Hawaii salaries by occupation
The median worker in Hawaii earned $53,260 a year in 2024, about $25.61 an hour, 7.6% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 418 occupations.
Median pay $53,260 $25.61 per hour
Vs national median +7.6% U.S. $49,500
Workers 620,930 wage and salary
Occupations reported 418 with at least 100 employed
What Hawaii is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dancers | 16.11× | 590 | not reported |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | 7.72× | 970 | $37,440 |
| Passenger Attendants | 6.76× | 690 | $41,760 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | 5.83× | 1,150 | $44,620 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | 5.38× | 800 | $53,520 |
| Transportation Security Screeners | 5.28× | 990 | $66,680 |
| Musicians and Singers | 4.88× | 750 | not reported |
| Cargo and Freight Agents | 4.81× | 1,900 | $39,720 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | 3.94× | 1,130 | $45,710 |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | 3.74× | 530 | $75,980 |
Metro areas in Hawaii
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 2 Hawaii metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku | $54,790 | $26.34 | 71,920 | #35 |
| Urban Honolulu | $54,660 | $26.28 | 443,350 | #37 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $231,500 | $111.30 | 570 | #1 of 33 |
| Pediatricians, General | $208,620 | $100.30 | 400 | #16 of 37 |
| Psychiatrists | $203,440 | $97.81 | 120 | #6 of 10 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $203,290 | $97.74 | 120 | #3 of 31 |
| Physician Assistants | $163,020 | $78.38 | 440 | #1 of 51 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $155,390 | $74.71 | 140 | #7 of 37 |
| Pharmacists | $150,710 | $72.46 | 1,310 | #7 of 51 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $148,620 | $71.45 | 1,300 | #36 of 49 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $142,040 | $68.29 | 220 | #17 of 36 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $140,750 | $67.67 | 2,590 | #4 of 49 |
| Dentists, General | $139,990 | $67.30 | 570 | #40 of 46 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $138,020 | $66.35 | 1,400 | #35 of 49 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 25,850 | $30,860 | $14.84 |
| Retail Salespersons | 18,140 | $36,050 | $17.33 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 13,830 | $48,570 | $23.35 |
| Office Clerks, General | 13,720 | $41,690 | $20.04 |
| Registered Nurses | 13,100 | $136,320 | $65.54 |
| General and Operations Managers | 13,010 | $105,160 | $50.56 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 12,190 | $44,710 | $21.49 |
| Cashiers | 11,240 | $34,930 | $16.79 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 11,190 | $51,530 | $24.78 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 10,310 | $63,470 | $30.52 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Hawaii
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Office and administrative support 40
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $77,510
- Postal Service Clerks $63,690
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $63,470
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $62,870
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $58,740
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $58,010
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $57,220
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $57,030
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $56,450
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $54,790
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $54,270
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $54,260
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $52,570
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $52,360
- Procurement Clerks $52,000
- Billing and Posting Clerks $50,890
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $50,760
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $50,580
- Bill and Account Collectors $50,380
- New Accounts Clerks $50,030
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $49,180
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $48,620
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $48,410
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $48,400
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $46,600
- File Clerks $46,250
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $45,420
- Order Clerks $45,410
- Financial Clerks, All Other $45,210
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $44,700
- Word Processors and Typists $42,920
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $42,430
- Office Clerks, General $41,690
- Customer Service Representatives $40,630
- Tellers $40,260
- Cargo and Freight Agents $39,720
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $38,950
- Couriers and Messengers $37,480
- Library Assistants, Clerical $35,340
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $30,680
Healthcare practitioners 36
- Pediatricians, General $208,620
- Psychiatrists $203,440
- Physician Assistants $163,020
- Pharmacists $150,710
- Dentists, General $139,990
- Optometrists $136,670
- Registered Nurses $136,320
- Nurse Practitioners $130,940
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $122,060
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $122,030
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $116,800
- Speech-Language Pathologists $108,230
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $107,910
- Veterinarians $102,730
- Chiropractors $102,260
- Physical Therapists $100,740
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $99,670
- Dental Hygienists $96,770
- Respiratory Therapists $94,670
- Occupational Therapists $94,550
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $82,230
- Surgical Technologists $76,200
- Athletic Trainers $70,930
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $65,560
- Medical Records Specialists $62,990
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $62,180
- Emergency Medical Technicians $61,310
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $56,260
- Opticians, Dispensing $56,090
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $55,000
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $53,520
- Psychiatric Technicians $52,180
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $47,670
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $46,850
- Pharmacy Technicians $45,380
- Dietetic Technicians $42,510
Management 31
- Chief Executives $231,500
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $148,620
- Medical and Health Services Managers $140,750
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $138,020
- Financial Managers $127,370
- Industrial Production Managers $125,030
- Construction Managers $122,910
- Managers, All Other $122,520
- Marketing Managers $121,160
- Human Resources Managers $118,060
- Sales Managers $116,640
- Training and Development Managers $108,450
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $106,960
- Administrative Services Managers $106,650
- Natural Sciences Managers $106,580
- Lodging Managers $106,560
- Public Relations Managers $105,980
- General and Operations Managers $105,160
- Facilities Managers $104,220
- Purchasing Managers $103,710
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $103,090
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $95,160
- Fundraising Managers $94,420
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $84,840
- Food Service Managers $82,380
- Education Administrators, All Other $74,430
- Legislators $74,150
- Social and Community Service Managers $74,070
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers $66,870
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $63,220
