Ever wondered whether you earn more or less than the typical person in your state?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has crunched the numbers to find both the average and median wage for each state and DC. The median offers a more accurate picture of typical pay since it isn't thrown off by a relatively small number of super-low or mega-high salaries.

From least to most, we've ranked each state by its median salary. Read on to discover how your annual paycheck compares. 

Mississippi has long been one of the poorest states in America. The Magnolia State has the lowest median yearly wage in the land –significantly below the national median figure of $48,069 – and the lowest average too at just $47,570. But why?

Agriculture, which doesn't tend to pay well, is the state's number one industry, employing 17.4% of the workforce. Educational attainment is also low, with 14.7% of the population failing to graduate high school (the worst figure nationally) and college graduates few and far between. Exacerbating the issue is the lack of a state minimum wage; Mississippi is one of only five states without one, while the flat-rate income tax of 4.7% effectively penalizes low-paid workers.

Unsurprisingly, Mississippi has the second highest poverty rate nationwide at 18.2% and the lowest life expectancy at just 71.9, akin to a developing country. On the upside, the state has the second lowest cost of living in America as per US News & World Report.

Arkansas' median salary is not all that better at $39,062, while its average salary is $51,250.

High-paying jobs are relatively lacking in the state, with only 7% of the workforce engaged in managerial occupations. Other indicators at play include the high poverty rate and comparatively low life expectancy of 73.8. But it's not all bad; Arkansas has a fairer income tax system than Mississippi – it's one of 29 states with a graduated rate, which in its case, ranges from 2% to 4.4%. Best of all, the Natural State has the lowest cost of living in the nation, with residents getting a lot of bang for their buck.

West Virginians tend to scrape by as the median salary is $39,770 while the average in the state is $52,200. As per US News & World Report, the gap between rich and poor is extremely wide, with the state placing a lowly 47th for income equality. It's rated very poorly for economic opportunity too – only Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi score worse. Life expectancy is the second lowest nationally at only 72.8, and the poverty rate of 15.6% is well above the US average of 11.5%. And West Virginia is the least educated state overall, with just 21.3% of the population holding a bachelor's degree.

The state has a graduated income tax structure, with workers paying between 2.36% and 5.12%, and some local entities collect additional taxes. Like so many low-paying states, however, the key saving grace is West Virginia's affordable cost of living.

Louisiana's median salary is $41,330, while the state's average yearly wage is $53,440. Life expectancy in Louisiana is 73.1, which is the third worst nationally, while the Pelican State's poverty rate of 16.9% is also the third worst in America. Moreover, it's one of the five states without a state minimum wage, though employees are covered by the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

Louisiana's three most in-demand jobs, according to a recent study from online courses aggregator Class Central, are phlebotomist, flight attendant, and welder, none of which are typically well paid. On a more positive note, the state's graduated income tax starts at just 1.85%, while the cost of living in Louisiana is lower than the US average.

Alabama is one of the cheapest states to live in, with the third lowest living costs in the US. This is just as well since the median annual wage is $41,350, while the average stands at $53,400. Plus, Alabama lacks a state minimum wage, with employees having to make to do with the federal minimum.

Unemployment in the state is well below the US average of 4.2% at just 2.8%, but most of the job openings are for entry-level positions. Poverty is a major issue, with 14.8% of Alabamians living below the breadline, and life expectancy is the fourth lowest nationwide. State income tax is graduated, ranging from 2% to 5%, though some jurisdictions collect local income taxes on top.

Oklahoma's median salary is considerably lower than the national figure of $48,069 and its average yearly wage is low too at $53,450, compared to the countrywide average of $65,470.

Most indicators are poor. Poverty is relatively rampant in the Sooner State and life expectancy is lower than average, while Oklahoma is also among the least educated states. The state minimum wage equates to the federal base and managerial jobs tend to be scarce.

Positives include Oklahoma's cheapness – it has the seventh lowest cost of living – and graduated income tax rates, which begin at just 0.25% for the lowest paid.

South Carolina's median salary is only marginally higher at $42,224, as is its average yearly wage of $54,250.

Both the poverty rate and life expectancy are worse than the US average, as is educational attainment. South Carolina lacks a state minimum wage, but owing to its graduated income tax system, low earners pay the state nothing, while those on the highest salaries have to hand over 6.4% of their income.

