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Create CVIf you’re searching for the average salary in the US by city, you’re likely trying to answer one of three critical questions:
“What should I be earning in my city?”
“Where can I earn the most money in the US?”
“Which cities offer the best salary vs cost of living?”
Here’s the reality from a recruiter and compensation perspective:
Salary is not just about the job — it’s heavily influenced by location, cost of labor, and company pay bands tied to geography.
This guide breaks down:
Average salaries in major US cities
Salary differences by region and industry
Real total compensation (not just base salary)
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San Francisco, CA: $95,000 – $180,000 (average ~$125,000)
New York City, NY: $85,000 – $170,000 (average ~$115,000)
Seattle, WA: $80,000 – $155,000 (average ~$110,000)
Boston, MA: $75,000 – $150,000 (average ~$105,000)
Concentration of Big Tech and finance companies
Aggressive competition for talent
Austin, TX: $70,000 – $130,000 (average ~$95,000)
Denver, CO: $70,000 – $125,000 (average ~$90,000)
Chicago, IL: $65,000 – $120,000 (average ~$88,000)
Atlanta, GA: $65,000 – $115,000 (average ~$85,000)
Strong job markets without extreme cost of living
Rapid tech expansion (especially Austin)
Competitive salaries with lower housing costs
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Dallas, TX: $60,000 – $110,000 (average ~$85,000)
Charlotte, NC: $60,000 – $105,000 (average ~$82,000)
Phoenix, AZ: $60,000 – $100,000 (average ~$80,000)
Tampa, FL: $55,000 – $95,000 (average ~$75,000)
Lower taxes (Texas, Florida)
Growing job markets
Strong demand in finance, healthcare, and logistics
How companies actually adjust pay by city
Where you can maximize your earning potential
Higher cost of living adjustments (COLA)
Strong bonus and equity culture
In cities like San Francisco and NYC:
Base salaries are high
BUT total compensation is where candidates really win
Equity (RSUs) can add $20K – $150K+ annually in tech roles
These markets are often referred to as “high-value cities” because:
Salaries are only ~10–20% lower than top cities
Cost of living can be 30–50% lower
Net disposable income is often higher
Candidates relocating from expensive cities often:
Accept slightly lower salaries
BUT increase real purchasing power significantly
Average salary: $90K – $140K
Strong in tech, startups, venture-backed companies
Average salary: $85K – $130K
Strong bonuses in finance and consulting
Average salary: $60K – $95K
Lower volatility, steady growth
Average salary: $55K – $100K
Increasing tech migration (Austin, Atlanta)
Base salary is only part of the story.
Base Salary
Bonus (5% – 50%)
Commission (sales roles)
Equity (RSUs, stock options)
San Francisco:
Base: $140K
Bonus: $20K
Equity: $60K
Total Compensation: $220K
Austin:
Base: $120K
Bonus: $15K
Equity: $30K
Total Compensation: $165K
Dallas:
Base: $110K
Bonus: $10K
Equity: $15K
Total Compensation: $135K
The biggest salary gap between cities comes from equity, not base salary.
Low-cost cities: $45K – $65K
Mid-tier cities: $55K – $75K
Top cities: $65K – $95K
Low-cost cities: $65K – $95K
Mid-tier cities: $80K – $115K
Top cities: $100K – $140K
Low-cost cities: $90K – $130K
Mid-tier cities: $110K – $150K
Top cities: $140K – $200K+
Companies set salary ranges based on:
City tier (Tier 1, 2, 3 markets)
Cost of labor (not just cost of living)
Example:
Same role may pay $150K in SF
$120K in Austin
$105K in Dallas
Important distinction:
Cost of living = expenses (rent, food)
Cost of labor = what companies must pay to hire talent
Companies care more about cost of labor.
Cities with talent shortages:
Pay more
Offer sign-on bonuses
Increase equity packages
Cities dominated by high-paying industries (tech, finance):
Drive up average salaries
Increase competition
Remote work has changed compensation significantly.
Location-based pay (adjusted by city)
National pay bands (same salary everywhere)
Hybrid (partial adjustment)
Top companies now:
Pay slightly below SF rates for remote roles
BUT above local market rates
This creates an advantage for candidates living in:
Texas
Florida
Midwest cities
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Raleigh, NC
Nashville, TN
Strong salaries
Lower housing costs
Growing job markets
No or lower state income tax (in some cases)
Relocate to higher-paying markets early in career
Switch companies in top-paying cities
Work remotely for high-paying companies
Target industries dominant in specific cities
Employers think in ranges tied to location.
“I’ll take the standard salary for this role in my area.”
“I understand the local band, but based on national benchmarks and remote market trends, I’m targeting compensation aligned with Tier 1 markets.”
Competing offers from different cities
Remote work flexibility
Specialized skills
Austin
Miami
Nashville
Raleigh
San Francisco
New York
Salary gaps between cities are shrinking due to remote work.
The highest salary does NOT always mean the most money in your pocket.
The best strategy is to target:
High-paying industries
Cities with strong job markets
Locations with favorable cost structures
The real goal is maximizing total compensation AND disposable income — not just chasing the highest base salary.
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