38 U.S. Cities Where Pay Is Surging the Most

The cost of living in the U.S. has risen sharply in recent years, outpacing wage growth and putting pressure on household budgets. Between mid-2020 and mid-2023, consumer prices jumped nearly 19%, while wages increased by less than 10%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

More recently, that trend has begun to reverse. As of early 2025, the typical full-time worker earns about $1,196 per week, up 4.6% year over year, while inflation has slowed to around 2.3%. That shift is offering some relief for Americans struggling with higher everyday costs.

Even so, wage growth varies widely by location. While national median earnings rose about 3.0% from 2023 to 2024, some cities are seeing much faster gains.

To identify where incomes are rising the most, My Investment News analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics across more than 350 metro areas, ranking them by year-over-year wage growth. In total, 38 cities saw median wages increase by at least 7.5%, with several posting gains above 10%.

These are the U.S. cities where incomes are rising the fastest right now.

38. Fayetteville, NC

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.5% (+$3,120)
Median annual wage by year: $44,600 in 2024, $41,480 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations (11.1% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Personal Care and Service Occupations (9.5% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (8.6% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +1.7% (+2,210 jobs)
Total employment by year: 132,690 in 2024, 130,480 in 2023

37. Coeur d'Alene, ID

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.7% (+$3,280)
Median annual wage by year: $46,010 in 2024, $42,730 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (13.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Management Occupations (11.8% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Office and Administrative Support Occupations (11.4% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +2.0% (+1,420 jobs)
Total employment by year: 71,680 in 2024, 70,260 in 2023

36. San Angelo, TX

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.7% (+$2,990)
Median annual wage by year: $41,770 in 2024, $38,780 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (15.8% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Architecture and Engineering Occupations (13.6% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (13.1% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +1.4% (+710 jobs)
Total employment by year: 50,120 in 2024, 49,410 in 2023

35. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.7% (+$4,130)
Median annual wage by year: $57,480 in 2024, $53,350 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (12.3% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations (8.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Sales and Related Occupations (8.9% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +3.4% (+1,710 jobs)
Total employment by year: 51,700 in 2024, 49,990 in 2023

34. Lynchburg, VA

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.8% (+$3,280)
Median annual wage by year: $45,440 in 2024, $42,160 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Healthcare Support Occupations (13.1% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations (11.1% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Office and Administrative Support Occupations (10.6% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +0.1% (+130 jobs)
Total employment by year: 97,210 in 2024, 97,080 in 2023

33. Anchorage, AK

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.8% (+$4,270)
Median annual wage by year: $59,060 in 2024, $54,790 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (15.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations (12.3% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Management Occupations (8.4% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +2.9% (+4,890 jobs)
Total employment by year: 174,740 in 2024, 169,850 in 2023

32. Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.8% (+$3,070)
Median annual wage by year: $42,390 in 2024, $39,320 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (25.7% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (11.1% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Healthcare Support Occupations (8.8% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +8.9% (+11,420 jobs)
Total employment by year: 140,160 in 2024, 128,740 in 2023

31. Asheville, NC

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.8% (+$3,260)
Median annual wage by year: $44,990 in 2024, $41,730 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations (13.0% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (12.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Computer and Mathematical Occupations (12.0% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: -7.0% (-14,010 jobs)
Total employment by year: 187,430 in 2024, 201,440 in 2023

30. Erie, PA

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.8% (+$3,150)
Median annual wage by year: $43,410 in 2024, $40,260 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations (12.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (9.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Construction and Extraction Occupations (9.8% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +0.7% (+880 jobs)
Total employment by year: 119,610 in 2024, 118,730 in 2023

29. Altoona, PA

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.8% (+$3,130)
Median annual wage by year: $43,100 in 2024, $39,970 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (27.6% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (10.6% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (9.2% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +0.9% (+500 jobs)
Total employment by year: 58,090 in 2024, 57,590 in 2023

28. Johnstown, PA

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.9% (+$3,060)
Median annual wage by year: $42,020 in 2024, $38,960 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (12.4% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (9.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Computer and Mathematical Occupations (7.3% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +0.5% (+230 jobs)
Total employment by year: 48,550 in 2024, 48,320 in 2023

27. Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.9% (+$3,160)
Median annual wage by year: $43,200 in 2024, $40,040 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Architecture and Engineering Occupations (29.7% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Computer and Mathematical Occupations (25.1% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (21.8% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +3.4% (+1,860 jobs)
Total employment by year: 57,230 in 2024, 55,370 in 2023

26. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +7.9% (+$3,870)
Median annual wage by year: $52,770 in 2024, $48,900 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Architecture and Engineering Occupations (13.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations (11.0% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Office and Administrative Support Occupations (8.9% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +0.7% (+710 jobs)
Total employment by year: 98,750 in 2024, 98,040 in 2023

25. Shreveport-Bossier City, LA

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.0% (+$3,120)
Median annual wage by year: $42,270 in 2024, $39,150 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (15.7% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (10.6% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Computer and Mathematical Occupations (9.9% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: -6.2% (-10,500 jobs)
Total employment by year: 159,970 in 2024, 170,470 in 2023

24. Clarksville, TN-KY

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.2% (+$3,260)
Median annual wage by year: $42,990 in 2024, $39,730 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (15.4% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Legal Occupations (13.3% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations (8.9% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +4.9% (+4,700 jobs)
Total employment by year: 100,910 in 2024, 96,210 in 2023

23. Wheeling, WV-OH

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.2% (+$3,180)
Median annual wage by year: $41,840 in 2024, $38,660 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (14.8% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (12.1% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Healthcare Support Occupations (9.1% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +0.7% (+430 jobs)
Total employment by year: 58,940 in 2024, 58,510 in 2023

22. Twin Falls, ID

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.3% (+$3,370)
Median annual wage by year: $44,160 in 2024, $40,790 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (17.4% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations (12.4% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (10.6% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +2.2% (+1,070 jobs)
Total employment by year: 49,570 in 2024, 48,500 in 2023

21. Farmington, NM

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.4% (+$3,370)
Median annual wage by year: $43,620 in 2024, $40,250 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (18.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations (18.3% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations (17.7% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +1.5% (+700 jobs)
Total employment by year: 46,030 in 2024, 45,330 in 2023

20. Lawrence, KS

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.4% (+$3,510)
Median annual wage by year: $45,240 in 2024, $41,730 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (30.5% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Legal Occupations (10.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (10.7% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +3.2% (+1,570 jobs)
Total employment by year: 51,290 in 2024, 49,720 in 2023

19. Idaho Falls, ID

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.5% (+$3,540)
Median annual wage by year: $45,080 in 2024, $41,540 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Business and Financial Operations Occupations (15.8% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Healthcare Support Occupations (13.4% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations (12.3% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +3.6% (+2,820 jobs)
Total employment by year: 81,000 in 2024, 78,180 in 2023

18. Waco, TX

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.5% (+$3,500)
Median annual wage by year: $44,530 in 2024, $41,030 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (12.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations (9.8% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations (9.1% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +3.4% (+4,280 jobs)
Total employment by year: 129,920 in 2024, 125,640 in 2023

17. Macon-Bibb County, GA

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.6% (+$3,470)
Median annual wage by year: $43,680 in 2024, $40,210 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations (13.7% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations (9.8% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (6.7% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: -0.5% (-460 jobs)
Total employment by year: 95,070 in 2024, 95,530 in 2023

16. Kennewick-Richland, WA

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.8% (+$4,490)
Median annual wage by year: $55,490 in 2024, $51,000 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Legal Occupations (18.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Architecture and Engineering Occupations (11.0% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (10.6% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +1.8% (+2,220 jobs)
Total employment by year: 127,290 in 2024, 125,070 in 2023

15. Abilene, TX

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +8.9% (+$3,440)
Median annual wage by year: $42,120 in 2024, $38,680 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Computer and Mathematical Occupations (17.0% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Business and Financial Operations Occupations (7.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations (7.6% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +1.8% (+1,310 jobs)
Total employment by year: 74,090 in 2024, 72,780 in 2023

14. Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +9.4% (+$3,830)
Median annual wage by year: $44,610 in 2024, $40,780 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (19.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Legal Occupations (11.3% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Computer and Mathematical Occupations (11.0% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +1.9% (+4,910 jobs)
Total employment by year: 261,610 in 2024, 256,700 in 2023

