The 10 Best U.S. Metropolitan Areas for Landing a Six-Figure Salary
A new study reveals where professionals have the best shot at earning $100K or more — and which cities balance high pay with livable costs.
A new study by ScoutLogic, a background-check company that works closely with recruiters and HR teams, analyzed 40 major U.S. metro areas to find where professionals are most likely to secure six-figure salaries in 2025.
Researchers looked at four key factors:
- The percentage of jobs paying $100K or more
- Median household income
- Salary growth between 2023 and 2024
- Estimated monthly living costs
ScoutLogic then combined these metrics into an overall ranking of the top metros for six-figure opportunities, using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, and national cost-of-living indexes.
As co-founder, David Garcia explained, “Location strategy matters more than most job seekers realize. The smartest career moves balance earning potential with quality of life.”
10. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Charlotte rounds out the top 10, offering a mix of corporate opportunity and Southern affordability. About 13.9% of local jobs pay $100K or more, and the median household income sits at $80,201 — solid for a city where monthly costs average just over $1,200. Finance, energy, and healthcare are major drivers here, with Bank of America and Duke Energy among the metro’s biggest employers.
9. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
San Diego ties Charlotte in rank but for very different reasons — a strong tech and biotech presence paired with the perks of coastal living. Roughly 16.6% of jobs cross the six-figure line, and household incomes average $102,285. While the $1,381 monthly cost of living isn’t cheap, it’s still less punishing than nearby Los Angeles or San Francisco. (And there’s a ton of fun things to do here.)
8. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Seattle’s economy continues to thrive thanks to Amazon, Microsoft, and a booming tech corridor. Just over 21% of local jobs pay $100K+, and median household income tops $112,000. The $1,600 monthly cost of living stings, but career growth and stock-option potential help offset the expense.
7. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Boston matches Seattle’s strength, with six-figure salaries making up nearly a quarter of available jobs. At a median income of $112,484 and monthly costs of $1,480, the city’s concentration of hospitals, universities, and research labs fuels steady demand for highly educated professionals in biotech, law, and finance.
6. Salt Lake City-Murray, UT
Salt Lake City delivers a strong cost-of-living advantage, with average monthly expenses of just $1,139 — the lowest in the top 10. Around 10% of local jobs pay six figures, driven by a rising tech scene dubbed “Silicon Slopes.” The region’s mix of outdoor lifestyle and career opportunity is drawing remote workers and startups alike.
5. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Portland’s metro area offers balance: 13.2% of jobs pay $100K+, median income is $94,573, and monthly costs hover near $1,310. Intel’s massive Hillsboro campus anchors the local tech scene, while Nike’s Beaverton headquarters adds thousands of well-paid creative and corporate roles. It’s one of the few West Coast markets where you can land a six-figure job and still have a life outside work.
“Portland’s tech corridor, particularly in Hillsboro with Intel’s major presence, creates a strong foundation for high earners,” says Garcia. “Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton adds marketing, design, and corporate roles to the mix. It’s a metro where you can find six-figure salaries without sacrificing quality of life.”
4. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In the nation’s capital region, more than a quarter of jobs break the $100K mark. Federal agencies, defense contractors, and cybersecurity firms keep pay competitive — especially for professionals with security clearances. Median income is $123,896, with monthly costs of $1,485. It’s one of the most stable high-earning markets in the country.
3. Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Denver’s growing tech, aerospace, and energy sectors make it a standout for professionals seeking high pay without coastal prices. Roughly 18% of local jobs pay six figures, and median income hits $102,339. At $1,317 a month, living costs are far more forgiving than in California, making Denver one of the best value plays on the list.
“Denver represents the sweet spot many professionals are looking for,” Garcia notes. “You get access to six-figure opportunities in tech, aerospace, and energy sectors without the cost burden of coastal metros. We see a lot of career moves to Denver from candidates seeking this balance.”
2. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Nearly 60% of jobs in the Bay Area pay $100K or more, thanks to a blend of tech, finance, and biotech. The median income of $133,780 is impressive, though it comes with the country’s highest monthly costs ($1,616). Still, opportunities are vast, from startups to legacy firms, for anyone with the skills and stamina for San Francisco’s competitive job market.
“What sets the Bay Area apart is the diversity of six-figure roles,” says Garcia. “Beyond tech, you’ll find high earners in finance, biotech, legal services, and healthcare management. It’s not just one industry driving these numbers.”
1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
No surprise here: the heart of Silicon Valley leads the nation with nearly two-thirds of jobs paying six figures. The median household income is an unmatched $157,444, and monthly costs average $1,547. Apple, Google, and countless startups fuel the region’s extraordinary salaries — though they also attract fierce competition. If you’re in tech, this is still the ultimate high-earning hub.
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