Interestingly, according to a recent study by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, the state's fastest-growing jobs are in home healthcare support, data science, and cybersecurity.

South Dakota's median salary is a not-too-impressive $43,580, while its average figure is $53,230. That's lower than that of South Carolina.

The state's modest typical wages are surprising since it has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at a minuscule 2%. After all, an extra-tight jobs market tends to translate to higher pay levels. That said, South Dakota has the fourth most affordable living costs in America, a lower-than-average poverty rate of 9.7%, and a minimum hourly wage several dollars higher than the federal base. Plus, it's one of only seven states that levy no state income tax; workers there simply pay the relevant federal rate.

Unlike South Dakota, New Mexico has a very high poverty rate – the worst in the nation, in fact, at 18.2%. Life expectancy is a lot worse than the US average at only 74.5, equal to Kazakhstan's, and other indicators such as educational attainment are also poor. The Land of Enchantment's not-so-enchanting median wage of only $43,618 and average of $57,520 underscore the state's poor showing, and it's actually ranked a grim 43rd for economic opportunity and 36th for income equality.

Living costs are reasonable but 13 other states are cheaper, though the state minimum wage is a fairly decent $12 per hour and graduated income tax rates start at $1.7%.

Kentucky is one of the least educated states and has a low median wage of $43,722 and an average of $54,030. The Bluegrass State's scores over a slew of additional indicators are among the worst nationally, including life expectancy, poverty level, income equality, and unemployment. (Though historically low at 4.8%, it's the seventh highest unemployment rate in America).

Other cons include Kentucky's minimum wage, which equates to the federal bare minimum of $7.25, and the flat-rate income tax of 4%, which essentially penalizes lower-income employees. The only silver lining is Kentucky's cost of living, which is the ninth lowest in the US.

Another Southern state where folks don't earn that much generally, Tennessee has a median salary of $43,826, while the average salary is $56,030.

The state, which lacks its own minimum wage, is one of the worst for workers due to its policies on pay, employment protections, and rights to organize, as per a recent Oxfam analysis. What's more, everything from life expectancy to educational attainment is worse than the US average.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Living costs and the state's poverty rate are lower than the nationwide average, unemployment is super-low, and Tennessee doesn't impose a state income tax.

Idaho's median salary stands at $44,242, while its average is $55,640. The low-paying state has a low minimum wage to match – at $7.25, it's no higher than the federal base. Another disadvantage for those on modest incomes is its regressive flat-rate income tax of 5.8%, which favors higher earners.

While lower than average, living costs aren't all that economical, with Idaho only the 19th most affordable state. Despite this, Idaho is ranked fourth for income equality and has a relatively low rate of poverty at 8.9%.

Nevada's median salary isn't much higher than Idaho's at $44,803, though its average of $58,900 is considerably greater. This reflects the wider pay disparities in the Silver State, which is ranked joint 24th for income equality.

Nevada's low median wage figure can be attributed to various factors, from its relatively low educational attainment and high proportion of poorly paid, low-skilled roles to its above-average poverty levels and unemployment rate. While historically low at 5.5%, it's the second highest in the US.

Unlike many states where low pay is eased by low living costs, Nevada, which is ranked 28th for affordability, is comparatively expensive. At least workers there don't have to pay state income tax, which is among the state's few pros.

Florida's median salary stands at $45,074, while its average figure is significantly higher at $60,210. Again, this reflects wider pay disparities. Ranked 45th for income equality, the Sunshine State has one of the largest gaps between rich and poor nationwide.

Although the state doesn't collect income taxes, Florida isn't the best place for those on low incomes, though the state minimum wage isn't terrible at $12 per hour. Making ends meet can be tough as the cost of living is much higher than the US average – Florida is placed 38th for affordability – and this is mirrored in the excessive poverty rate of 13.1%.

While life expectancy is among the highest in the nation, this is probably due in large part to the wealthy retirees who flock to the state to enjoy their golden years.

The median salary in Missouri is the same as Florida's at $45,074, but the average of $57,580 is lower. This makes sense given Missouri's higher income equality – it's placed 26th in the nation by this metric.

Life expectancy, however, is lower in the state at 75.1, identical to Nicaragua's, as is the educational level of the workforce. But the poverty rate of 11.5% is bang on the US average, living costs are much cheaper, and the minimum wage is higher at $12.30 per hour. Missouri does levy income tax, though it's graduated, ranging from 2% to 4.8%.

