Is $50K a Good Salary for a Single Person in 2024?

If you’re single and making $50,000 a year, you likely have enough to live on comfortably in just about any state in the U.S. This is particularly true in suburbs and smaller cities, like Jacksonville, FL, Birmingham, AL, and Toledo, OH, where the cost of living is lower than the national average. However, if you’re planning to live in a major metropolis like San Francisco, New York, or Boston, making ends meet on a $50,000 salary could be more of a challenge.

Is $50K a Good Salary?

While $50,000 a year isn’t a six-figure salary, it’s often enough for a single person to be able to afford the basics — think housing, utilities, food, and insurance — and still have cash left over for fun and savings.

If you’re just entering the job market after graduating college, $50,000 can be a good entry-level salary, especially if you decided to live at home for a while. Doing so can help you build up your bank account, so when it comes time to find a place to live, you’ll have a financial cushion to show potential landlords.

And remember, whether you’re earning $50K a year at your first job or less, your income will likely increase with time and experience. As your earning potential grows, a money tracker can help you keep an eye on where your paycheck is going.

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Average Median Income in the US by State in 2024

According to the latest data from the Social Security Administration, the average salary in the U.S. is $63,795. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median average salary, which represents the midpoint of salaries in the U.S., was $59,540 in 2023.

The chart below shows the list of the average median income in each U.S. state according to USA Today and Blueprint, based on BLS data:

State Average Median Income
Alabama $57,564
Alaska $66,820
Arizona $65,780
Arkansas $53,716
California $84,448
Colorado $74,152
Connecticut $78,572
Delaware $64,896
Florida $64,168
Georgia $64,844
Hawaii $62,296
Idaho $53,976
Illinois $70,564
Indiana $57,304
Iowa $56,264
Kansas $56,212
Kentucky $57,200
Louisiana $56,836
Maine $58,396
Maryland $72,904
Massachusetts $86,840
Michigan $63,440
Minnesota $68,380
Mississippi $48,048
Missouri $59,800
Montana $55,744
Nebraska $57,784
Nevada $61,828
New Hampshire $72,124
New Jersey $76,128
New Mexico $57,564
New York $84,292
North Carolina $62,296
North Dakota $61,568
Ohio $60,320
Oklahoma $54,704
Oregon $66,612
Pennsylvania $66,404
Rhode Island $63,492
South Carolina $56,108
South Dakota $53,820
Tennessee $62,140
Texas $68,744
Utah $61,516
Vermont $61,100
Virginia $71,292
Washington $85,748
West Virginia $55,900
Wisconsin $58,552
Wyoming $56,992

Average Cost of Living in the US by State in 2024

The term cost of living refers to the amount of money someone needs to cover basic necessities. Based on data from Forbes Advisor, here’s the average cost of living per state in 2024:

State Average Cost of Living
Alabama $33,654
Alaska $48,670
Arizona $39,856
Arkansas $32,979
California $53,171
Colorado $45,931
Connecticut $46,912
Delaware $44,389
Florida $40,512
Georgia $38,747
Hawaii $55,491
Idaho $37,658
Illinois $41,395
Indiana $36,207
Iowa $35,871
Kansas $35,185
Kentucky $35,508
Louisiana $35,576
Maine $39,899
Maryland $48,235
Massachusetts $53,860
Michigan $37,111
Minnesota $41,498
Mississippi $32,336
Missouri $35,338
Montana $37,328
Nebraska $37,519
Nevada $41,630
New Hampshire $45,575
New Jersey $49,511
New Mexico $34,501
New York $49,623
North Carolina $36,702
North Dakota $35,707
Ohio $35,932
Oklahoma $33,966
Oregon $46,193
Pennsylvania $40,066
Rhode Island $44,481
South Carolina $34,826
South Dakota $36,864
Tennessee $34,742
Texas $37,582
Utah $40,586
Vermont $43,927
Virginia $43,067
Washington $47,231
West Virginia $34,861
Wisconsin $37,374
Wyoming $37,550

Recommended: The 25 Highest-Paying Jobs in the U.S.

How to Live on a $50K Salary

To make sure you can live on a $50,000 salary without being stretched too thin, you’ll want to review your overall spending and create a budget. Online tools like a budget planner app can help with that.

