges | Indiana | $97,520 | 250 | Hawaii | $71,360 |
| Gambling Cage Workers | New York | $84,230 | 290 | Florida | $58,140 |
| Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | Georgia | $87,150 | 290 | California | $61,190 |
| Office Machine Operators, Except Computer | Alaska | $96,390 | 70 | California | $70,540 |
| Roof Bolters, Mining | Wyoming | $116,570 | 100 | West Virginia | $90,720 |
| Rock Splitters, Quarry | Wisconsin | $93,320 | 40 | national figure | $67,710 |
| Medical Records Specialists | District of Columbia | $128,010 | 270 | California | $102,470 |
| Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers | Texas | $109,370 | 90 | national figure | $83,940 |
| Food Science Technicians | Illinois | $104,280 | 290 | Washington | $79,850 |
| Building Cleaning Workers, All Other | Massachusetts | $104,830 | 160 | Pennsylvania | $80,540 |
| Plant and System Operators, All Other | Nevada | $137,130 | 150 | California | $112,860 |
| Social Workers, All Other | Nevada | $158,720 | 370 | Texas | $134,450 |
| Farm Labor Contractors | California | $107,880 | not published | national figure | $84,050 |
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks | District of Columbia | $101,790 | 140 | Delaware | $78,030 |
| Statistical Assistants | California | $105,720 | 110 | national figure | $81,990 |
| Continuous Mining Machine Operators | Wyoming | $114,540 | 330 | Nevada | $91,210 |
| Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials | Illinois | $71,750 | not published | New Jersey | $48,430 |
| Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers | Hawaii | $101,640 | 110 | Minnesota | $78,660 |
| Photographers | District of Columbia | $148,360 | 260 | California | $125,490 |
| Barbers | Oregon | $103,800 | not published | Missouri | $80,950 |
| Carpet Installers | Washington | $138,980 | 470 | Illinois | $116,300 |
| Political Scientists | Massachusetts | $217,820 | 170 | District of Columbia | $195,190 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | Maryland | $140,670 | 450 | District of Columbia | $118,290 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | Hawaii | $80,380 | 410 | Nevada | $58,020 |
| Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons | California | $108,670 | not published | national figure | $86,510 |
| Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders | California | $70,620 | 30 | Maine | $48,740 |
| Proofreaders and Copy Markers | Florida | $119,150 | 200 | New York | $97,300 |
| Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers | Alabama | $111,710 | 90 | New York | $89,980 |
| Stonemasons | Massachusetts | $121,330 | not published | California | $99,680 |
| Conveyor Operators and Tenders | North Dakota | $121,540 | 80 | Indiana | $99,970 |
| Hydrologic Technicians | Texas | $122,000 | 270 | national figure | $100,480 |
| Locksmiths and Safe Repairers | Alaska | $114,440 | 80 | California | $93,030 |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | District of Columbia | $224,380 | 230 | New York | $203,590 |
| Hydrologists | Colorado | $201,630 | 360 | California | $181,360 |
| Geographers | Virginia | $156,750 | 130 | national figure | $136,660 |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | Massachusetts | $158,370 | 160 | Texas | $138,390 |
| Industrial Engineers | Alaska | $218,900 | 220 | Oregon | $198,960 |
| Log Graders and Scalers | Washington | $82,300 | 200 | national figure | $62,400 |
| Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders | Iowa | $82,790 | 290 | Texas | $62,920 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | Massachusetts | $478,850 | not published | Oregon | $459,050 |
| Motorboat Operators | New Jersey | $104,110 | 40 | national figure | $84,530 |
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Arizona | $96,720 | 280 | New York | $77,140 |
| Pourers and Casters, Metal | Massachusetts | $91,100 | not published | Texas | $71,540 |
| Desktop Publishers | California | $115,410 | 320 | national figure | $96,170 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | District of Columbia | $100,850 | 400 | Massachusetts | $81,640 |
| Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | Washington | $104,010 | 320 | Texas | $84,850 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | Nebraska | $100,610 | 310 | Mississippi | $82,040 |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | Maryland | $63,970 | 430 | Idaho | $45,590 |
| Fashion Designers | North Carolina | $195,590 | 460 | New York | $177,430 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other | Tennessee | $130,050 | 240 | California | $112,050 |
| Medical Appliance Technicians | Indiana | $101,300 | 130 | California | $83,300 |
| Travel Agents | Kentucky | $113,740 | 220 | New York | $95,780 |
