Find a Job You Really Want In
As the landscape of radio broadcasting continues to evolve, many radio professionals have sought insights into the best states for career opportunities in this dynamic field. Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we analyzed various metrics to identify which states offer the most favorable conditions for radio personalities in 2026. After thorough analysis, here are the top ten states where radio professionals can thrive:
Utah emerges as the leading state for aspiring radio personalities, but what factors contribute to its top ranking? Continue reading to learn about our research process and insights into the top ten states for radio professionals.
How We Analyzed the Data
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds, and our research reveals two primary desires among job hunters:
- Availability of jobs
- Competitive pay
To determine the best states for radio professionals, we examined job availability and salary levels. Our analysis included the following criteria based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: A measure of the prevalence of radio-related jobs in each state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To ensure a fair comparison, we adjusted salary figures based on the state’s cost of living, utilizing data from MIT’s living wage index. This adjustment highlights differences in purchasing power, illustrating that while radio personalities in California may earn a higher salary, the cost of living can significantly impact their quality of life compared to states like Illinois.
We calculated an overall ranking by assigning each state a score for each criterion, averaging these to derive a Job Score, with lower scores indicating better conditions for radio professionals.
1. Utah
Total Jobs: 260
Average Annual Salary: $58,560
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,700
Average Experienced Salary: $131,790
Location Quotient: 0.91
2. Oregon
Total Jobs: 330
Average Annual Salary: $69,270
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,720
Average Experienced Salary: $158,070
Location Quotient: 0.88
3. New York
Total Jobs: 2,170
Average Annual Salary: $69,670
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,700
Average Experienced Salary: $131,600
Location Quotient: 1.1
4. Washington
Total Jobs: 650
Average Annual Salary: $47,770
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,900
Average Experienced Salary: $86,990
Location Quotient: 0.98
5. Alaska
Total Jobs: 90
Average Annual Salary: $46,450
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,090
Average Experienced Salary: $62,640
Location Quotient: 1.3
6. Nevada
Total Jobs: 240
Average Annual Salary: $49,010
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,780
Average Experienced Salary: $85,560
Location Quotient: 0.88
7. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 850
Average Annual Salary: $44,860
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,870
Average Experienced Salary: $87,190
Location Quotient: 1.39
8. Missouri
Total Jobs: 990
Average Annual Salary: $36,080
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,400
Average Experienced Salary: $53,080
Location Quotient: 1.65
9. Louisiana
Total Jobs: 460
Average Annual Salary: $36,020
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,460
Average Experienced Salary: $67,640
Location Quotient: 1.07
10. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 490
Average Annual Salary: $33,700
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,880
Average Experienced Salary: $61,940
Location Quotient: 2.32
Conclusion
For those aspiring to launch a career in radio, these ten states represent the best opportunities in 2026, offering competitive salaries, numerous job openings, and potential for career growth. If you’re interested in exploring less favorable locations for radio personalities, consider the following states:
Detailed List of the Best States for Radio Personalities
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah | $58,560 |
| 2 | Oregon | $69,270 |
| 3 | New York | $69,670 |
| 4 | Washington | $47,770 |
| 5 | Alaska | $46,450 |
| 6 | Nevada | $49,010 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $44,860 |
| 8 | Missouri | $36,080 |
| 9 | Louisiana | $36,020 |
| 10 | Nebraska | $33,700 |
| 11 | California | $66,720 |
| 12 | South Carolina | $40,510 |
| 13 | South Dakota | $31,190 |
| 14 | Ohio | $39,450 |
| 15 | Texas | $49,810 |
| 16 | Oklahoma | $38,320 |
| 17 | North Dakota | $30,020 |
| 18 | Colorado | $50,320 |
| 19 | Tennessee | $34,350 |
| 20 | North Carolina | $42,950 |
| 21 | West Virginia | $27,210 |
| 22 | Georgia | $47,570 |
| 23 | Montana | $30,210 |
| 24 | Illinois | $41,870 |
| 25 | New Mexico | $33,170 |
| 26 | Florida | $42,420 |
| 27 | Vermont | $32,080 |
| 28 | Hawaii | $43,930 |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $35,940 |
| 30 | Wisconsin | $36,190 |
| 31 | Michigan | $35,390 |
| 32 | Alabama | $32,500 |
| 33 | Kentucky | $23,840 |
| 34 | Kansas | $30,800 |
| 35 | Indiana | $32,410 |
| 36 | Arkansas | $26,320 |
| 37 | New Jersey | $42,070 |
| 38 | Rhode Island | $35,290 |
| 39 | Virginia | $39,790 |
| 40 | Wyoming | $27,570 |
| 41 | Mississippi | $25,160 |
| 42 | Maine | $30,630 |
| 43 | Maryland | $76,150 |
| 44 | Idaho | $26,220 |
| 45 | Iowa | $28,550 |
| 46 | Connecticut | $38,050 |
| 47 | New Hampshire | $31,740 |
| 48 | Arizona | $25,030 |
| 49 | Massachusetts | $24,040 |
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.