13. Burlington-South Burlington, VT

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +9.4% (+$4,990)
Median annual wage by year: $57,920 in 2024, $52,930 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Sales and Related Occupations (16.0% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Legal Occupations (15.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations (9.1% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +0.9% (+1,140 jobs)
Total employment by year: 121,320 in 2024, 120,180 in 2023

12. Port St. Lucie, FL

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +9.6% (+$3,920)
Median annual wage by year: $44,820 in 2024, $40,900 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (33.6% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (13.6% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (11.1% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +2.7% (+4,380 jobs)
Total employment by year: 167,590 in 2024, 163,210 in 2023

11. Bowling Green, KY

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +9.6% (+$3,820)
Median annual wage by year: $43,640 in 2024, $39,820 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (17.7% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (15.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (13.2% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +2.5% (+1,930 jobs)
Total employment by year: 80,400 in 2024, 78,470 in 2023

10. Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +9.7% (+$3,680)
Median annual wage by year: $41,750 in 2024, $38,070 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Legal Occupations (19.1% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (13.7% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations (13.1% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +3.3% (+6,900 jobs)
Total employment by year: 217,920 in 2024, 211,020 in 2023

9. Ocala, FL

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +9.8% (+$3,760)
Median annual wage by year: $42,230 in 2024, $38,470 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (21.3% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations (11.7% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations (8.9% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +3.0% (+3,410 jobs)
Total employment by year: 118,840 in 2024, 115,430 in 2023

8. Kahului-Wailuku, HI

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +9.8% (+$4,880)
Median annual wage by year: $54,790 in 2024, $49,910 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (19.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Legal Occupations (13.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (11.3% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: -5.1% (-3,830 jobs)
Total employment by year: 71,920 in 2024, 75,750 in 2023

7. St. George, UT

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +10.0% (+$3,990)
Median annual wage by year: $44,070 in 2024, $40,080 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (14.3% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (11.3% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Management Occupations (11.0% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +3.7% (+3,100 jobs)
Total employment by year: 86,740 in 2024, 83,640 in 2023

6. Grand Island, NE

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +10.2% (+$4,500)
Median annual wage by year: $48,660 in 2024, $44,160 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations (35.6% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (20.0% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (15.4% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: -6.8% (-2,890 jobs)
Total employment by year: 39,520 in 2024, 42,410 in 2023

5. Charleston, WV

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +10.4% (+$4,240)
Median annual wage by year: $45,170 in 2024, $40,930 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Computer and Mathematical Occupations (16.6% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Management Occupations (11.4% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (10.6% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +3.8% (+3,960 jobs)
Total employment by year: 106,820 in 2024, 102,860 in 2023

4. Pocatello, ID

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +10.6% (+$4,150)
Median annual wage by year: $43,180 in 2024, $39,030 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Production Occupations (14.5% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (10.2% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations (9.3% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +1.5% (+570 jobs)
Total employment by year: 37,440 in 2024, 36,870 in 2023

3. Tallahassee, FL

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +11.8% (+$4,830)
Median annual wage by year: $45,760 in 2024, $40,930 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (21.7% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations (18.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Legal Occupations (17.9% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +1.7% (+3,130 jobs)
Total employment by year: 184,180 in 2024, 181,050 in 2023

2. Grants Pass, OR

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +11.8% (+$5,180)
Median annual wage by year: $49,010 in 2024, $43,830 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (13.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Community and Social Service Occupations (11.3% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Construction and Extraction Occupations (10.0% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +2.7% (+810 jobs)
Total employment by year: 31,030 in 2024, 30,220 in 2023

1. Punta Gorda, FL

1-yr. change in median annual wage: +12.1% (+$4,760)
Median annual wage by year: $44,080 in 2024, $39,320 in 2023
Sector with the strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Protective Service Occupations (14.9% wage increase)
Sector with the 2nd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Computer and Mathematical Occupations (13.8% wage increase)
Sector with the 3rd strongest 1-yr. wage growth: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations (12.9% wage increase)
1-yr. change in total employment: +5.4% (+2,860 jobs)
Total employment by year: 56,040 in 2024, 53,180 in 2023