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $62,710
Installation, maintenance and repair 28
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $121,000
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $107,810
- Avionics Technicians $91,110
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $86,460
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $84,660
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $83,200
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $80,180
- Riggers $80,180
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $80,180
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $79,900
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $79,060
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $79,010
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $78,670
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $78,060
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $78,020
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $77,270
- Medical Equipment Repairers $75,950
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $63,780
- Mechanical Door Repairers $63,450
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $60,710
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $59,770
- Home Appliance Repairers $58,240
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $57,480
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $52,820
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $51,980
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $50,560
- Tire Repairers and Changers $48,300
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $48,080
Education and library 27
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $135,380
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $129,330
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $129,160
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $102,180
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $74,660
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $65,830
- Instructional Coordinators $64,500
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $64,340
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $62,880
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $61,830
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $60,910
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $60,420
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $58,660
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $58,240
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $55,760
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $50,150
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $50,070
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $49,910
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $49,850
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $48,260
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $44,780
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $44,750
- Library Technicians $44,200
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $38,380
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $36,360
- Tutors $35,990
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $35,420
Production 27
- Power Plant Operators $115,190
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $87,420
- Machinists $77,060
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $76,970
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $70,390
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $65,800
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $63,420
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $54,800
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $53,350
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $51,370
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $50,220
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $48,880
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $47,650
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $44,680
- Production Workers, All Other $43,990
- Helpers--Production Workers $42,720
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $42,230
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $42,070
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $41,600
- Bakers $38,690
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $38,530
- Printing Press Operators $38,390
- Sewing Machine Operators $36,500
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $34,890
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $34,810
- Food Batchmakers $34,150
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $31,620
Business and financial 26
- Labor Relations Specialists $102,070
- Logisticians $96,700
- Management Analysts $93,660
- Budget Analysts $90,750
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $90,580
- Financial and Investment Analysts $86,100
- Compliance Officers $80,930
- Project Management Specialists $80,220
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $79,370
- Cost Estimators $78,630
- Insurance Underwriters $76,810
- Credit Analysts $76,800
- Financial Specialists, All Other $76,740
- Personal Financial Advisors $75,680
- Loan Officers $70,280
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $68,370
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $68,050
- Accountants and Auditors $67,820
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $67,660
- Human Resources Specialists $66,970
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $65,870
- Financial Examiners $63,080
- Training and Development Specialists $61,410
- Fundraisers $61,030
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $59,340
- Tax Preparers $46,170
Transport and material moving 25
- Air Traffic Controllers $142,040
- Crane and Tower Operators $115,870
- Transportation Inspectors $105,650
- Commercial Pilots $102,390
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $75,980
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $69,090
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $64,660
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $64,270
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $63,280
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $61,680
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $59,320
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $58,070
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $55,330
- Bus Drivers, School $51,210
- Aircraft Service Attendants $49,970
- Driver/Sales Workers $47,240
- Light Truck Drivers $44,310
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $44,050
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $42,680
- Passenger Attendants $41,760
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $39,880
- Stockers and Order Fillers $38,600
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $35,960
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $34,150
- Parking Attendants $31,900
Construction and extraction 21
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $105,440
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $104,670
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $101,780
- Tapers $97,790
- Tile and Stone Setters $96,080
- Sheet Metal Workers $91,540
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $89,550
- Carpenters $85,970
- Glaziers $84,260
- Electricians $83,200
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $78,540
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $75,340
- Construction and Building Inspectors $69,560
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $67,620
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $67,220
- Construction Laborers $66,100
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $62,740
- Roofers $56,950
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $56,100
