In this article, we will look at average salary in each state in US. We will also explore average and median incomes in the US along with some companies that have recently increase salaries in the US. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can head straight to 10 States with the Highest Average Salary in the US.
What is the Average Income in the US?
As of 2023, the average salary in the USA varies largely across industries, job positions, age groups, levels of experience, and educational backgrounds. However, the average salary nationwide in the US, according to Forbes, is $59,428. On the other hand, median household income in the US was $70,784 in 2021.
It is important to note that average salary in each state in the US can range widely, starting from a minimum gross hourly wage of $27.77. Depending on the occupation and location, salaries can go from $45,060 to as high as $335,200 per year on average, with additional benefits such as housing and transportation. The median salary in the USA stands at $89,000 per year. This indicates that half of the population earns less than this amount, while the other half earns more than the median figure.
What is a Good Salary in the US?
A good salary in the US depends on various factors, but generally, a comfortable standard of living is attainable with an annual income of around $70,000 to $100,000 for a single individual. However, for a family with dependents, a good salary would range from $100,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the cost of living in their state. Those with specialized skills or in high-demand industries may expect even higher salaries. For high-paying jobs, you can check our articles on Highest Paying Jobs for 18-year-olds, and Boring Jobs that Pay $100,000 or More.
Which Companies Have Increased Salaries in 2023?
Home Depot Inc (NYSE:HD) is one of the major companies raising worker pay amid one of the tightest job markets in history. Home Depot Inc (NYSE:HD) announced plans to spend approximately $1 billion to increase hourly employee wages. While the exact size of the pay hike was not disclosed, the raise went into effect in the fourth quarter of 2022 and benefitted hourly store employees at Home Depot Inc (NYSE:HD) who now make at least $15 per hour.
Similarly, Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) has also taken measures to raise wages for its employees. Less than a year ago, Delta Air Line Inc (NYSE:DAL) increased employee wages by 4%, and now, it has implemented another raise of 5%, which went into effect on April 1. The wage increase was observed for Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL)’s ground workers and flight attendants.
Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) has also joined the trend of improving worker pay. In a bid to ensure attractive compensation in the markets they operate, Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT) set wages for store employees from $12 to $18 per hour. The wage increase began in March 2023, with employees' hourly rates ranging from $14 to $19 at Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT).
Without further ado, let's head over to the list of average salary in each state in the United States.
Based on comprehensive data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we present a list of average salary in each state in US. The list is ascending from the lowest average annual salaries to the highest.
Here is a list of the average salary in each state in America:
50. Mississippi
Annual Average Salary: $45,180
A southern U.S. state with rich history and abundant natural beauty, Mississippi is the state with the lowest annual average salary in the US.
49. Arkansas
Annual Average Salary: $48,570
Arkansas state in the southern U.S. is known for its scenic landscapes and Ozark Mountains. It is one of the Cheapest States to Live In. The average annual salary in the state is $48,570 as of current.
48. West Virginia
Annual Average Salary: $49,170
West Virginia is known for its scenic beauty, including the New River Gorge, and rich coal mining history. Dominion Energy Inc (NYSE:D) is one of the largest companies in West Virginia.
With a rich civil rights history and southern charm, Alabama is one of the original thirteen colonies of the United States. The average annual salary in the state stands at $50,620.
45. South Carolina
Annual Average Salary: $50,650
South Carolina is a southeastern US states with some of the most beautiful Atlantic coastline and beaches. It ranks 45th in terms of average salaries in the US.
44. Louisiana
Annual Average Salary: $50,940
Louisiana is famous for its unique Creole and Cajun cultures, rich and traditional history, and distinct cuisine.
43. Oklahoma
Annual Average Salary: $50,940
Oklahoma is in the southern-central U.S. and is recognized for its Native American heritage, cowboy culture, and vast prairies. It has the 29th largest economy in the US.
42. Idaho
Annual Average Salary: $51,350
Idaho is the state famous for its picturesque landscapes, including mountains, forests, and fertile farmlands, and is also known for potatoes.
41. Kentucky
Annual Average Salary: $51,490
Kentucky is popular for its bourbon whiskey production, horse racing, and bluegrass music heritage. It is also a leading producer of tobacco. The average salary in Kentucky is $51,490.
40. Montana
Annual Average Salary: $52,200
Montana is home to Glacier National Park which is known for its stunning glaciers and pristine wilderness. The average annual cost of living in Montana is $47, 887, according to SoFi.