When it comes to defining “living comfortably,” your salary would ideally be able to fit the guidelines of a 50/30/20 budget. This method suggests that 50% of your earnings covers your needs, such as housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare costs, 30% goes toward your wants, such as entertainment, hobbies and travel, and 20% goes toward savings and paying off debt.

How to Budget for a $50K Salary

Before you can create a budget, it helps to estimate how much you bring home. Here’s a breakdown of a $50,000 annual salary (40-hour work week, 52 weeks a year):

•   Monthly income: $4,166.93

•   Biweekly paycheck: $2,083.46

•   Weekly income: $961.60

•   Daily pay: $192.32

The figures above do not factor in taxes, so someone with an annual salary of $50,000 may actually end up taking home closer to $41,860.

Once you crunch the numbers and figure out how much you’ll need for your basic needs, you can see how much money you’ll have for the other 50% to cover your wants and savings.

Maximizing a $50K Salary

A person with a $50,000 salary can afford to spend about $1,250 a month on rent, which can be tough if you want to live alone. The average monthly rent in the U.S. is about $1,515, according to Apartments.com. Sharing an apartment or renting a house with another person can save you money on housing, allowing you more room to put your money toward other necessities.

Other ways to maximize making $50,000 a year include limiting dining out, shopping smartly when it comes to buying groceries, being mindful of utility usage, and riding your bike, walking, or taking public transportation to save on fuel costs.

Recommended: How to Calculate Your Net Worth

Is $50,000 a Year Considered Middle Class?

Yes. According to the Pew Research Center, people who have annual incomes between $39,693 and $119,080 in 2023 are considered middle-income or middle class.

While $50,000 a year may not be considered rich, you’re certainly living well above the poverty line, which for a single person household is between $12,880 and $16,090, depending on the state.

Examples of Jobs that Make About $50,000 a Year

Per the BLS, here are some of the occupations where you can earn $50,000 a year, some of which would be good jobs for introverts:

•   Automotive service technician and mechanic

•   Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk

•   Construction laborer

•   Correctional officer

•   Dental assistant or laboratory technician

•   Event planner

•   Firefighter

•   Makeup artist

•   Massage therapist

•   Mortician

•   Paramedic

•   Postal service mail carrier

•   Real estate sales agent

•   Secretary and administrative assistant

•   School bus driver

•   Social worker

•   Travel agent

•   Veterinary technician

•   Welder

The Takeaway

Is $50k a good salary for a single person? Generally speaking, yes. An annual salary of $50,000 is considered a middle-class income, and can be a comfortable wage for a recent graduate or a person starting a new career. A single person may not be able to live large in some areas of the country, but that doesn’t mean they can’t live comfortably elsewhere.

Depending on the cost of living in your area, making ends meet on $50,000 a year might require sharing a living space, keeping close tabs on your spending, and forgoing some luxuries. However, you should still have enough to take care of your basic needs with some left over to put toward your future.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can I live comfortably making $50K a year?

It depends on where you live. People making $50,000 a year can find a place to live easily in every state in the U.S., though it will be challenging if you decide to live in one of America’s largest cities. Still, a $50,000 annual salary is above the median cost of living in most states, so it’s possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle within your means.

What can I afford with a $50K salary?

With a $50,000 a year salary, you’d need between $20,000 and $35,000 for basic needs, including housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and other fixed expenses. That means you may have less than $15,000 for everything else. What you can afford will depend heavily on your geographical location and other factors, such as having a car payment and student loans.

How much is 50K a year weekly, hourly and daily?

Based on a 40-hour work week, the average weekly pay for someone who makes $50,000 a year (before taxes) is $961.60. Someone making $50,000 earns $24 an hour and approximately $192 a day.


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SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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What Is the Average Salary by Age in Utah in 2024?

There’s a lot to like about living in Utah: five beautiful national parks, a thriving economy, and according to the U.S. Census, a median household income of $95,800. By comparison, the median annual income in the U.S. is $75,580.

Here’s a look at how salaries in the state differ by age, city, and county.

What Is the Average Salary in Utah by Age in 2023?

According to the Social Security Administration, the average salary in the U.S. is $63,795. But salaries can fluctuate greatly when you factor in age. Here’s how median household incomes in Utah break down by age, as the Census data below shows:

•   Under 25 years: $54,506

•   25 to 44 years: $95,206

•   45 to 64 years: $111,825

•   65 years and over: $63,225

Not surprisingly, workers who are between the ages of 25 and 64, and in the prime years of their earning capacity, have the highest income, while those who are younger and just starting out professionally earn less. A budget planner app can help you make your money go further, regardless of your income.

