States like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut feature multiple counties where average weekly wages exceed $1,400, solidifying the region’s reputation as an economic powerhouse.

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

Several East Coast cities are among the top 50 metropolitan areas in the US for the highest wages, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2025.

The rankings highlight Washington, DC, Boston, and the New York City metro area as leaders in the Northeast, reflecting the region’s consistently strong earning potential.

Washington, DC, ranks third nationally, boasting an average annual wage of $68,430.

 Boston, another key economic hub, has an average annual wage of $64,620, good for sixth place. 

The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area also ranks high, at No. 7, with an average annual income of $60,460 and an hourly wage near $40.65 as of May 2024. 

The Northeast region overall continues to outpace much of the nation in income levels. 

States like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut feature multiple counties where average weekly wages exceed $1,400, solidifying the region’s reputation as an economic powerhouse.

Top 50 Cities For Highest Wages

Below is the full list of the metropolitan areas with the highest average annual wages:

  1. San Jose: $82,470
  2. San Francisco: $73,960
  3. Washington: $68,430
  4. Seattle: $67,510
  5. Boston: $64,620
  6. Denver: $61,110
  7. New York: $60,460
  8. Hartford: $59,270
  9. Portland: $59,040
  10. Sacramento: $58,880
  11. Minneapolis: $57,640
  12. Baltimore: $57,340
  13. San Diego: $56,580
  14. Los Angeles: $53,490
  15. Austin: $52,610
  16. Philadelphia: $51,760
  17. Chicago: $51,510
  18. Salt Lake City: $51,430
  19. Providence: $51,250
  20. Detroit: $50,740
  21. Richmond: $50,020
  22. Phoenix: $49,840
  23. Atlanta: $49,770
  24. Dallas: $49,740
  25. Milwaukee: $49,720
  26. Raleigh: $49,560
  27. Columbus: $49,510
  28. Kansas City: $49,480
  29. Cleveland: $49,000
  30. Charlotte: $48,880
  31. Nashville: $48,840
  32. Houston: $48,490
  33. Cincinnati: $48,490
  34. Virginia Beach: $48,430
  35. St. Louis: $48,290
  36. Riverside: $48,240
  37. Pittsburgh: $48,210
  38. Indianapolis: $48,210
  39. Miami: $47,920
  40. Louisville: $47,750
  41. Tampa: $47,720
  42. Grand Rapids: $47,510
  43. Jacksonville: $47,030
  44. Birmingham: $46,330
  45. San Antonio: $46,010
  46. Oklahoma City: $45,880
  47. Fresno: $45,810
  48. Memphis: $45,610
  49. Orlando: $45,410
  50. Las Vegas: $45,120

The BLS data confirms the Northeast as a standout region for wage growth and earning potential. Wage growth across the region is steady, with increases of around 1.0 to 1.1 percent as of mid-2025.

The report underscores the economic opportunities available in these urban centers, where industries like finance, technology, healthcare, and government fuel high-paying jobs.