When searching for your first job after college, salary is a big factor to consider. A new report aims to help job-seekers by detailing which states offer the highest earnings. Salaries in the US have grown at an average rate of 25% over the last ten years, rising from $45,563 in 2008 to $57,266 in 2018, but just how does this vary by state? Using the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the 2019 US Earnings Index shows exactly where salaries have increased the most. The report by Comparisun compared salaries across all 50 states in 2008 and 2018 to reveal which states have the highest salary and biggest increases over a decade.
10 States Where Salaries Have Increased the Most (2008-2018)
- North Dakota (49.27%)
- Washington (41.98%)
- South Dakota (33.12%)
- California (33%)
- Oregon (31%)
- Montana (30.22%)
- Iowa (28.53%)
- West Virginia (28.16%)
- Massachusetts (27.95%)
- Utah (27.73%)
10 States Where Salaries Have Increased the Least (2008-2018)
- Alaska (21.53%)
- New York (20.92%)
- Delaware (19.43%)
- Louisiana (19.16%)
- New Mexico (19.14%)
- New Jersey (18.90%)
- Mississippi (18.66%)
- Nevada (16.42%)
- Connecticut (16.01%)
- Wyoming (15.84%)
States with the highest average salary (2018)
- New York – $72,900
- Massachusetts – $72,6064
- California – $68,478
- Connecticut – $67,742
- Washington – $66,119
States with the lowest average salary (2018)
- Arkansas – $43,950
- South Dakota – $43,694
- Montana – $43,407
- Idaho – $42,882
- Mississippi – $39,762
When researching salaries, one must also consider cost of living in an area. Although salary growth in an area may be strong, cost of living increases could offset increased earnings. Therefore, you should not just look for states with the highest salaries. Research cost of living in each area and make sure the pay offered is reasonable given housing costs, transportation and other expenses.
Remember, salary is not the only factor one should consider when choosing a career or deciding on which job to accept. Personality, interests, values and skills are also important to career satisfaction.