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Recommended: US Average Income By Age

What Is the Average Salary in Utah by City in 2023?

The following list gives the average salaries for 10 of the highest-paying cities in Utah, according to ZipRecruiter. While none offer a six-figure salary, all of the cities have an average pay that’s higher than the state’s average salary of $48,753.

Cities tend to have a higher cost of living than rural or semi-urban areas. When considering how much you’ll need to earn to cover basic expenses in an area, you’ll want to look at the cost of housing, transportation, food, and property taxes. A money tracker can help you monitor your current spending, so you can compare the two.

Two cities in Utah with the highest average salaries are Cottonwood Heights and White Mesa, with average salaries of $80,422 and $74,392, respectively.

City

Average Annual Salary

Cottonwood Heights $80,422
White Mesa $74,392
Sutherland $63,656
Roy $63,269
Deseret $63,103
Samak $61,664
Salt Lake City $61,619
Montezuma Creek $61,580
Summit Park $59,846
Ferron $59,836

Recommended: How to Calculate Your Net Worth

What Is the Average Salary in Utah by County in 2023?

Because cities tend to have a higher cost of living than rural areas, looking at average salaries by county might give you a better idea of your earning power in the different areas of Utah. You can also compare the figures to the average pay in the United States to see how it stacks up against other job markets.

Below are data from the Census Bureau showing per capita income by county in Utah, according to Utah.gov. We selected 10 counties in different regions of the state to give a broad perspective. Summit County has the highest per capita income by far at $156,537. San Juan County has the lowest per capita income at $30,198

County

Per Capita Income

Summit $156,537
Grand $60,928
Salt Lake $59,077
Piute $48,595
Weber $46,675
Box Elder $44,131
Iron $36,412
Uintah $32,945
Sanpete $32,927
San Juan $30,198

Examples of the Highest-Paying Jobs in Utah

Below are 10 examples of the highest-paying jobs in Utah.

Profession

Annual Salary Range

Pick-up Truck Owner/Operator $113,800-$309,500
Dedicated Owner/Operator (Long-Haul Trucking) $59,547-$239,993
Pharmacist $106,100-$127,500
State Government Worker $85,600-$120,600
Mechanical Engineer $74,200-$115,200
Helicopter Pilot $81,900-$102,000
Rig Welder $66,000-$91,000
Public Health $55,100-$81,000
Medical Interpreter $48,700-$75,600
Master Esthetician $41,900-$70,600

Source: ZipRecruiter.com

The Takeaway

The state of Utah offers diverse employment opportunities, including plenty of jobs for introverts. Utah’s median household income of $95,800 is higher than the median household income for the United States, which is $75,580, as reported by the Census Bureau.

While younger workers in Utah can expect to make entry-level salaries, experienced employees typically command more. As in other states, median household incomes in Utah are highest for those in their prime earning years, aged between 25 and 64. In this age group, median incomes range from $95,000 to $111,000. High-earning jobs in Utah include pick-up truck owners and operators, pharmacists, mechanical engineers, and public health workers.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

What is a good average salary in Utah?

The median household income in Utah is $95,800, so a salary or income that equals or exceeds that would be considered good income.

What is the average gross salary in Utah?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average gross salary in Utah is $48,753.

What age group earns the most in Utah?

Median household incomes are highest for those in their prime earning years, aged between 25 and 64. In this age group, median incomes range from $95,000 to $111,000. High-earning jobs in Utah include pick-up truck owner-operators, pharmacists, mechanical engineers, and public health workers.

What is a livable wage in Utah?

According to MIT’s Liveable Wage Calculator, one adult with no children would need to make more than $22 an hour to afford typical expenses. For one adult and one child, the living wage jumps to $37.62. For two adults, both working, with one child, the living wage is $36.79.


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SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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What Is the Average Salary by Age in Texas in 2024?

Households in the Lone Star State earn an income that’s just below the U.S. median. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the median household income in Texas is $73,035. In comparison, the median annual income in the U.S. is $75,149.

