One map shows the highest-paying job in every state

Family medicine physician was among the best-paying jobs in seven states based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Highest-paying occupations were determined by state and Washington, DC using only roles with both employment and average annual wage estimates, and by requiring at least 1,000 employees. Catchall physician groupings were excluded when specific job titles were available. Chief executives were the top-paying job in 14 states, while healthcare-related roles led in about half the states. Radiologists were highest-paying in Pennsylvania, and cardiologists led in Georgia, New York, and Texas. Some top-paying roles also appeared among high-paying, fast-growing jobs, including financial managers and postsecondary health specialties teachers. Healthcare supported overall job growth, accounting for about a third of April’s job growth and over 100% of overall job growth in 2025.

"Family medicine physician was the best-paying job in seven states last year. Business Insider previously ranked the highest-paying jobs in the US using May 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now, we wanted to see what pays the best on average by state and in Washington, DC."

"To do so, we only looked at occupations with both specific employment and average annual wage estimates. We ranked those with at least 1,000 employees to determine the best-paying position for each area. We excluded catchall job titles, such as a grouping for physicians not listed separately."

"Chief executives were the top-paying job in 14 states. The highest-paying job in half of the states was a healthcare-related role. For instance, the highest-paying job in Pennsylvania with at least 1,000 workers was radiologists. Meanwhile, cardiologists were the best-paying role among jobs that fit our criteria in Georgia, New York, and Texas."

"However, most healthcare-related jobs that appear on the map aren't projected to see a lot of job growth over the decade at the national level. Still, the healthcare sector has been helping prop up the US job market. The sector accounted for about a third of April's job growth on its own. In 2025, the sector accounted for over 100% of overall job growth; the US economy, excluding healthcare, lost jobs."

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