8 Jobs That Pay You 50% More If You Live in These States

Anyone who has gone on the job hunt knows that there can be a significant salary difference depending on which state you choose to live in. Some states offer higher wages in order to attract top performers, and some states have to offer higher wages in order to compete with the increased cost of living.

GOBankingRates looked at the national mean wage and what the highest paying states are for some occupations to come up with a list of jobs that will pay you 50% more if you live in a particular state. 

• National mean wage: $358,080
• Indiana mean wage: $702,270

While you can make more money as an athlete or sports competitor in Indiana, the harsh reality is that there may be fewer opportunities in this state for professional sports. Athletes may also be limited in where they can live based on the sport and the team that they sign with.

GOBankingRates’ research indicates that both renters and homeowners could live comfortably off $72,000 per year in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

• National mean wage: $347,870
• Delaware mean wage: $534,920

Excluding orthopedic, pediatric, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, these specialized healthcare professionals tend to be best-paid in Delaware.

The recent rebound in employment has made a slight difference in the cost of living. When looking at the minimum salary to be happy, GOBankingRates discovered that you must earn $110,670 in Delaware to reach this threshold.

• National mean wage: $327,650
• Alabama mean wage: $514,330

With a median housing cost of just $8,684, Alabama is one of the cheapest states to live in at the moment. If you’re able to earn a high wage and find affordable housing, a move to Alabama could help you build your savings.

• National mean wage: $265,450
• Montana mean wage: $409,920

Montana is one of the more expensive states to live in, with an annual hosting cost of $14,658. The state also has an $11,000 difference between the median annual income and the average annual living wage, so many earners in the state are below the living wage. In positive news, Montana has a low unemployment rate of 2.8%.

• National mean average: $255,510
• Delaware mean average: $386,390

It’s worth mentioning that this state has made it twice on this list — in both cases, for healthcare specialists. The state may have to offer higher wages than the national average in order to attract top talent.

• National mean wage: $247,350
• North Dakota mean wage: $390,140

With an annual living wage of $62,555 and a median annual salary of $65,315, the average resident in the state earns a bit more than the living wage — but psychiatrists can make much more.

• National mean wage: $246,440
• New Jersey mean wage: $414,350

The annual cost of living in New Jersey is much higher than in most other states at $36,386. However, the median income is $85,245, which is more than sufficient to cover the higher expenses. However, you’re going to have to ensure that the higher wage offsets the increase in all other expenses. 

• National mean wage: $255,270
• Wisconsin mean wage: $347,740

The annual cost of living in Wisconsin is about $45,866, with a median salary of $63,293 and an annual living wage of $61,526. This means that the average resident of Wisconsin is in a decent financial position. 

While a higher mean wage in a state may make it enticing to move, you still have to factor in the other costs associated with relocating. It’s critical that you look at your housing costs, taxes in the state and overall prices of everyday items.

You don’t want to chase a higher wage only to find out that your cost of living has increased to the point that you can’t save as much money for retirement as you would like to. It’s a good idea to compare all of the other numbers before making a decision to move to another state for a higher wage.