Find a Job You Really Want In
Have you ever wondered which jobs in America offer the highest salaries? In a dynamic economy, job compensation varies significantly based on multiple factors, such as industry trends, advancements in technology, and regional economic conditions.
To help you navigate your career choices, we explored the latest data on the highest and lowest paying jobs across the United States, drawing from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) insights.
For 2026, Alabama ranks highest with the position of Orthodontist, boasting an impressive annual salary of $289,740. On the flip side, South Carolina has the lowest paying job, Baggage Porters and Bellhops, with an annual salary of $17,810.
Our analysis shows that many high-paying jobs are concentrated in states known for robust healthcare and technology sectors, particularly in regions like the Midwest and Southeast.
Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs by State
- State: Alabama
Position: Orthodontists
Salary: $289,740 - State: Florida
Position: Oral Surgeons
Salary: $288,450 - State: Maine
Position: Surgeons
Salary: $287,030 - State: Delaware
Position: Surgeons
Salary: $286,400 - State: North Dakota
Position: Anesthesiologists
Salary: $286,250
Top 5 Lowest Paying Jobs by State
- State: South Carolina
Position: Baggage Porters and Bellhops
Salary: $17,810 - State: Iowa
Position: Motion Picture Projectionists
Salary: $17,820 - State: Nevada
Position: Gaming Dealers
Salary: $18,000 - State: North Carolina
Position: Gaming Dealers
Salary: $18,040 - State: Kentucky
Position: Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other
Salary: $18,110
How Did We Determine This Data?
To compile this information, we analyzed the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We identified the highest annual salaries for various jobs across each state, ensuring to use the latest statistics for accuracy. Similar methodology was applied for the lowest paying jobs, excluding roles without reported salary data.
Conclusion
We hope this updated information helps guide you in your career decisions. If you’re seeking more details about any specific jobs, check our website to compare salaries, view job listings, and explore the various career paths available, including opportunities in anesthesiology, orthodontics, and surgery.
Detailed Breakdown Of The Highest Paying Job In Each State
| State | Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Pediatricians | $265,750 |
| Alabama | Orthodontists | $289,740 |
| Arkansas | Internists | $247,280 |
| Arizona | Orthodontists | $284,310 |
| California | Anesthesiologists | $283,860 |
| Colorado | OBGYN | $277,770 |
| Connecticut | Anesthesiologists | $269,350 |
| Delaware | Surgeons | $286,400 |
| Florida | Oral Surgeons | $288,450 |
| Georgia | Surgeons | $277,260 |
| Hawaii | Podiatrists | $280,880 |
| Iowa | Oral Surgeons | $264,910 |
| Idaho | OBGYN | $281,710 |
| Illinois | Anesthesiologists | $259,520 |
| Indiana | Anesthesiologists | $273,570 |
| Kansas | Surgeons | $278,060 |
| Kentucky | Surgeons | $270,300 |
| Louisiana | Anesthesiologists | $284,510 |
| Massachusetts | Oral Surgeons | $283,350 |
| Maryland | Surgeons | $269,590 |
| Maine | Surgeons | $287,030 |
| Michigan | Surgeons | $281,570 |
| Minnesota | Internists | $260,500 |
| Missouri | Orthodontists | $271,750 |
| Mississippi | Pediatricians | $274,470 |
| Montana | OBGYN | $262,060 |
| North Carolina | Surgeons | $279,530 |
| North Dakota | Anesthesiologists | $286,250 |
| Nebraska | Surgeons | $283,760 |
| New Hampshire | Physicians | $275,050 |
| New Jersey | Orthodontists | $263,880 |
| New Mexico | Surgeons | $281,960 |
| Nevada | Anesthesiologists | $268,920 |
| New York | Anesthesiologists | $271,510 |
| Ohio | Anesthesiologists | $277,020 |
| Oklahoma | Anesthesiologists | $273,020 |
| Oregon | OBGYN | $256,100 |
| Pennsylvania | Anesthesiologists | $267,960 |
| Rhode Island | Surgeons | $278,300 |
| South Carolina | Oral Surgeons | $267,960 |
| South Dakota | Anesthesiologists | $285,880 |
| Tennessee | Anesthesiologists | $253,180 |
| Texas | Anesthesiologists | $261,670 |
| Utah | Dentists | $257,800 |
| Virginia | Oral Surgeons | $281,130 |
| Vermont | Anesthesiologists | $277,620 |
| Washington | Anesthesiologists | $260,390 |
| Wisconsin | Surgeons | $279,510 |
| West Virginia | Physicians | $239,630 |
| Wyoming | OBGYN | $263,490 |
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.
