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The 10 Best States for Collectors in 2026
Collectors play a vital role in various industries across the United States. This profession is not limited to a few regions; collectors are found in every state, demonstrating the widespread demand for their skills. As we look toward 2026, understanding where collectors can thrive—both in terms of job availability and compensation—is more important than ever.
At Zippia, we analyzed the latest data to identify the best states for collectors, focusing on job opportunities and fair pay throughout their careers. By examining statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list highlighting the top states for collectors in 2026.
Here’s the updated ranking of the best states for collectors:
These states provide the best opportunities for bill and account collectors, balancing job availability and competitive pay. But how did we determine this ranking? Read on for insights into our methodology and more details about the top ten states for collectors in 2026.
If you’re also interested in the job market trends, check out these resources:
- Best Companies to Work For in Chicago, IL
- The 20 Best Small Companies in Chicago to Work For
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Chicago
How We Determined the Best States to Be a Collector
At Zippia, our research is driven by conversations with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. We’ve identified two key factors that most job seekers prioritize:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Pay
To find the best states for collectors, we focused on where opportunities exist and how well collectors are compensated. The analysis utilized data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, emphasizing criteria such as:
- Location Quotient: A measure of the concentration of collectors in a specific state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To ensure fair comparisons, we adjusted salary figures for each state based on the local cost of living. This approach allows for a clearer understanding of how salaries translate into real-life purchasing power. For instance, while the average salary for collectors in California is $44,340, the salary in Illinois, at $38,610, goes further due to lower living costs.
We ranked each state across these criteria on a scale of 1 to 50, with 1 representing the best score. The overall Job Score was calculated by averaging these rankings, with the state achieving the lowest score recognized as the top state for collectors.
1. Illinois
Total Jobs: 9,780
Average Annual Salary: $38,610
Average Entry-Level Salary: $26,010
Average Experienced Salary: $55,520
Location Quotient: 0.94
2. Virginia
Total Jobs: 6,360
Average Annual Salary: $41,060
Average Entry-Level Salary: $27,050
Average Experienced Salary: $60,710
Location Quotient: 0.96
3. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 4,140
Average Annual Salary: $35,420
Average Entry-Level Salary: $23,570
Average Experienced Salary: $50,180
Location Quotient: 1.5
4. Idaho
Total Jobs: 1,650
Average Annual Salary: $36,270
Average Entry-Level Salary: $26,410
Average Experienced Salary: $49,500
Location Quotient: 1.34
5. Michigan
Total Jobs: 4,090
Average Annual Salary: $39,800
Average Entry-Level Salary: $26,440
Average Experienced Salary: $56,970
Location Quotient: 0.55
6. Texas
Total Jobs: 28,350
Average Annual Salary: $36,590
Average Entry-Level Salary: $22,980
Average Experienced Salary: $51,110
Location Quotient: 1.35
7. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 430
Average Annual Salary: $43,090
Average Entry-Level Salary: $28,250
Average Experienced Salary: $62,170
Location Quotient: 0.59
8. Delaware
Total Jobs: 1,010
Average Annual Salary: $39,190
Average Entry-Level Salary: $26,550
Average Experienced Salary: $58,150
Location Quotient: 1.3
9. Georgia
Total Jobs: 9,370
Average Annual Salary: $37,180
Average Entry-Level Salary: $22,920
Average Experienced Salary: $52,070
Location Quotient: 1.23
10. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 4,940
Average Annual Salary: $39,780
Average Entry-Level Salary: $27,900
Average Experienced Salary: $54,980
Location Quotient: 0.99
There You Have It – The Best States to Be a Collector
If you’re embarking on a career as a collector, these states should top your list. They offer not only competitive salaries and job availability but also room for career growth and advancement.
For those curious about the less favorable states for collectors, here are the bottom three:
For further reading, consider exploring:
Detailed List of the Best States for Collectors
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $38,610 |
| 2 | Virginia | $41,060 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | $35,420 |
| 4 | Idaho | $36,270 |
| 5 | Michigan | $39,800 |
| 6 | Texas | $36,590 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $43,090 |
| 8 | Delaware | $39,190 |
| 9 | Georgia | $37,180 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $39,780 |
| 11 | Iowa | $35,450 |
| 12 | Kentucky | $36,650 |
| 13 | Wyoming | $37,850 |
| 14 | Ohio | $35,900 |
| 15 | Indiana | $35,230 |
| 16 | Alabama | $35,570 |
| 17 | Kansas | $33,640 |
| 18 | Missouri | $35,150 |
| 19 | Nebraska | $34,990 |
| 20 | Arizona | $36,430 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | $38,400 |
| 22 | Mississippi | $33,440 |
| 23 | Tennessee | $33,940 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $35,970 |
| 25 | Colorado | $40,730 |
| 26 | Utah | $33,500 |
| 27 | Washington | $40,400 |
| 28 | South Carolina | $35,700 |
| 29 | New Mexico | $37,350 |
| 30 | Florida | $36,070 |
| 31 | New Jersey | $45,260 |
| 32 | Pennsylvania | $37,340 |
| 33 | Arkansas | $32,120 |
| 34 | Nevada | $36,710 |
| 35 | Vermont | $42,350 |
| 36 | Montana | $35,570 |
| 37 | Maryland | $42,950 |
| 38 | West Virginia | $33,350 |
| 39 | South Dakota | $32,570 |
| 40 | Connecticut | $45,360 |
| 41 | New Hampshire | $37,410 |
| 42 | Rhode Island | $43,100 |
| 43 | Massachusetts | $45,810 |
| 44 | Louisiana | $33,170 |
| 45 | New York | $42,310 |
| 46 | California | $44,340 |
| 47 | Alaska | $45,540 |
| 48 | Oregon | $39,130 |
| 49 | Maine | $36,330 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $41,540 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
