If you want to live in the Midwest, Illinois is your best bet for making the highest salary. The average worker here makes $52,588 per year. In fact, the state ranks head and shoulders above most of its neighbors. Only in Illinois and Minnesota does the average worker bring in more than $50,000 per year.

Even when compared to the whole nation, Illinois comes off well, with the 8^th best pay in the United States.

Illinois comes out even better when you consider the state’s very reasonable cost of living.