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | District of Columbia | $131,140 | 300 | California | $113,240 |
| Watch and Clock Repairers | Maryland | $127,780 | not published | national figure | $109,990 |
| Plasterers and Stucco Masons | New York | $120,210 | not published | Nevada | $102,570 |
| Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | New York | $82,160 | 440 | California | $64,710 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Hawaii | $96,350 | 140 | Minnesota | $79,200 |
| Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | New York | $72,210 | 170 | North Carolina | $55,290 |
| Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers | Louisiana | $224,240 | 140 | Florida | $207,480 |
| Telephone Operators | Massachusetts | $79,300 | not published | national figure | $62,950 |
| Boilermakers | Wyoming | $153,230 | 30 | California | $136,900 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | Virgin Islands | $102,030 | 50 | New York | $85,740 |
| Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation | Massachusetts | $82,350 | not published | Colorado | $66,250 |
| Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other | Massachusetts | $86,000 | not published | California | $69,930 |
| Pile Driver Operators | Washington | $140,630 | 50 | national figure | $124,600 |
| Dredge Operators | Nebraska | $90,130 | 30 | national figure | $74,140 |
| Millwrights | New Jersey | $145,320 | 340 | Washington | $129,370 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | Kansas | $64,300 | 490 | Washington | $48,410 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | Massachusetts | $183,260 | 420 | New Jersey | $167,470 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | North Carolina | $341,680 | 450 | New York | $326,080 |
| Teachers and Instructors, All Other | Rhode Island | $187,550 | 410 | District of Columbia | $172,040 |
| Lighting Technicians | Washington | $175,010 | 80 | California | $159,610 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | Arizona | $183,880 | 170 | California | $168,490 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | California | $116,330 | 330 | national figure | $100,980 |
| Airfield Operations Specialists | Kentucky | $163,350 | 290 | Texas | $148,060 |
| Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | Ohio | $97,690 | 70 | national figure | $82,590 |
| Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | District of Columbia | $97,570 | 110 | Connecticut | $82,480 |
| Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics | Nevada | $93,670 | 170 | Massachusetts | $78,720 |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | Rhode Island | $615,380 | 140 | North Carolina | $600,460 |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | Oregon | $233,790 | 490 | California | $218,880 |
| Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Hawaii | $87,360 | 40 | Massachusetts | $72,520 |
| Occupational Therapy Aides | New Mexico | $85,040 | 50 | national figure | $70,200 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | Maryland | $144,060 | 90 | California | $129,380 |
| Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | New Jersey | $78,590 | 410 | New York | $64,070 |
| Aerospace Engineers | Hawaii | $247,260 | 40 | Maryland | $232,930 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | Idaho | $140,150 | 200 | New Mexico | $125,840 |
| Correspondence Clerks | California | $81,070 | 240 | New York | $66,800 |
| Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other | Alaska | $130,960 | 80 | California | $116,730 |
| Upholsterers | Oklahoma | $88,700 | 150 | North Carolina | $74,490 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | District of Columbia | $144,680 | 360 | Rhode Island | $130,480 |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | Alaska | $121,770 | 140 | New Jersey | $107,570 |
| Tile and Stone Setters | Maine | $131,890 | 60 | Nevada | $117,690 |
| Furniture Finishers | New Jersey | $84,450 | 260 | California | $70,280 |
| Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | Washington | $116,020 | 290 | New York | $102,040 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | California | $114,270 | 400 | Iowa | $100,410 |
| Funeral Attendants | New Hampshire | $88,200 | 120 | New Jersey | $74,370 |
| Bicycle Repairers | New Jersey | $72,790 | 240 | Arizona | $59,180 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | District of Columbia | $112,800 | 440 | Washington | $99,340 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | Maryland | $130,290 | 200 | California | $117,040 |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | Michigan | $118,810 | 40 | Texas | $105,620 |
| Rail Transportation Workers, All Other | Georgia | $96,080 | 50 | national figure | $83,190 |