Kansas is more affordable still, with the state ranked 12th for cost of living. This goes a long way toward easing the financial pressures that come with the state's modest salaries. Its median is $45,261 and the average stands at $56,270, with the state placed 18th for income equality.

The poverty rate is relatively low at 9% and the Sunflower State scores well in terms of opportunity, educational attainment, and various other factors, though income tax rates aren't the lowest.

In-demand jobs in the state that pay well include transportation manager, dental hygienist, and medical sonographer, according to the Kansas Department of Labor.

North Carolina has a significantly higher median salary than its southern counterpart at $45,448 and an average of $59,730, though both figures are below the typical figures for the US as a whole.

Compared to South Carolina, the Tar Heel State has proportionally more lucrative tech, research, aerospace, and higher education jobs and fewer low-paying manufacturing and tourism roles. The poverty rates of both states are identical though at 13.3%, while South Carolina has a more regressive flat income tax rate of 4.5% and slightly higher living costs.

Georgia's median salary is $45,469 and the average comes in at $61,250. The disparity between the two figures is wide, but Georgia has less income inequality than North Carolina and a lower poverty rate of 13%.

The state minimum wage is the joint lowest in the land at $5.15 per hour, but it's canceled out by the federal base of $7.25. Other negatives include Georgia's poor educational attainment – as many as 12.2% of Georgians never graduated high school – as well as the state's low life expectancy of 75.6, which is worse than Brazil's.

The Rust Belt state of Indiana has never really recovered all the well-paying, highly skilled manufacturing jobs it lost over the past few decades. This is echoed in its comparatively modest median salary of $45,469 and average of $56,420.

It doesn't help matters that Indiana is one of the most poorly educated states. Indiana's life expectancy is much worse than the US average too. But there are some positives. Living costs are generally affordable, income disparities are relatively narrow, and the poverty rate is below the nationwide average of 11.5% at 10.9%.

Montana has a median salary of $45,698 and its average is $55,920. The state scores well across a range of metrics, from job openings and educational attainment to income equality, life expectancy, and unemployment. But while the general cost of living is low, housing is rather expensive, which puts off newcomers, partly explaining the state's labor shortage.

Other negatives include Montana's graduated income tax rates, which start at a pretty high 4.7%.

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but the state's median salary is relatively small at $45,968. The average is larger at $61,240, indicating a wider-than-typical gap between the haves and have-nots.

While the Lone Star State has more than its fair share of well-compensated jobs in the oil sector and other lucrative industries, low-paying roles are plentiful, and the poverty rate is high at 13.7%. Living costs are somewhat steep, and the minimum wage is on a par with the federal base. The good news is that Texans pay no state income tax.

Up in Iowa, the median salary stands at $46,259 but the average of $56,400 is lower than the Texan figure. This makes sense since Iowa has a considerably narrower wage gap – it's actually the 10th best state for income equality.

Though median pay is relatively low in the Hawkeye State, Iowans are less financially squeezed than many Americans. The state is the fifth most affordable, and the poverty rate is below the national average at 9.4%, while unemployment is exceedingly low. The downside is the state's graduated income tax system, given the lowest rate is comparatively high at 4.4%.

In neighboring Nebraska, the median salary comes in at $46,466, while the average is $58,080. The state has wider pay disparities than Iowa but these are below the nationwide standard.

Nebraska has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at just 2.7%, even lower than Iowa's figure of 2.9%, and a comparatively low poverty rate of 8.1%. Job openings are so plentiful that there's a severe labor shortage, despite the Cornhusker State's very reasonable cost of living, fairly high minimum wage of $12 per hour, and low starting state income tax rate of 2.46%.

The median salary is $46,696 in Ohio, while the average stands at $59,890. Income equality is marginally worse than the US average and the rate of poverty is on par with the nationwide figure of 11.5%.

Ohio has the 16th most affordable living costs in the US, and Toledo is the cheapest city in America to buy a home according to Realtor.com and Bankrate, and the most economical for renting as per real estate site Clever, so paychecks go further in the state. The minimum wage of $10.25 an hour is higher than the federal base and the entry-level income tax rate is reasonably low at 2.75%.

Michigan's median salary is $46,946, while its average figure is $60,600. Income equality is around the countrywide average and the cost of living is several rungs below.