Diving deeper into Texas’ income data can offer more clarity about how your income compares to peers in your city and county. We’ve gathered data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and others to help uncover the average salary in Texas across these categories so you know where your income stands.

Here’s a closer look into what the average salary in Texas is.

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Average Salary in Texas by Age in 2023

Generally, your income grows as you gain experience and seniority in the job market. Your peak income years are between ages 35 and 54, according to the BLS. The average salary in Texas typically decreases as workers transition into retirement, around the age of 65.

Below is the average income by age, according to a Scholaroo analysis of publicly gathered data.

Age

Average Salary

15 to 24 years $38,563
25 to 44 years $77,881
45 to 64 years $88,321
65 years and older $52,331

Whether you have a good salary for your age as a Texas resident depends on your assets versus financial obligations. You can use a net worth calculator by age to determine where your finances are today so you can make moves to reach your financial goals.

Then, with this information in mind, consider using a budget planner app to set budgeting and savings goals.

Median Salary in Texas by City in 2023

While the average salary in the U.S. is higher than a typical Texan’s annual income, salary data varies greatly based on the city where you live. Below is a list of the most-populated cities in the state and the median salary of their residents.

City

Median Salary

Houston $60,440
San Antonio $59,593
Dallas $63,985
Austin $86,556
Fort Worth $72,726
El Paso $55,710
Arlington $71,736
Corpus Christi $64,449
Plano $105,679
Lubbock $58,734

Source: Census Bureau

Median Salary in Texas by County in 2022

The Census Bureau offers the median household income across various Texas counties. Below are the median salaries, in order of lowest to highest.

County

Median Salary

Houston $51,043
El Paso $55,417
Wichita $58,862
Lubbock $61,911
Bexar $67,275
Kent $68,553
Harris $70,789
Austin $73,556
Tarrant $78,872
Travis $92,731

Depending on which Texas county you live in, median salaries vary widely. Although some of the more popular counties can offer higher incomes, if they also come with a higher cost of living, you may find it harder to maximize your income. Add other financial obligations, like loan and credit card debt, and saving toward your future goals, and your income might start looking lean.

Using a money tracker tool can help you stay on top of your necessary and discretionary spending. You can create specific budgets so you can track your progress toward a number of goals.

Recommended: What Is a Six-Figure Salary?

Examples of the Highest-Paying Jobs in Texas

Finding a well-paying job in Texas can help you achieve a more comfortable lifestyle. Fortunately, Texas is home to lucrative business sectors that offer a good entry-level salary, from aerospace and defense to energy production, thanks to the state’s abundant natural resources.

Here are just a few of the highest-paying jobs and their average salary in Texas, according to BLS data:

•   Radiologists: $327,850. These medical professionals use imaging tools, like x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and other techniques to view patients’ internal anatomy and provide diagnostic images.

•   Petroleum engineers: $155,290. As a petroleum engineer, you’re responsible for developing a plan to extract natural resources, like oil and gas, from the earth in a safe and efficient way.

•   Aerospace engineers: $132,800. In this profession, you’ll design and develop aircrafts, shuttles, satellites, and defense-use missiles and rockets. You’re also responsible for inspecting designs and testing their functionality according to project goals.

•   Industrial production managers: $130,850. In the manufacturing industry, industrial production managers are responsible for ensuring smooth operations when it comes to meeting production goals, managing staff, communicating with customers and suppliers, and more.

•   Information security analysts: $119,480. These individuals design, implement, and monitor computer networks and systems, like firewalls, intranet, and more for an organization or company. They also test for vulnerabilities, make enhancements, and stay ahead of any new technologies that impact security within an organization.

There are many career opportunities to explore, whether you enjoy engaging with teammates and clients or are interested in jobs for introverts that don’t require a lot of person-to-person interaction.

Recommended: 25 Highest Paying Jobs in the US

The Takeaway

The average salary in Texas by age ranges from $38,563 to $52,331, which falls short of the average pay in the United States. Incomes greatly depend on where you are in your career — whether you’re just starting out, in your peak-earning years, or preparing for retirement.

How far your salary goes is also dependent on your existing assets, debt, and where you live. Learning how to calculate your net worth can help you determine where you are financially.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.


See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

What is a good average salary in Texas?

The median household income in Texas is $73,035, according to the Census Bureau. Depending on where you live, your expenses, how many people are in your household, and other factors, that salary could provide you with enough money for a comfortable lifestyle.