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $52,120
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $29,610
Arts, design, entertainment and media 17
- Music Directors and Composers $77,440
- Producers and Directors $69,760
- Public Relations Specialists $63,510
- Interior Designers $60,600
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $60,270
- Audio and Video Technicians $60,180
- Editors $58,000
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $52,250
- Graphic Designers $51,630
- Coaches and Scouts $48,630
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $45,840
- Photographers $45,440
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $41,850
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $37,960
- Floral Designers $36,630
- Dancers not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
Life, physical and social science 16
- Physical Scientists, All Other $111,380
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $108,840
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $102,000
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $100,690
- Biological Scientists, All Other $94,700
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $89,620
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $88,390
- Chemists $83,200
- Urban and Regional Planners $80,170
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $75,050
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $74,110
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $56,490
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $47,810
- Conservation Scientists $46,580
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $45,710
- Biological Technicians $45,000
Community and social service 16
- Marriage and Family Therapists $135,870
- Social Workers, All Other $108,780
- Healthcare Social Workers $84,640
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $70,340
- Counselors, All Other $68,250
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $66,720
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $66,450
- Health Education Specialists $64,580
- Clergy $64,010
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $54,600
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $54,430
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $54,390
- Community Health Workers $53,480
- Rehabilitation Counselors $46,450
- Religious Workers, All Other $44,960
- Social and Human Service Assistants $43,040
Personal care and service 16
- Concierges $57,060
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $55,660
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $52,000
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $51,180
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $48,690
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $47,570
- Tour and Travel Guides $44,620
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $40,140
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $38,040
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $37,440
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $37,350
- Childcare Workers $36,440
- Animal Caretakers $34,410
- Residential Advisors $33,440
- Recreation Workers $32,610
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $29,120
Food preparation and serving 15
- Chefs and Head Cooks $81,200
- Bartenders $68,820
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $49,820
- Waiters and Waitresses $48,570
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $47,250
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $47,190
- Cooks, Restaurant $44,710
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $43,070
- Cooks, Short Order $41,100
- Cooks, Fast Food $40,300
- Cooks, All Other $37,850
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $37,470
- Food Preparation Workers $37,240
- Dishwashers $35,990
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $30,860
Sales 15
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $120,490
- Insurance Sales Agents $63,950
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $61,060
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $59,580
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $58,700
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $55,380
- Advertising Sales Agents $49,450
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $49,190
- Real Estate Sales Agents $47,020
- Parts Salespersons $45,520
- Counter and Rental Clerks $44,250
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $43,960
- Retail Salespersons $36,050
- Cashiers $34,930
- Travel Agents $32,090
Computing and mathematics 13
- Information Security Analysts $125,790
- Data Scientists $123,880
- Software Developers $119,880
- Computer Network Architects $114,590
- Computer Occupations, All Other $112,050
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $100,320
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $99,570
- Operations Research Analysts $97,630
- Web Developers $93,600
- Database Administrators $93,400
- Computer Systems Analysts $86,700
- Computer Network Support Specialists $86,060
- Computer User Support Specialists $59,250
Architecture and engineering 13
- Computer Hardware Engineers $155,390
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $123,990
- Engineers, All Other $120,330
- Environmental Engineers $105,230
- Electrical Engineers $105,060
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $100,370
- Mechanical Engineers $95,250
- Civil Engineers $94,970
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $90,380
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $86,810
- Surveyors $79,730
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $64,110
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $51,750
Healthcare support 11
- Massage Therapists $80,590
- Physical Therapist Assistants $62,120
- Medical Equipment Preparers $51,470
- Medical Assistants $48,820
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $47,180
- Phlebotomists $45,510
- Dental Assistants $44,870
- Nursing Assistants $44,830
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $36,960
- Physical Therapist Aides $36,470
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $35,420
Protective service 11
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $129,360
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $112,100
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $89,390
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $75,630
- Transportation Security Screeners $66,680
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $66,250
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $61,300
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $55,540
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $53,940
- Security Guards $41,770
- School Bus Monitors $39,820
Building and grounds maintenance 7
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $62,480
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $60,580
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $59,490
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $51,530
- Pest Control Workers $48,420
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $44,800
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $37,120
Legal 4
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Hawaii?
The median across all occupations is $53,260 a year, or $25.61 an hour, covering 620,930 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Hawaii?
Chief Executives ($231,500), Pediatricians, General ($208,620), Psychiatrists ($203,440) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Hawaii employ the most people in?
Fast Food and Counter Workers, with 25,850 employed at a median of $30,860. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Hawaii electricity averages 52.00¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.