On the other hand, the poverty rate exceeds the national average at 11.7%, as does the unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is identical to that of fellow Rust Belt state Ohio. The state has a minimum wage of $10.33 per hour, rising to $10.56 next year. But those on low incomes pay the same state income tax rate as higher earners at 4.25%, and some jurisdictions collect additional local income taxes.

The economy in Utah has recently diversified and gone hi-tech, with the state a hub for data centers among other impressive industries. Its median salary is $47,008, while its average yearly pay is $61,070.

The cost of living in the Beehive State is around the US average but Utah excels in terms of other indicators. It's the best state for income equality and has the joint lowest poverty rate in the nation at just 7.1%, as well as lower-than-average unemployment. Utah's flat-rate state income tax of 4.55% could be fairer though.

The median salary in Wyoming comes in at $47,258, while the average is $57,930. Although Wyoming's economy is heavily reliant on energy (a high-paying industry) and hospitality (a lower-paying one), the state is ranked fifth for income equality.

Living costs are below the US average – Wyoming is placed 20th in this respect – and the rate of poverty is low at 8.7%, plus the state doesn't levy income tax. Wyoming does have the joint lowest state minimum wage though at $5.15, however it's rendered moot by the federal minimum of $7.25.

Pennsylvania's median salary stands at $47,445 and the average is $61,920. Unemployment is below the nationwide average, but the cost of living is above and the state is placed 35th for income equality.

Other indicators show that educational attainment in Pennsylvania is around the typical level for America as a whole, the poverty rate of 10.8% is below the average, and the state minimum wage is equivalent to the federal base. Income tax is levied at a flat rate of 3.07%, but some areas collect additional local income taxes.

Maine is placed 33rd for cost of living, so its median salary of $47,590 and average of $60,000 go less far than they would in Pennsylvania. The state's chief industries are fishing, logging, shipbuilding, and farming. Apart perhaps from shipbuilding, these sectors don't tend to pay particularly well.

The state does have better income equality than Pennsylvania, however – it's ranked 13th by this metric. And poverty is even less of an issue, with only 8.9% of Mainers living below the breadline. This has much to do with the state minimum wage, which is a generous $14.15 per hour. State income tax rates aren't the lowest though, ranging from 5.8% to 7.15%.

Wisconsin has the exact same median salary as Maine but its average is $500 lower. America's Dairyland has lower living costs and the fourth lowest poverty rate in the nation at just 8%.

Wisconsin has a narrower gap between rich and poor since it's ranked ninth for income equality. However, it scores less well on educational attainment and has a slightly lower life expectancy – 77.7 compared to Maine's 78.2. In terms of income tax, the state collects between 3.5% and 7.65% of paychecks depending on salary level.

Arizona's median salary is a shade below the nationwide figure of $48,069, while its average stands at $63,040. The state has a broad mix of key industries with differing pay levels, including mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Income equality is better than the US in its entirety, but the cost of living and rate of poverty are higher. Fortunately, the state minimum wage is comparatively generous at $14.35 per hour, and while the state income tax is a flat rate, which penalizes poorer workers, it's not all that high at 2.5%.

Illinois' median salary is higher than the nationwide number at $48,734, and its average is higher too at $67,130. Chicago's bumper pay rates presumably have much to do with this. Indeed, there are large pay disparities statewide – Illinois ranks a very poor 42nd for income equality.

That said, the state minimum wage is higher than most at $14 per hour, and the 9.4% poverty rate is lower than the US average. Other pros include Illinois' high educational attainment levels, but 34 states have cheaper living costs and the flat-rate state income tax of 4.95% is a negative.

North Dakotans fare relatively well considering the median yearly wage in the state is above the nationwide number and the cost of living is very affordable – the state is actually the sixth cheapest. Oil drilling and natural gas extraction are North Dakota's main industries, and both tend to pay handsomely.

Jobs are abundant with unemployment at just 2.3%, the third lowest figure in the US, and state income tax rates are reasonable, ranging from 1.95% to 2.5%. As might be expected, the rate of poverty in the state is below the US average at 9.6%.

Delaware has a median salary of $49,275, while its average yearly wage is a very decent $65,990.

The state is among the best educated and boasts formidable STEM-based industries employing a high concentration of science and engineering PhD grads. It's ranked third in the nation for income equality and the poverty rate is lower than the US average, while the state minimum wage is set at $13.25 an hour.