| Curators | District of Columbia | $161,380 | 140 | New York | $148,580 |
| Dental Laboratory Technicians | Maine | $111,940 | 120 | New Jersey | $99,240 |
| Word Processors and Typists | Delaware | $83,230 | 50 | New Jersey | $70,650 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | Washington | $110,540 | 240 | Texas | $98,010 |
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | Washington | $107,770 | 370 | North Carolina | $95,660 |
| Mechanical Door Repairers | Alaska | $105,080 | not published | Florida | $93,080 |
| Cost Estimators | Alaska | $163,740 | 220 | Massachusetts | $151,780 |
| Procurement Clerks | District of Columbia | $88,850 | 220 | Maryland | $76,900 |
| Cooks, All Other | Massachusetts | $69,600 | not published | New York | $57,760 |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | Florida | $135,880 | 60 | Texas | $124,220 |
| Bridge and Lock Tenders | California | $86,960 | 80 | national figure | $75,360 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | Rhode Island | $172,660 | 300 | Massachusetts | $161,120 |
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | Alabama | $160,760 | 360 | national figure | $149,310 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Washington | $122,320 | 270 | California | $111,110 |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | North Dakota | $70,660 | 160 | Colorado | $59,520 |
| Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks | Illinois | $89,110 | 140 | Texas | $78,120 |
| Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles | Georgia | $99,310 | 300 | California | $88,330 |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | Maine | $193,910 | 70 | Washington | $183,100 |
| Traffic Technicians | Massachusetts | $116,500 | 90 | New York | $105,720 |
| Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Florida | $92,490 | 80 | California | $81,730 |
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Colorado | $91,160 | 150 | Massachusetts | $80,440 |
| Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders | Washington | $92,050 | 330 | New York | $81,650 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | Minnesota | $108,700 | 230 | Georgia | $98,560 |
| Woodworkers, All Other | Hawaii | $79,750 | 50 | California | $69,620 |
| Legal Support Workers, All Other | Virginia | $195,190 | not published | Pennsylvania | $185,100 |
| Bill and Account Collectors | District of Columbia | $91,480 | 240 | California | $81,440 |
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | Wyoming | $95,760 | 60 | Washington | $85,800 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operators | Kentucky | $84,880 | 190 | Missouri | $74,990 |
| Crematory Operators | Colorado | $72,300 | 70 | national figure | $62,460 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | District of Columbia | $78,570 | 100 | California | $68,810 |
| Nuclear Technicians | New York | $171,470 | 260 | Virginia | $161,720 |
| Hoist and Winch Operators | Hawaii | $127,940 | 120 | national figure | $118,210 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | District of Columbia | $72,840 | 240 | Massachusetts | $63,130 |
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | Colorado | $111,480 | 190 | California | $102,150 |
| Designers, All Other | South Carolina | $172,320 | 60 | New York | $162,990 |
| Agricultural Engineers | Texas | $175,760 | 50 | national figure | $166,460 |
| Animal Control Workers | Washington | $88,180 | 180 | California | $78,880 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | Alaska | $64,850 | 40 | Nevada | $55,550 |
| Podiatrists | Kentucky | $404,130 | 80 | Texas | $394,970 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | District of Columbia | $173,600 | 110 | California | $164,450 |
| Communications Equipment Operators, All Other | California | $103,570 | 450 | national figure | $94,640 |
| New Accounts Clerks | New Jersey | $81,030 | 230 | California | $72,690 |
| Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons | Michigan | $68,060 | not published | California | $59,730 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | Alaska | $62,400 | 120 | Ohio | $54,100 |
| Agricultural Workers, All Other | North Carolina | $90,790 | not published | California | $82,540 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Arkansas | $140,540 | 330 | Washington | $132,290 |
| Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage | Maine | $132,720 | 50 | Massachusetts | $124,640 |
| Sailors and Marine Oilers | Rhode Island | $110,290 | 210 | Indiana | $102,210 |
| Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Mississippi | $66,720 | 80 | Virginia | $58,660 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | Michigan | $164,670 | 50 | Maryland | $156,750 |
