10 Cities Where You Will Earn the Least in 2017

Not all cities in the United States are created equal when it comes to salary, how much you can earn living and working in a given area. For example, it’s common knowledge that jobs in cities on the East Coast and West Coast tend to pay more than those in the Midwest. Those cities also tend to have higher cost of living. But even if rent is low and other expenses minimal, you’d probably prefer to live in a place that pays you a higher salary. If so, avoid these 10 cities; according to PayScale data, they’re where you will earn the least in 2017.

10. Jackson, MS

Metro Area: Jackson

Median Salary: $52,700

Population: 172,639

9. Cape Coral, FL

Metro Area: Cape Coral, Fort Myers

Median Salary: $52,400

Population: 701,982

8. Little Rock, AR

Metro Area: Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway

Median Salary: $52,200

Population: 731,612

7. Chattanooga, TN

Metro Area: Chattanooga

Median Salary: $52,000

Population: 547,776

6. El Paso, TX

Metro Area: El Paso

Median Salary: $52,100

Population: 838,972

5. Columbia, SC

Metro Area: Columbia

Median Salary: $52,100

Population: 810,068

4. Scranton, PA

Metro Area: Scranton, Wilkes, Barre

Median Salary: $49,700

Population: 76,089

3. Youngstown, OH

Metro Area: Youngstown, Warren, Boardman

Median Salary: $48,600

Population: 549,885

2. McAllen, TX

Metro Area: McAllen, Edinburg, Mission

Median Salary: $48,400

Population: 842,304

1. Lakeland, FL

Metro Area: Lakeland, Winter Haven

Median Salary: $48,300

Population: 650,092

Methodology

We provide the early career, mid-career, and overall median pay for workers who have earned a bachelor’s degree, including those that went on to earn a higher degree, for the 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) with the highest MSA Size Rank.

Tell Us What You Think!

Is there a low-earning city you think should be on this list? We want to hear from you! Comment below or join the discussion on Twitter!