39. Tennessee
Annual Average Salary: $52,820
A southeastern state with a rich musical heritage, including the birthplace of Elvis Presley in Memphis and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
38. Kansas
Annual Average Salary: $52,850
Kansas has one of the country's most affordable living costs, mainly attributed to its economical housing and rental rates, budget-friendly grocery expenses, and lower healthcare costs.
37. Indiana
Annual Average Salary: $53,500
Midwestern state, of Indiana, is recognized for its car racing culture, hosting the iconic Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The average cost of living in Indiana is $42,697 per year.
36. Iowa
Annual Average Salary: $53,520
The state is known for its agricultural prominence and caucuses.
35. New Mexico
Annual Average Salary: $54,400
Located in the southwest, New Mexico is known for its cultural heritage, including strong influences from Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions.
34. Wyoming
Annual Average Salary: $54,440
Wyoming is a western U.S. state with rugged landscapes, Yellowstone, and ranching. It is one of the best states to live in.
33. Missouri
Annual Average Salary: $54,520
Missouri is a midwestern U.S. state known for the Gateway Arch. The average monthly cost to live in Missouri lies between $2,202 and $6,411 per month, according to Movoto.
32. Nebraska
Annual Average Salary: $55,070
Nebraska is a Great Plains state with cornfields, Sandhills, and settler history.
31. Nevada
Annual Average Salary: $55,490
Nevada is a southwestern U.S. state, home to Las Vegas, many deserts, and casinos. A typical renter in Nevada spends $1,060 a month on housing, according to Movoto.
30. North Dakota
Annual Average Salary: $55,800
North Dakota is known for its vast prairies, oil production, and friendly communities.
29. Maine
Annual Average Salary: $55,960
Maine is best known for its scenic coastline, lobsters, and maritime heritage. It has the lowest living expenses in New England, with annual living cost of $50,559.
28. Florida
Annual Average Salary: $55,980
Florida is a southeastern state with sunny beaches, theme parks, and wildlife
North Carolina is a state with beautiful beaches, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and lively cities.
25. Ohio
Annual Average Salary: $56,530
Ohio is popular for its industrial history, sports teams, and vibrant lifestyle. A typical Ohio renter will likely spend $788 a month on housing.
24. Texas
Annual Average Salary: $57,300
Texas is the second largest state in the US, both by land area and population. It is known for its cowboy culture and oil industry.
23. Utah
Annual Average Salary: $57,360
Utah is a western state with stunning national parks and Mormon heritage. Domo Inc (NASDAQ:DOMO) and Zions Bancorporation NA (NASDAQ:ZION) are two of the largest companies in Utah.
22. Georgia
Annual Average Salary: $58,000
The average cost of living in Georgia is $43,482 per year, according to SoFi.
21. Michigan
Annual Average Salary: $58,000
Michigan, a Great Lakes state, is famous for its automotive industry, lakeshores, and Motown music. The last measured GDP per capita for Michigan was $47,072 in 2018.
20. Pennsylvania
Annual Average Salary: $58,470
Pennsylvania is an eastern state with historic significance, Amish culture, and Philadelphia's iconic sites.
19. Arizona
Annual Average Salary: $58,620
The last measured GDP per capita for Arizona was $43,464 in 2018.
18. Vermont
Annual Average Salary: $59,190
Vermont is famous for maple syrup and scenic beauty.
Delaware is a state with no sales tax and a rich history.
15. New Hampshire
Annual Average Salary: $62,550
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region with abundant natural beauty and mountains. Average Cost of Living in New Hampshire is $56,727 per year.
14. Oregon
Annual Average Salary: $62,680
Oregon is a Pacific state celebrated for forests and craft beer. The state is famous for its progressive environmental policies and quirky Portland. culture.
13. Minnesota
Annual Average Salary: $63,640
Often known as the land with 10,000 lakes, the state is the country’s biggest producer of sugar beets and sweetcorn. Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) and UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) are two of the largest companies present in Minnesota.
12. Illinois
Annual Average Salary: $63,930
Illinois is a Midwest state recognized for Chicago's skyline and agriculture. The state is a major transportation hub, with the Chicago O'Hare International Airport being one of the most profitable airports globally.
11. Rhode Island
Annual Average Salary: $64,530
Rhode Island is a small New England state with coastal beauty and history. Radiologist is the highest-paying job in Rhode Island, earning $343,450 a year.
