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The 10 Best States for Detailers in 2026
Detailers continue to be one of the most prevalent professions across the United States. Individuals working as detailers can be found in every state, with opportunities not limited to regions like California or the South.
Given the enduring demand for detailers, we at Zippia set out to identify the states where detailers can thrive, characterized by ample job openings and competitive compensation throughout their careers.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we analyzed the best states for detailers based on job availability and salary potential.
After thorough analysis, we compiled the following list of the top states for detailers in 2026:
These states represent the best opportunities for detailers, providing high demand for services and competitive pay.
Wondering how we arrived at this ranking? Read on to discover our research methodology and insights into the top ten states.
If you’re looking for more information about job opportunities, check out:
How We Determined the Best States for Detailers
At Zippia, we engage with diverse job seekers, and our research indicates that two primary factors influence job selection:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To identify the best states for detailers, we assessed both job availability and salary data using the following criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: A metric indicating the prevalence of detailers in a given state.
- Average annual salary.
- Entry-level average annual salary.
- Experienced professionals’ average annual salary.
To create a fair comparison across states, we normalized salary data according to each state’s cost of living, ensuring that differences in living expenses are accounted for. For instance, while the average salary for detailers in California is $28,840, the Illinois salary of $27,830 holds more value due to lower living costs.
We ranked each state based on these criteria, assigning scores from 1 to 50, where 1 signifies the best ranking. The states were then averaged into a Job Score, identifying the best state for detailers in America.
1. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 3,910
Average Annual Salary: $28,180
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,700
Average Experienced Salary: $38,210
Location Quotient: 1.53
2. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 1,420
Average Annual Salary: $29,710
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,320
Average Experienced Salary: $40,440
Location Quotient: 1.3
3. Illinois
Total Jobs: 17,870
Average Annual Salary: $27,830
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,770
Average Experienced Salary: $48,190
Location Quotient: 1.14
4. Kansas
Total Jobs: 3,790
Average Annual Salary: $26,840
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,780
Average Experienced Salary: $38,570
Location Quotient: 1.05
5. Arkansas
Total Jobs: 4,460
Average Annual Salary: $24,350
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,880
Average Experienced Salary: $32,090
Location Quotient: 1.41
6. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 650
Average Annual Salary: $27,580
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,520
Average Experienced Salary: $38,980
Location Quotient: 0.92
7. Missouri
Total Jobs: 8,060
Average Annual Salary: $25,980
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,150
Average Experienced Salary: $37,480
Location Quotient: 1.1
8. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 4,190
Average Annual Salary: $25,810
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,590
Average Experienced Salary: $38,420
Location Quotient: 1.0
9. Washington
Total Jobs: 8,120
Average Annual Salary: $30,780
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,340
Average Experienced Salary: $39,710
Location Quotient: 0.95
10. Texas
Total Jobs: 37,140
Average Annual Salary: $25,500
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,280
Average Experienced Salary: $36,930
Location Quotient: 1.17
The Best States to Be a Detailer
If you’re considering a career as a detailer, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. They offer competitive salaries, numerous job openings, and substantial opportunities for career growth.
Curious about the less favorable states for detailers? Here’s a quick look at the bottom three:
Detailed List of the Best States for Detailers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | $28,180 |
| 2 | North Dakota | $29,710 |
| 3 | Illinois | $27,830 |
| 4 | Kansas | $26,840 |
| 5 | Arkansas | $24,350 |
| 6 | Wyoming | $27,580 |
| 7 | Missouri | $25,980 |
| 8 | Oklahoma | $25,810 |
| 9 | Washington | $30,780 |
| 10 | Texas | $25,500 |
| 11 | Wisconsin | $28,160 |
| 12 | Iowa | $26,170 |
| 13 | Michigan | $24,940 |
| 14 | Mississippi | $25,510 |
| 15 | Tennessee | $25,750 |
| 16 | Idaho | $24,460 |
| 17 | Indiana | $24,680 |
| 18 | Colorado | $27,810 |
| 19 | Ohio | $25,590 |
| 20 | Montana | $26,570 |
| 21 | Minnesota | $28,640 |
| 22 | Arizona | $25,670 |
| 23 | Florida | $25,630 |
| 24 | West Virginia | $24,910 |
| 25 | Kentucky | $24,180 |
| 26 | Alabama | $23,990 |
| 27 | Utah | $24,380 |
| 28 | New Mexico | $24,380 |
| 29 | Oregon | $27,950 |
| 30 | Virginia | $25,940 |
| 31 | Georgia | $24,180 |
| 32 | New York | $33,830 |
| 33 | Pennsylvania | $25,960 |
| 34 | Vermont | $29,730 |
| 35 | North Carolina | $23,690 |
| 36 | Nevada | $23,680 |
| 37 | South Dakota | $24,310 |
| 38 | Maine | $27,560 |
| 39 | California | $28,840 |
| 40 | Delaware | $24,470 |
| 41 | Louisiana | $22,210 |
| 42 | Massachusetts | $31,690 |
| 43 | New Hampshire | $28,640 |
| 44 | South Carolina | $23,500 |
| 45 | Hawaii | $27,570 |
| 46 | Connecticut | $29,170 |
| 47 | Rhode Island | $26,650 |
| 48 | Alaska | $29,670 |
| 49 | New Jersey | $26,020 |
| 50 | Maryland | $27,390 |
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.
