If You’re Looking for a Six-Figure Job, It Might Be Tough in These 5 States
Not every state or county has the same opportunities for high-paying jobs. While a six-figure salary may be more common in some parts of the country, workers in other states could have a much harder time finding one.
A JobLeads analysis of roughly 27 million U.S. job postings found substantial differences in the number of jobs offering salaries of $100,000 state by state. Here are several states where six-figure job opportunities are less common.
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1. Mississippi
Mississippi sits at the bottom of JobLeads’ list, with only a 6% share of six-figure postings. This is the lowest rate of any state. You may struggle to find a higher-paying job, but the cost of living is also much lower.
According to the Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi’s cost of living is 14% lower than the national average, and housing costs are also about 40% lower than what you’d find nationally. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) calculated the average annual per-person spending in Mississippi at $42,131 in 2023.
2. Arkansas
Another state with fewer six-figure salary job openings is Arkansas. JobLeads reported that only about 7% of postings offer $100,000 or more; however, its cost of living is more affordable than the national average.
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission reported a cost of living 11% lower than the national average, mostly due to housing costs, food, transportation and goods, and services. There’s also no sales tax on groceries. As of August 2026, the average rent in the state is $968 per month, according to Apartments.com, while Zillow reported an average home value of $225,822.
3. Oklahoma
Only about 7% of job postings in Oklahoma offer a six-figure salary, JobLeads reported. The BEA found that the average annual per-person spending in Oklahoma was $44,398.
But despite the lower cost of living, the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reported earlier this year that its updated Family Budget Calculator shows higher minimum wages are needed in states like Oklahoma to afford the cost of living. The organization found that the state’s minimum wage falls short by over $12 per hour for a one-person budget in the state’s lowest cost county.
4. Alabama
Alabama’s share of job postings offering six figures or more is also around 7%, JobLeads reported. The BEA found that the average annual per-person spending in Alabama was only slightly higher than Oklahoma, at $44,529.
According to Insure.com, the overall cost of living in the state is 12% cheaper than the national average, but monthly living expenses vary depending on your household size and whether you own or rent a home. In Alabama, homeowners often spend about $7,473 per month, while renters spend $3,936.
5. Tennessee
Tennessee was included in the cluster of states with a share of six-figure job postings around 7%. Living costs in the state are about 10% lower than the national average, according to The Mountain Press, but this varies significantly by area.
The publication estimated a yearly income of around $53,460 per year for a single adult, or $4,455 per month. For a family of four, this ranges between $58,000 and $65,000. However, the BEA reported an average annual per-person spending of $49,326. Housing was the highest cost. Zillow reported an average home value of $335,508, while Apartments.com reported an average rent of $1,366 per month.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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