Forget Washington D.C. and New York: These 5 U.S. States Offer the Highest Salaries to Recent College Graduates

For college students in the U.S., choosing the right state after graduation can be as important as selecting the right university. While tuition fees are high—especially for international students—finding a state that offers excellent job opportunities and high starting salaries is crucial.

According to Legacy Online School, which analyzed government data, the following five states pay college graduates the highest salaries, excluding Washington D.C. and New York. These states are also home to top universities and strong economies:

5. Maryland
Maryland ranks fifth for graduate salaries. College graduates in the state earn an average of $76,748 per year (approx. ₹68 lakh). The healthcare, technology, and biotechnology sectors provide the most employment opportunities.

4. California
California, home to Silicon Valley—the world’s largest tech hub—ranks fourth. Graduates here can find jobs easily, with an average annual salary of $78,278 (approx. ₹69 lakh).

3. Washington
Washington State, known for its scenic beauty and cities like Seattle, hosts offices of giants like Google and Amazon. Top universities are also present. College graduates in Washington earn an average $78,485 per year (approx. ₹69.50 lakh), ranking third nationwide.

2. Massachusetts
Massachusetts, home to MIT and Harvard, ranks second. Graduates face little difficulty securing jobs, with average yearly salaries of $79,985 (approx. ₹70 lakh).

1. New Jersey
New Jersey, a major tech hub on the U.S. East Coast, tops the list. Many Indian professionals reside here. Graduates earn an average annual salary of $80,114 (approx. ₹71 lakh), making it the highest-paying state for college graduates in the country.

For students planning their career and salary prospects post-graduation, these states offer the best combination of job opportunities, top universities, and lucrative pay packages.