What is the average gross salary in Texas?

According to BLS data, the average salary in Texas, across all occupations and industries, is $61,240. The average hourly wage in the state is $29.44. This is as of May 2023, the most current data available from the BLS.

What is the average income per person in Texas?

In 2023, the average salary in Texas is $65,422 per capita, meaning per person, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

What is a livable wage in Texas?

In terms of a living wage, a good average monthly salary in Texas is $3,626 for an adult with no children., For a family of four with two working adults, a living wage is about $4,195 per earner, assuming both adults earn the same income.


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SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Is $70K a Good Salary for a Single Person?

When it comes to defining a “good” salary, there’s no one magic number. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average salary in the U.S. is $65,470, as of May 2023. Based on this data point, $70K a year is a good salary for a single person — one that puts you above the national average.

But just how far $70,000 can carry you varies from person to person. Existing debt and financial obligations, spending habits, and where you live can all significantly impact how comfortable you’ll be on that salary.

Let’s take a closer look.

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Median Income in the US by State in 2024

When you examine income through the lens of the average pay in the U.S., you could be misled by certain outliers, like a group of people with an unusually high income. Another way to consider pay is by looking at median income. The median income in the United States in 2022 was $74,580, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Census Bureau. Below is the median annual household income of every state.

State Median Household Income
Alabama $59,609
Alaska $86,370
Arizona $72,581
Arkansas $56,335
California $91,905
Colorado $87,598
Connecticut $90,213
Delaware $79,325
Florida $67,917
Georgia $71,355
Hawaii $94,814
Idaho $70,214
Illinois $78,433
Indiana $67,173
Iowa $70,571
Kansas $69,747
Kentucky $60,183
Louisiana $57,852
Maine $68,251
Maryland $98,461
Massachusetts $96,505
Michigan $68,505
Minnesota $84,313
Mississippi $52,985
Missouri $65,920
Montana $66,341
Nebraska $71,772
Nevada $71,646
New Hampshire $90,845
New Jersey $97,126
New Mexico $58,722
New York $81,386
North Carolina $66,186
North Dakota $73,959
Ohio $66,990
Oklahoma $61,364
Oregon $76,362
Pennsylvania $73,170
Rhode Island $81,370
South Carolina $63,623
South Dakota $69,457
Tennessee $64,035
Texas $73,035
Utah $86,833
Vermont $74,014
Virginia $87,249
Washington $90,325
West Virginia $55,217
Wisconsin $72,458
Wyoming $72,495

Recommended: The Average Income by Age in the U.S.

Average Cost of Living in the U.S. by State in 2024

The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center aggregated and averaged cost-of-living (COL) indices from various metropolitan areas and cities throughout the U.S. It then determined the cost of living index by state.

As the chart below shows, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and California had the three highest costs of living on the index.

State Cost of Living Index
Alabama 88.3
Alaska 125.2
Arizona 108.4
Arkansas 89.0
California 138.5
Colorado 105.1
Connecticut 112.8
Delaware 101.1
Florida 100.7
Georgia 90.8
Hawaii 180.3
Idaho 98.6
Illinois 92.1
Indiana 91.0
Iowa 90.3
Kansas 87.1
Kentucky 92.0
Louisiana 91.0
Maine 109.9
Maryland 116.5
Massachusetts 146.5
Michigan 90.6
Minnesota 94.1
Mississippi 86.3
Missouri 88.5
Montana 102.9
Nebraska 90.9
Nevada 101.0
New Hampshire 114.1
New Jersey 113.9
New Mexico 94.0
New York 125.9
North Carolina 95.3
North Dakota 94.6
Ohio 94.7
Oklahoma 86.2
Oregon 114.7
Pennsylvania 95.6
Rhode Island 110.7
South Carolina 95.3
South Dakota 92.4
Tennessee 90.3
Texas 92.7
Utah 103.2
Vermont 115.3
Virginia 101.9
Washington 116.0
West Virginia 87.7
Wisconsin 95.1
Wyoming 92.4

Recommended: Average U.S. Salary by State

How to Budget for a $70K Salary

Having established guard rails within your budget can help you live within your means. A popular strategy is the 50/30/20 plan, based on your after-tax income. Here’s how it works:

•   50% is for necessities. Necessities include your housing costs, utilities, car payments, groceries, transportation, health care, and other monthly debt obligations.

