This State’s Wages Are Growing Fastest

Christine Aebischer
Mar 28, 2018

Many western states are seeing an increase in earnings well above the national average. Photo credit: Getty Images

If you feel like your paycheck has been stuck at the same number for eons, it may have to do with where you live. It turns out, pay is rising faster in the west, with several western states seeing the highest earnings growth in 2017, well above the national average of 3.1%.

The state with the greatest increase — 5.3% — is Idaho, due mostly to annual wages and salaries, according to the Commerce Department. Several industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, food services and construction are driving employment and wage growth. This, coupled with labor shortages, are further increasing workers’ earnings in the state.

Of course, incomes overall are lower in Idaho than the rest of the country, with the per capita personal income at $40,507, but the state does boast a relatively low cost of living.

Here’s where else earnings rose above the national average last year.