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In today’s job market, salary remains a top priority for job seekers, especially in fields like data entry. Understanding how much data entry professionals earn in different states is crucial for making informed career decisions.
While individual salaries can vary based on experience, skills, and company, we compiled comprehensive data on average salaries for data entry roles across the United States, categorized by state and seniority level. These averages provide valuable insights into salary expectations within your region.
To illustrate salary variations, we analyzed the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for data entry professionals, taking into account the cost of living across various states. This adjustment is essential, as the purchasing power of your salary can differ significantly depending on where you live; for instance, a salary in North Carolina stretches further than it would in California.
So, which state offers the best adjusted salary for data entry professionals? Read on for the top ten states where data entry salaries are highest after cost-of-living adjustments.
Top 10 States for Data Entry Salaries in 2026
Below, we’ll discuss how we derived these salary figures and present a complete ranking of all states for data entry salaries.
Methodology for Determining Salaries by State
For this analysis, we utilized the most recent annual salary data for data entry professionals from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, specifically from their ‘Occupational Employment Statistics.’
To ensure a fair comparison of salaries across states, we factored in the cost of living for each state. We developed an index by dividing the average wage for each state by the cost of living index relative to the national average. For example, if California has a cost of living index of 135.9 and an average salary of $32,800, our index calculation would be:
$32,800 * (100 / 135.9) = $24,135
We then ranked all states based on this adjusted salary index, identifying the states with the highest average salaries for data entry roles.
Detailed List of Data Entry Salaries by State
| Rank | State | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $35,361 |
| 2 | Michigan | $35,224 |
| 3 | Kansas | $34,571 |
| 4 | Illinois | $34,503 |
| 5 | Utah | $34,494 |
| 6 | Colorado | $33,747 |
| 7 | Iowa | $33,439 |
| 8 | Georgia | $33,347 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | $33,127 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $32,956 |
| 11 | Missouri | $32,898 |
| 12 | Tennessee | $32,740 |
| 13 | North Carolina | $32,705 |
| 14 | Nebraska | $32,609 |
| 15 | North Dakota | $32,575 |
| 16 | Texas | $32,524 |
| 17 | Idaho | $32,377 |
| 18 | Arkansas | $32,296 |
| 19 | Virginia | $32,053 |
| 20 | Ohio | $31,940 |
| 21 | Louisiana | $31,645 |
| 22 | Alabama | $31,436 |
| 23 | South Carolina | $31,350 |
| 24 | Mississippi | $31,222 |
| 25 | New Jersey | $31,189 |
| 26 | Kentucky | $30,950 |
| 27 | Arizona | $30,734 |
| 28 | Indiana | $30,569 |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $30,433 |
| 30 | Wisconsin | $30,361 |
| 31 | Rhode Island | $30,256 |
| 32 | Connecticut | $30,172 |
| 33 | Florida | $29,867 |
| 34 | West Virginia | $29,721 |
| 35 | Alaska | $28,421 |
| 36 | New Mexico | $28,269 |
| 37 | Nevada | $28,015 |
| 38 | Massachusetts | $27,556 |
| 39 | Maryland | $27,474 |
| 40 | Montana | $27,440 |
| 41 | New Hampshire | $27,324 |
| 42 | Maine | $27,301 |
| 43 | Wyoming | $27,167 |
| 44 | Oregon | $26,591 |
| 45 | New York | $26,244 |
| 46 | South Dakota | $24,918 |
| 47 | Vermont | $24,690 |
| 48 | California | $24,135 |
| 49 | Hawaii | $20,583 |
For those navigating the job market, understanding salary trends is key to making informed career choices. Stay updated on industry developments and consider the cost of living as you explore potential job opportunities in different states.
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.