•   30% is for wants. This bucket includes non-essentials, like dining out, vacations, streaming subscriptions, shopping, etc.

•   20% is for savings. This category lets you set money aside toward an emergency fund, home down payment, retirement, or other long-term investment for yourself.

Maximizing a $70K Salary

$70K can be a good salary for a single person, depending on your circumstances. But if you’d like to stretch your income as much as possible, here are a few ideas:

•   Determine your monthly budget. A budgeting and spending plan that works for your lifestyle and long-term goals is essential. A budget planner app lets you set custom budgets and categorize your spending so you can see where your money goes.

•   Track your overall finances. Using a money tracker tool can help you monitor your everyday money habits, sometimes including your credit score. You can review useful visuals about your financial data, learn insights, and track how well you’re sticking to your plan.

•   Consider getting a roommate. Housing costs (i.e. rent/mortgage, utilities, internet, furnishings, etc.) make up a substantial part of your budget. Although getting a roommate isn’t the best fit for everyone, it lets you share the financial load so you can maximize your $70K salary.

•   Move to a cheaper area. If you live in a costly neighborhood, explore the possibility of relocating to another part of town that has a lower cost of living.

•   Invest in yourself. Don’t let your disposable income languish in a low- or no-interest checking account. Instead, consider depositing extra cash in a high-yield savings account or retirement account.

Is $70,000 a Year Considered Rich?

Only you can determine whether $70,000 per year is rich by your preferred quality of life. One way to approach this question is by learning how to calculate your net worth. For some workers, age factors into the decision of whether a certain salary is adequate.

To dig deeper into your net worth, use a net worth calculator by age.

Is $70K a Year Considered Middle Class?

According to the Pew Research Center, approximately half of U.S. adults are considered middle- class. Determining your income class as a single person earning $70,000 is a moving target depending on where you live.

Pew’s income calculator lets you quickly uncover your income tier, based on your state, metropolitan area, net income, and household size — in your case, one. For instance, $70K a year is a good salary in an upper-income tier, as a single-person household in the Gadsden area of Alabama. By comparison, in Texas’s San Antonio-New Braunfels area, earning $70K annually puts you in the middle-income class.

Example Jobs that Make About a $70,000 Salary

If you’d like to earn about $70,000 per year, here are a few jobs for introverts and extroverts alike and their median salary:

•   Loan officers: $69,990

•   Insurance underwriters: $77,860

•   Railroad worker: $73,580

•   Police officer and detective: $74,910

•   Zoologist and wildlife biologist: $70,600

For more inspiration, here’s a list of the highest-paying jobs by state.

The Takeaway

Whether $70K is a good salary for a single person is dependent on the context of your situation. A combination of factors, like your existing finances, your area’s affordability, and how lean or lavish your lifestyle is can sway the pendulum one way or the other.

As a single person, earning $70,000 annually might be completely comfortable if you live a modest-to-spendy lifestyle in a city with a low cost of living. Living in a high cost-of-living city, like Los Angeles or New York, might also be possible when you split housing costs with a roommate or relative. Assess your current bills, debts, and spending to see where you can make adjustments toward a lifestyle you enjoy.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can I live comfortably making $70,000 a year?

It’s possible. Depending on where you live and the area’s cost of living, a $70,000 annual salary might offer a comfortable lifestyle. Your current outstanding monthly debt, family size, and financial goals can also impact whether $70,000 is enough to live comfortably.

What can I afford with a $70,000 salary?

Housing is generally the most costly monthly expense you’ll need to budget for. If you earn $70,000 and are purchasing a home, you can afford a house up to $229,813. Assuming your monthly debt is $250, your mortgage rate is 7% fixed, and you got a 30-year term with $20,000 down, your monthly payment would be $1,837.

How much is $70,000 a year hourly?

A $70,000 salary equates to an hourly salary of $33.65. This assumes that you’re working a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week.

How much is $70,000 a year monthly?

If breaking down $70,000 in annual base wages by month, you’d earn $5,833.33 per month. Keep in mind that this figure doesn’t account for taxes and deductions that are applied to your paycheck during payroll.

How much is $70,000 a year daily?

A $70,000 base salary comes out to $269.23 per day. This amount was calculated under the assumption that you get paid to work eight-hour work days for over 260 weekdays throughout a year.


Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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What Is the Average Salary by Age in Ohio in 2024?

Thinking about relocating to Ohio? The average salary in the state is $60,320, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For comparison, the average salary in the U.S. is $63,795, per 2022 data from the National Average Wage Index.

Of course, an individual’s income is dependent on a number of factors: Age, occupation, and education level can all play a role.

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Average Salary in Ohio by Age in 2023

As in other states, the median salary in Ohio tends to increase with age and experience and decline in the retirement years. This can be good news if you have an entry-level position and are looking to earn more.

Here’s a look at the median salary in Ohio by age range:

Age range

Median Salary

15 to 24 $38,314
25 to 44 $75,119
45 to 64 $81,640
65 and over $49,081

Source: Schoolaroo

Salaries also often rise with your level of education, as the Census Bureau data below shows:

•   No high school diploma: $29,967

•   High school diploma: $36,589

•   Some college/two-year degree: $42,903

•   Bachelor’s degree: $59,928

•   Graduate/professional degree: $73,752

Regardless of where you are in your career path, it’s a good idea to stay on top of your finances. Online tools like a money tracker can keep tabs on where your money is coming and going and provide valuable insights.

Recommended: U.S. Average Income by Age

Average Salary in Ohio by City in 2023

Where you live in Ohio can make a difference in how much money you earn. The more populated a metropolitan area is, the higher incomes tends to be. Let’s take a look at the median salary of households in 11 major cities in Ohio:

City

Household Median Salary

Akron $46,596
Canton $37,627
Cincinnati $49,191
Cleveland $37,271
Columbus $62,994
Dayton $41,443
Indian Hill $218,073
Mansfield $40,996
Springfield $45,113
Toledo $45,405
Youngstown $34,295

Source: Census Bureau

Average Salary in Ohio by County in 2023

Another way to look at salaries in Ohio is by county. The ten most-populous counties in the state have the following median incomes:

County

Household Median Salary

Franklin $71,070
Cuyahoga $60,074
Hamilton $68,249
Summit $68,360
Montgomery $61,942
Lucas $57,265
Butler $77,062
Stark $63,130
Lorain $67,272
Warren $103,128

Source: Census Bureau

Recommended: How to Calculate Your Net Worth

Examples of the Highest Paying Jobs in Ohio

Ohio has high-paying jobs in many different sectors, such as medical, business, aviation, and technology. As a result, the state has opportunities for introverts and professionals who love working with people.

Here’s a list of the highest-paying jobs in the state:

Profession

Average Salary

Cardiologist $500,440
Surgeon $448,480
General Pediatrician $237,860
CEO $232,120
Airline Pilot $221,190
Computer Systems Manager $164,820
Architectural/Engineering Manager $156,870
Physicist $153,730
Sales Manager $151,900
Financial Manager $149,310

Source: BLS

In contrast, the lowest average salaries in Ohio appear primarily in service industries. Baggage porters and bellhops, cashiers, short order cooks, childcare workers, and housekeeping cleaners are examples of jobs that make an average of less than $30,000.

If you’re looking to maximize your salary, online tools like a budget planner app could help. Besides monitoring spending, it helps you set a budget and track your progress.

The Takeaway

Pay depends on many different factors, including age, occupation, education, and location. In Ohio, the average salary is $60,320, according to BLS data. That’s slightly lower than the national average salary of $63,795. The state is also home to plenty of jobs with six-figure salaries, especially in the medical, business, aviation, and technology fields. Ohioans enjoy a cost of living that’s lower than the national average, which can help workers stretch their wages even more.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

What is a good average salary in Ohio?

A good salary is one that meets your basic needs while leaving you with some money for savings. Pew Research Data found that in order to be considered middle class in Ohio, you need to earn $61,664 a year.

What is the average gross salary in Ohio?

In Ohio, the average gross salary — or money earned before taxes and other payrolls deductions are taken out — is $72,146 a year, per data from Talent.com

What is the average income per person in Ohio?

The average income per person in Ohio is $60,320, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is a livable wage in Ohio?

A livable wage in Ohio for a single adult is $40,352. Households with multiple people will need more. For example, if you and your spouse both work and have one child, you could get by on around $82,409 a year in Ohio, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.


Photo credit: iStock/jacoblund

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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