Salary by State: Where Can You Really Earn the Most?

It may appear that New York and California have the highest average salaries for your career — but once you factor in the cost of living, the picture quickly changes. Choose your occupation below to see which states really offer the best salaries.

How to use this graph

Average salary ($K)

Average salary, adjusted for cost of living ($K)

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics and Bureau of Economic Analysis

How Does Your Education Factor In?

It’s not just about where you live, it’s also about what you do. Your degree plays a huge role in how much you could earn.

Request Program Info

Note: Average salary information is not available for every state for certain occupations. Where this is the case, we have omitted the state from the graph above.

Sources and Methodology

The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!

There are some errors in the form. Please correct the errors and submit again.

Request More Information

Talk with a program manager today.

Fill out the form to receive information about:

Program Details and Applying for Classes
Financial Aid and FAFSA
Customized Support Services
Detailed Program Plan

Step 1 of 3

What's Your Name?

First Name

Please enter your first name.

Last Name

Please enter your last name.

Step 2 of 3

Contact Information

Email Address

Please enter your email address.

Phone Number

Please enter your phone number.

ZIP Code

Please enter your five digit zip code.

Step 3 of 3

Program Preferences

Preferred Area of Study

Please choose a school of study.

Preferred Program

Please choose a program.

Preferred Degree Level

Please choose a degree.

The program you have selected is not available in your area. Please select another program of interest.

By requesting information, I authorize Rasmussen College to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. There is no obligation to enroll.