Best US cities for high-paying entry level jobs compared to state average.

Best US cities for high-paying entry level jobs compared to state average.

The Best US Cities for High-Paying Entry-Level Jobs

city skyline

Are you a fresh graduate searching for highly-paid jobs? Look no further. Bozeman, Iowa, and Jackson are among the US cities offering some of the best rates for entry-level positions. In a recent study conducted by Resume.io, a résumé building platform, it was found that these cities have a high percentage of entry-level job listings with salaries above the median wage for their respective states.

The Study and its Findings

Resume.io used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and job site Indeed.com to analyze entry-level job listings across all 50 US states and 223 major cities. The study found that Bozeman, Montana topped the list, with a staggering 87.8% of entry-level roles offering a salary above the state’s median wage. Iowa City, Iowa followed closely at 87.7%, while Jackson, Mississippi, and Kansas had 84.8% and 83.1% respectively.

Surprisingly, California cities like San Francisco and Oakland also boast above-average salaries in just over 77% of their entry-level jobs. These figures indicate a promising job market for college graduates seeking well-paid opportunities.

Lower-Ranking Cities and States

Conversely, the cities that ranked lowest for highly paid entry-level roles included Washington, DC with only 26.4% of listings paying above the median wage, followed by Honolulu, Hawaii at 36.4%, and Virginia Beach, Virginia with 38.6%. These cities may not be the best options for ambitious graduates seeking high salaries right out of college.

South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Iowa emerged as the states with the highest number of well-paid entry-level jobs. If you’re looking for lucrative opportunities, these states should be at the top of your list.

Unrealistic Expectations

It seems that many college graduates have lofty aspirations when it comes to their first jobs. According to data reported by CNBC from Real Estate Witch, a surprising number of 2022 graduates believed they would be making a whopping $103,880 in their entry-level positions. However, the reality is quite different. On average, these jobs actually pay $40,153, as reported by Indeed.

The California Conundrum

While California cities like San Francisco and Oakland may initially seem like safe bets due to their thriving tech industries and well-paying jobs, the high cost of living in these areas can eat into new graduates’ salaries. It is crucial for graduates to consider not only the salary offered, but also the overall cost of living in each city before making their career decisions.

In conclusion, if you’re a recent graduate on the hunt for a high-paying entry-level job, Bozeman, Iowa, and Jackson should be on your radar. These cities offer above-average salaries for a large proportion of their entry-level positions. Remember to manage your expectations and consider factors such as cost of living when evaluating potential job opportunities. Good luck on your job search!