| Veterinarians | District of Columbia | $294,160 | 190 | California | $286,330 |
| Music Directors and Composers | Connecticut | $207,250 | 120 | New York | $199,430 |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | Montana | $152,010 | 390 | Utah | $144,420 |
| Emergency Management Directors | Nevada | $206,420 | 60 | California | $199,020 |
| Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers | California | $77,690 | 330 | Alabama | $70,340 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | Delaware | $225,300 | 100 | Virginia | $218,040 |
| Landscape Architects | District of Columbia | $194,450 | 170 | California | $187,270 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | District of Columbia | $108,140 | 80 | Connecticut | $101,120 |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | District of Columbia | $72,230 | 310 | Massachusetts | $65,420 |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | District of Columbia | $98,760 | 270 | California | $92,080 |
| Chemical Technicians | Hawaii | $118,610 | 40 | Louisiana | $111,950 |
| Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders | Virginia | $84,520 | 270 | North Carolina | $77,980 |
| Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators | New Jersey | $107,830 | 230 | Massachusetts | $101,350 |
| Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators | Pennsylvania | $108,970 | 270 | Washington | $102,550 |
| Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners | New Jersey | $90,210 | 220 | Washington | $83,830 |
| Cargo and Freight Agents | North Dakota | $98,960 | 380 | Utah | $92,670 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Idaho | $89,760 | 480 | Oregon | $83,640 |
| Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Wisconsin | $68,970 | 150 | Pennsylvania | $62,870 |
| Passenger Attendants | Wisconsin | $64,180 | 330 | California | $58,100 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Virginia | $200,800 | 330 | Massachusetts | $194,760 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | New Jersey | $86,980 | not published | Washington | $81,060 |
| Machinists | Hawaii | $106,970 | 260 | Washington | $101,110 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | District of Columbia | $120,190 | 370 | California | $114,600 |
| Sewers, Hand | Massachusetts | $53,080 | 40 | national figure | $47,570 |
| Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers | Indiana | $105,530 | 190 | national figure | $100,270 |
| Materials Engineers | New Mexico | $204,400 | 450 | Washington | $199,250 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | New Jersey | $163,030 | 290 | Tennessee | $158,160 |
| Agricultural Inspectors | Minnesota | $97,860 | 180 | California | $93,100 |
| Interior Designers | Wyoming | $145,600 | 90 | District of Columbia | $140,870 |
| Mechanical Drafters | Louisiana | $142,240 | 420 | Washington | $137,690 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | Mississippi | $84,390 | 290 | Minnesota | $79,990 |
| Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters | Washington | $107,610 | 150 | New York | $103,210 |
| Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | California | $115,040 | not published | Oregon | $110,660 |
| Insurance Underwriters | District of Columbia | $173,060 | not published | New York | $168,790 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Vermont | $74,770 | 100 | Washington | $70,510 |
| Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | Alaska | $141,270 | 30 | California | $137,030 |
| Pipelayers | New York | $112,860 | 250 | California | $108,790 |
| Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Washington | $110,800 | 240 | Texas | $106,740 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | District of Columbia | $170,980 | 120 | California | $166,950 |
| Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Florida | $126,940 | 350 | California | $122,930 |
| Gambling Managers | Mississippi | $189,610 | 160 | California | $185,670 |
| Transportation Security Screeners | New Hampshire | $87,650 | 80 | Massachusetts | $83,740 |
| Transit and Railroad Police | Maryland | $129,600 | not published | national figure | $125,910 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | Connecticut | $168,750 | 260 | Oregon | $165,190 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | Virgin Islands | $71,660 | not published | Hawaii | $68,170 |
| Drafters, All Other | New Jersey | $119,240 | 350 | New York | $115,840 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | District of Columbia | $81,990 | 120 | New York | $78,760 |
| Film and Video Editors | Vermont | $175,460 | 100 | New York | $172,280 |
| Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Mississippi | $137,590 | 440 | Illinois | $134,440 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | Hawaii | $105,200 | 420 | New Jersey | $102,050 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | Missouri | $128,950 | 430 | California | $126,010 |
| Home Appliance Repairers | Connecticut | $108,470 | 380 | New Jersey | $105,620 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Vermont | $83,040 | 110 | Kentucky | $80,330 |
| School Bus Monitors | New Mexico | $64,750 | 330 | Ohio | $62,070 |
| Tire Repairers and Changers | Hawaii | $66,350 | 220 | Nevada | $63,730 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | Hawaii | $53,580 | not published | District of Columbia | $51,260 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | District of Columbia | $140,670 | 240 | California | $138,400 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | District of Columbia | $57,980 | 320 | Hawaii | $55,730 |
| Subway and Streetcar Operators | Washington | $93,010 | 320 | California | $90,810 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | Montana | $62,970 | 30 | California | $60,840 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | Alaska | $71,460 | 230 | Hawaii | $69,530 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | New Hampshire | $209,630 | 110 | Maryland | $207,700 |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | Rhode Island | $221,010 | 140 | California | $219,230 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | Wyoming | $63,840 | 280 | California | $62,130 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | Colorado | $209,790 | 480 | Massachusetts | $208,240 |
| Exercise Physiologists | New York | $107,800 | 360 | California | $106,290 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | Puerto Rico | $66,250 | not published | Maryland | $64,890 |
| Data Entry Keyers | District of Columbia | $73,090 | 200 | Minnesota | $71,820 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | Washington | $164,070 | 170 | California | $162,820 |
| Environmental Engineers | Louisiana | $201,300 | 340 | New Mexico | $200,170 |
| Tapers | Illinois | $116,500 | 320 | Massachusetts | $115,390 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | District of Columbia | $86,110 | 80 | Connecticut | $85,070 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | Alaska | $166,400 | 80 | California | $165,540 |
| Chemists | New Mexico | $212,940 | 280 | Massachusetts | $212,210 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | Illinois | $148,790 | 370 | California | $148,090 |
| Epidemiologists | Wisconsin | $213,570 | 90 | Massachusetts | $212,890 |
| Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners | Maine | $99,670 | 90 | Texas | $99,060 |
| Recreation Workers | District of Columbia | $66,750 | 470 | Alaska | $66,140 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | Oklahoma | $145,270 | 460 | Georgia | $144,730 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | Alaska | $135,420 | 140 | New Mexico | $135,200 |
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | District of Columbia | $76,460 | 400 | New Jersey | $76,360 |
| Lodging Managers | Washington | $190,480 | 450 | Colorado | $190,420 |
| Terrazzo Workers and Finishers | New York | $126,150 | not published | national figure | $126,130 |
| Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters | Pennsylvania | $78,280 | not published | national figure | $78,270 |
| Postal Service Clerks | Virgin Islands | $76,360 | 60 | New Jersey | $76,360 |
| Patternmakers, Wood | Pennsylvania | $81,100 | not published | national figure | $83,780 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | Pennsylvania | $603,880 | not published | national figure | $622,640 |
| Cooks, Private Household | New York | $42,860 | 140 | national figure | $91,130 |
| Model Makers, Wood | Ohio | $37,330 | not published | national figure | $98,050 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | Oregon | $174,980 | 60 | national figure | $247,220 |
| Pediatric Surgeons | New York | $588,210 | 90 | national figure | $726,660 |
The 389 occupations where the employment floor changes which state is named. BLS OEWS May 2025; selection rule PayCrunch.
The highest state figures on record
The single highest state-level 90th-percentile wage in the filtered dataset is $934,460, for cardiologists in Georgia, where OEWS reports 1,150 people employed. Of the states that top at least one occupation, the highest median across their winning occupations belongs to Wisconsin at $802,110.
How to cite this page
Ready to paste:
PayCrunch (2026). Salary by State Statistics 2026. Aggregated from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. https://paycrunch.co/stats/salary-by-state-statistics.html (accessed 31 August 2026).