Living costs aren't cheap but they're not overly pricey either. Income tax-wise, the state has a graduated system, with rates ranging from 2.2% to 6.6%, though certain jurisdictions collect additional income taxes.

Vermont's median salary stands at $49,629 and its average is $62,780. Tourism and agriculture, which don't tend to be high-paying, are major industries but the state also has pockets of lucrative industries such as aerospace and defense.

Vermont has the second lowest unemployment rate nationwide at 2.2%, so work is easy to come by. Other pluses include the state's narrow gap between rich and poor – it's ranked sixth for income equality – as well as its generous minimum wage, low poverty rate, long life expectancy, and very high educational attainment levels. State income tax is graduated and starts at 3.35%.

The main downside is the cost of living, as Vermont is ranked 33rd for affordability.

Virginia's median salary of $49,920 and average of $70,050 are very high for a Southern state. This is primarily thanks to its proximity to the nation's capital, together with its strong, diverse economy and highly educated workforce.

However, the state's expensive living costs eat into its citizens' paychecks and Virginia has wider wage disparities than 31 states. The rate of poverty is low though at 8.6% and the unemployment rate is just 2.8%. As for state income tax, it ranges from 2% to 5.75%.

New Hampshire has a median salary of $49,982, while its average is $66,110.

The Granite State has a lot going for it. New Hampshire is number one for economic opportunity, ranks seventh for income equality, and has the joint lowest poverty rate nationwide at 7.1%. Unemployment is very low at just 2.6% and other indicators including life expectancy are excellent, while the state's income tax of 3% is only levied on interest and dividend income. The one catch is New Hampshire's punishing living costs since it's the sixth most pricey state.

Oregon's median salary stands at $50,003, while its average annual wage is $66,711.

The state has a smaller than average gap between the highest and lowest earners. The minimum wage is $14.70, more than double the federal base, and the rate of poverty is lower than the US average at 9.5%. Educational levels are higher than are typical for America as a whole and life expectancy is better too.

Cons include the hefty cost of living – Oregon is the eighth most expensive state – and income taxes. In addition to a graduated state levy of between 4.75% and 9%, those in work are hit with extra taxes in some jurisdictions.

Hawaii has a median salary of $50,502 and its average is $65,030. Given these high numbers, you may think Hawaiians are flush with money. However, the Aloha State has the second highest cost of living in America, putting immense financial strain on the workforce.

Hawaii does score well for income equality and the poverty rate is lower than the US average. Unemployment is impressively low at 2.9% and the state's income tax system is progressive, featuring 12 brackets ranging from 1.4% to 11%. Other positives include the state's high level of educational attainment and life expectancy, which is the best in the country at 80.7.

Minnesota's vibrant economy is supported by a variety of robust sectors, including advanced manufacturing, biotech, clean energy, food and agriculture, and finance. The state's median salary is high as a result, standing at $50,877, with an average of $66,700.

The cost of living is higher than the national average but not exorbitant, and Minnesota is ranked 11th for income equality. Life expectancy is the third highest in the US and the poverty rate is the third lowest. Educational attainment levels are high while unemployment is very low.

Drawbacks are the state minimum wage and Minnesota's graduated income tax system, which has relatively high rates of between 5.35% and 9.85%.

Little Rhody has quite a big median salary of $50,960 and a sizable average to match at $66,610. Living costs in the tiny state are high but income equality is better than the nationwide average and the poverty rate is significantly lower, though unemployment is higher at (an albeit historically low) 4.6%.

The workforce is well-educated and the minimum wage is strong at $14 per hour, rising to $15 at the start of 2025. Meanwhile, the state income tax is graduated and ranges from 3.75% to 5.99%.

California has America's most expensive cost of living. While its median and average salary are high at $54,038 and $76,960 respectively, paychecks are gobbled up by the cost of housing, utilities, and groceries.

Despite having a very high minimum wage, which is $16 per hour, income inequality is rife and the poverty rate is around the national average. On the bright side, educational levels and life expectancy are higher than the national average. The Golden State has a progressive tax system, which ranges from 1% to a substantial 13.3% for the highest earners. There's also a payroll tax of 1.1%, which bumps up the top rate to 14.4%.

Colorado's median salary is on a par with California's, but its average is lower at $71,960 since the Centennial State has better income equality – it's ranked 13th in the country by this metric.

