The Highest Paying Job in Each State (and Lowest)

The Highest Paying Jobs in Each State (and the Lowest)

Highest and Lowest Paying Jobs Summary

The most frequently highest paying job across the U.S. is the Surgeon, leading in 20 states.
The most common lowest paying job in the country is the restaurant worker, found at the bottom in 11 states.
Surgeons earn the highest average salary in Oklahoma, with an impressive $286,320 per year.

In today’s evolving job market, securing a high-paying position can significantly enhance your quality of life. Whether you’re juggling multiple low-wage jobs or searching for a stable, lucrative career, the landscape has changed dramatically. Imagine not just getting by but thriving, with enough income to cover bills, save for retirement, and enjoy life’s little luxuries.

Thanks to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of the highest paying jobs in each state, making it easier for you to target your applications and pursue the financial stability you deserve.

Show Me the Money

In our analysis of the highest paying jobs across the U.S., we identified a total of 10 key professions.

Here are some key insights from our findings:

The Surgeon remains the highest paid profession in the U.S., with an average salary of $286,320 in Oklahoma. This justifies the extensive education and training required.
While surgeons dominate in 20 states, oral surgeons aren’t far behind, earning $282,650 in Florida and $280,940 in North Carolina.
Psychiatrists, Dentists, and Airline Pilots are less common as the highest-paid occupations, appearing in only one state each.
Interestingly, airline pilots represent the only non-medical profession on our list, with an average salary of $238,270 in Michigan.
Even though surgeons earn the most in Oklahoma, their average salary in New York is significantly lower at $230,890, representing the lowest salary for surgeons nationwide.

How Did We Determine These Figures?

Our findings were derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which we consulted to compile a list of the highest annual salaries for various professions by state, based on the most recent comprehensive dataset available. The same methodology was applied to identify the lowest paying jobs.

Jobs to Avoid if Financial Gain is Your Goal

Now that we’ve explored the highest paying jobs, let’s examine the positions you might want to reconsider if you’re focused on maximizing your income.

In Mississippi, the lowest paying job is a fast-food cook, averaging just $18,420 annually, necessitating a very tight budget.
Washington has the highest salary for the lowest paying job, with shoe workers earning $27,190 each year.
Restaurant workers, from cooks to servers, occupy the lowest paying positions in 11 states, highlighting the importance of tips in the restaurant industry.
Gambling dealers earn the lowest salaries in 8 states, with the lowest in Nevada at $18,750.
If you’re a model, consider avoiding Tennessee, where the average salary is only $19,880.

State	Highest Paying Job	Salary	Lowest Paying Job	Salary
Alabama	Anesthesiologists	$274,260	Cooks	$18,640
Alaska	Physicians	$258,550	Bellhops	$23,800
Arizona	Surgeons	$280,860	Crossing Guards	$24,520
Arkansas	Surgeons	$248,380	Amusement Attendants	$20,500
California	Surgeons	$248,100	Shampooers	$26,490
Colorado	Obstetricians	$274,680	Bellhops	$24,410
Connecticut	Obstetricians	$259,810	Attendants	$23,060
Delaware	Surgeons	$275,720	Shampooers	$20,490
Florida	Oral Surgeons	$282,650	Counter Workers	$21,640
Georgia	Surgeons	$247,390	Counter Workers	$19,780
Hawaii	Surgeons	$250,180	Pressers	$24,580
Idaho	Anesthesiologists	$267,700	Ushers	$19,350
Illinois	Anesthesiologists	$262,890	Gambling Dealers	$21,280
Indiana	Anesthesiologists	$272,630	Ushers	$20,030
Iowa	Obstetricians	$283,280	Locker Room Attendants	$18,490
Kansas	Anesthesiologists	$276,800	Gambling Dealers	$19,200
Kentucky	Surgeons	$270,580	Food Prep Workers	$19,020
Louisiana	Anesthesiologists	$269,520	Shampooers	$18,670
Maine	Surgeons	$281,470	Locker Room Attendants	$23,840
Maryland	Surgeons	$278,720	Gambling Dealers	$22,340
Massachusetts	Obstetricians	$254,780	Gambling Dealers	$26,670
Michigan	Airline Pilots	$238,270	Hosts	$22,670
Minnesota	Orthodontists	$274,490	Projectionists	$23,130
Mississippi	Surgeons	$276,170	Cooks	$18,420
Missouri	Anesthesiologists	$263,990	Lifeguards	$19,830
Montana	Obstetricians	$256,200	Teaching Assistants	$19,460
Nebraska	Psychiatrists	$262,570	Locker Room Attendants	$22,100
Nevada	Surgeons	$258,890	Gambling Dealers	$18,750
New Hampshire	Physicians	$262,620	Attendants	$24,910
New Jersey	Surgeons	$279,660	Shampooers	$22,540
New Mexico	Physicians	$280,620	Gambling Dealers	$19,870
New York	Surgeons	$230,890	Shampooers	$25,430
North Carolina	Oral Surgeons	$280,940	Ushers	$19,970
North Dakota	Physicians	$266,540	Ushers	$22,070
Ohio	Surgeons	$280,030	Lifeguards	$20,760
Oklahoma	Surgeons	$286,320	Ushers	$18,790
Oregon	Physicians	$237,910	Lifeguards	$25,670
Pennsylvania	Orthodontists	$265,990	Shampooers	$19,710
Rhode Island	Surgeons	$278,020	Ushers	$24,970
South Carolina	Orthodontists	$269,180	Counter Workers	$19,500
South Dakota	Surgeons	$285,320	Locker Room Attendants	$20,970
Tennessee	Surgeons	$270,180	Models	$19,880
Texas	Anesthesiologists	$241,090	Dining Room Helpers	$20,790
Utah	Surgeons	$270,260	Counter Workers	$21,210
Vermont	Dentists	$261,790	Pharmacy Aides	$25,270
Virginia	Surgeons	$261,220	Cooks	$20,630
Washington	Orthodontists	$285,780	Shoe Workers	$27,190
West Virginia	Obstetricians	$276,990	Gambling Dealers	$19,950
Wisconsin	Obstetricians	$274,410	Gambling Dealers	$18,940
Wyoming	Anesthesiologists	$281,070	Cooks	$19,550

In conclusion, understanding the salary landscape across states can guide your career decisions. Whether you’re pursuing a high-paying profession or considering a lower-wage job, being informed will empower you to make better financial choices and plan for your future.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Amanda Postma

Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.

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