For a single figure, name the occupation and the release — for example: “registered nurses earned a median of $97,550 a year (BLS, OEWS May 2025, via PayCrunch)”. Please credit the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as PayCrunch: the wage estimates are theirs, and the aggregation is ours. Figures on this page were last recomputed on 31 August 2026 from the May 2025 release.
Method
Source
Every wage figure on this page comes from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics release of May 2025, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. No figure here is a PayCrunch estimate. What PayCrunch contributes is the aggregation: the counts, medians, means and rankings across occupations are computed from that release and are labelled as PayCrunch calculations wherever they appear.
What the three figures mean
Entry is the annual 10th percentile wage for the occupation nationally. Median is the 50th percentile. Top of range is the annual 90th percentile — the wage level below which 90 percent of the estimated wage distribution for that occupation falls. None of the three is a ceiling, a promise, or a statement about any individual.
The state figures
Where a state is named as best-paying, it is the state with the highest annual 90th-percentile wage among states that OEWS reports employing at least 500 people in that occupation. That employment floor is PayCrunch's rule, not the BLS's; it exists because unfiltered state estimates are frequently drawn from very small samples. The best-paying states dataset documents the floor in full and publishes the unfiltered answer alongside the filtered one for every occupation.
Rebuilding these numbers
The script that computes every figure on this page is .github/stats-engine/build_stats.py in the PayCrunch repository. It reads two files, /data/open/best-paying-states.json and the occupation page dataset, and regenerates all eight statistics pages. Nothing on this page is typed by hand.
Limitations
- OEWS is a survey. Every figure carries sampling error, and the error is largest where the occupation is smallest. BLS publishes relative standard errors alongside the estimates.
- These are occupational aggregates, not worker aggregates. Statistics here summarise the 824 occupation-level estimates, giving each occupation equal weight. They are not employment-weighted, so they do not describe the average American worker and should not be quoted as if they did.
- The 90th percentile is not a maximum. It is a point on a wage distribution. Pay above it exists.
- No cost-of-living adjustment. All figures are nominal annual wages.
- Wage and salary employment only. OEWS excludes the self-employed, so occupations with many independent workers are under-covered.
- SOC titles are classification labels, not job titles as employers use them, and one SOC code can cover several distinct jobs.
- One release only. These are May 2025 figures; OEWS releases are not straightforwardly comparable across years.
Frequently asked questions
Which state pays the highest salaries?▼
Measured by how many occupations it leads, California: it is the best-paying state for 193 of the 769 occupations that resolve to a named state, ahead of New York with 95 and Washington with 60.
Why does this dataset use an employment floor?▼
Because OEWS publishes state wage estimates without regard to how many people work in the occupation in that state, so an unfiltered ranking is often won by a state with a very thin sample. Requiring 500 employed people changes the answer for 389 of 824 occupations, and in 43 of those cases the unfiltered winner has no published employment estimate at all.
Is 500 employees a BLS standard?▼
No. It is a PayCrunch judgement, not a statistical convention, and BLS does not endorse it. It keeps 769 of 824 occupations on a named state while removing the estimates most likely to be artefacts of a thin sample. Every record also carries the unfiltered answer so anyone who prefers it can take it.
Are these figures adjusted for cost of living?▼
No. All figures are nominal annual wages. A wage in California and the same wage in a low-cost state are not the same standard of living, and this dataset makes no attempt to say so.
Pay for individual occupations
Occupations whose best-paying state is discussed above, each with its own page carrying the same figures.
Registered Nurse$97,550 medianSoftware Developer$135,980 medianElectrician$63,190 medianElementary Teacher$63,970 medianPolice Officer$76,210 medianRadiologist$420,860 medianLawyer$159,670 medianAccountant$83,680 medianPlumber$63,800 medianAirline Pilot$232,140 medianPharmacist$140,910 medianWelder$53,750 median
The full dataset behind these figures is on the best-paying states page, and every occupation is queryable through the PayCrunch API. All occupation pages →