The state has less poverty and lower unemployment than California: 4% compared to Cali's 5.3%. It's also less expensive, but by no means cheap, given the state has the 12th highest cost of living nationwide. Colorado beats California in terms of other indicators too. It's better educated – only Massachusetts and DC have higher levels of attainment – and scores higher for economic opportunity.

That said, Colorado's minimum wage and life expectancy are slightly lower than California's.While great for higher-income earners, its flat-rate income tax of 4.4% isn't so brilliant for those on lower wages.

New Jersey has a median salary of $54,870 and an average of $73,980. The Garden State benefits from its closeness to New York City and impresses with a wealth of flourishing industries, from state-of-the-art healthcare and pharmaceuticals to financial services.

Living costs are high and the gap between rich and poor is large. However, the poverty rate of 8.2% is lower than the national average and the state has one of the highest minimum wages in the land at $15.13 per hour, though the smallest businesses get away with paying their staff less. Other indicators are very healthy too, including educational attainment, and New Jersey's graduated income tax system is fair, with rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

The best-paying Southern state courtesy of its prosperous diversified economy, highly educated workforce, and proximity to DC, Maryland's median salary is $55,806, while its average stands at $73,620. Despite the large gap between the two figures, the state is ranked 15th for income equality.

The poverty rate comes in at just 8.6% and the state's minimum wage is an ample $15 per hour. In terms of state income tax, workers pay between 2% and 5.75% depending on income level. The downside is Maryland's cost of living: the Old Line State is the 10th most expensive.

Affluent Connecticut has a median salary of $56,118 and its average amounts to $73,740. The ninth most pricey state, living costs are steep and the state is the second worst for income equality, though the poverty rate is lower than the US average.

State income tax is levied at rates between 2% and 6.99%, the educational attainment of the population is high, and the state minimum wage stands at $15.69 per hour.

Alaskans have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to pay. The state's median and average salaries are very high at $56,139 and $69,880 respectively. Though living costs aren't the most economical, 14 states are more expensive, including some with considerably lower typical wages.

Income equality is excellent – Alaska is ranked second in the nation in this respect – and the state is placed third for economic opportunity. Adding to the pros, Alaska doesn't collect income taxes. But the state isn't perfect: life expectancy, educational attainment, and the minimum wage of $11.73 per hour could all be improved.

New York's median salary is $56,846, while its average is much greater at $78,620. A state of vastly differing incomes, from the high wages of Manhattan to the lower pay in more disadvantaged boroughs of New York City and upstate, New York is the worst state for income equality. And it's the seventh most expensive too.

The rate of poverty is above the US average at 12.4% and state income tax is on the heavy side, with rates ranging from 4% to 10.9%. Positives include the state's long life expectancy, high level of educational attainment, and a minimum wage of $15 an hour.

Washington's median salary is $59,925, while its average salary is $78,310. These figures are high but wages have to stretch far; the state has the third steepest cost of living in the country. While income equality is better than that of New York, it's worse than the US average. Most of the state's high-paying jobs are in tech, and these are concentrated in the Seattle metro area.

As far as other indicators go, Washington is among the best educated states in America and has the most generous minimum wage at $16.28 per hour. The poverty rate of 8.3% is low and only Hawaii has a longer life expectancy. What's more, workers in the Evergreen State get to keep more of their paychecks since Washington doesn't collect income taxes.

Massachusetts is brimming with industries that offer plenty of high-paying jobs, from finance and biotech to higher education and healthcare. It's no wonder that it boasts median and average salaries of $60,694 and $80,330 respectively.

There are plenty of positives in the Puritan State: no other state is better educated, life expectancy is exceptional by US standards, and unemployment is lower than the nationwide average. Massachusetts' minimum wage is open-handed at $15 per hour, and the state's rate of poverty is low at 8.5%.

Yet income equality is poor – in terms of states, only Connecticut and New York score worse by this metric. Living costs are very high, with Massachusetts the fourth priciest state, and its income taxes range from 5% to 9%.

Befitting its status as America's capital, DC has the highest median salary in the country at $84,448. The average is the highest too, at an impressive $106,230. But not everyone in the nation's seat of government is raking it in.

DC has a massive gap between rich and poor, with 14.7% of the population living below the breadline. The minimum wage is higher than any state at $17.50 but living costs are sky-high, and DC's unemployment rate is the highest in the country at 5.7%. Meanwhile, income taxes range from 4% to 10.75%.

Now discover what the average person earns in different countries around the world