How US pay compares and where it is highest.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 08/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
The median US wage is $50,980 a year; the 90th percentile earns $128,560. Pay varies a great deal by occupation and by state.
| State ⇅ | Median wage ⇅ |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $91,540 |
| Massachusetts | $63,590 |
| Washington | $62,990 |
| Alaska | $61,000 |
| Colorado | $59,800 |
| Connecticut | $59,690 |
| New York | $59,670 |
| Maryland | $59,510 |
| New Jersey | $58,570 |
| California | $58,240 |
| Oregon | $57,000 |
| Minnesota | $56,920 |
| Rhode Island | $56,780 |
| Vermont | $56,390 |
| Hawaii | $56,320 |
| Occupation ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Radiologists | $420,860 |
| Surgeons, All Other | $414,010 |
| Anesthesiologists | $391,490 |
| Emergency Medicine Physicians | $335,550 |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $292,910 |
| Psychiatrists | $281,870 |
| Physicians, All Other | $265,930 |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $256,560 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $244,180 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $236,590 |
Pay is before tax and benefits. Compare with cost of living.
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