Indian students with a strong educational background are highly employable and are much sought after by American employers. Almost half of H-1B visa holders in the USA are Indian nationals. In 2022-23, over 72% of H1-B visas issued globally were for workers from India.
These numbers, along with the growing job markets in the USA, can be very reassuring for international students.
However, it’s important to do your research before deciding to work in the USA.
This article will provide an overview of the average pay and the best jobs for Indians in the USA.
Average Salary in the USA Based – Statewise (2025)
The United States has the world’s largest economy, with a GDP exceeding $27 trillion. The unemployment rate is low at 4.1% and the GDP will continue to grow at 3% in the near term. The per capita GDP is $85,500 and the per capita income is $68,500.
Note that these numbers vary widely across different states due to local economies, and cost of living.
Here is the table showing the average salary breakdown by state in 2023:
| Rank | State | Salary in USD | Salary in INR |
| 1 | Massachusetts | $80,330 | ₹6,747,720 |
| 2 | New York | $78,620 | ₹6,604,080 |
| 3 | Washington | $78,130 | ₹6,562,920 |
| 4 | California | $76,960 | ₹6,464,640 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $73,980 | ₹6,214,320 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $73,740 | ₹6,194,160 |
| 7 | Maryland | $73,620 | ₹6,184,080 |
| 8 | Colorado | $71,960 | ₹6,044,640 |
| 9 | Virginia | $70,050 | ₹5,884,200 |
| 10 | Alaska | $69,880 | ₹5,869,920 |
| 11 | Illinois | $67,130 | ₹5,638,920 |
| 12 | Oregon | $66,710 | ₹5,603,640 |
| 13 | Minnesota | $66,700 | ₹5,602,800 |
| 14 | Rhode Island | $66,610 | ₹5,595,240 |
| 15 | New Hampshire | $66,110 | ₹5,553,240 |
| 16 | Delaware | $65,990 | ₹5,543,160 |
| 17 | Hawaii | $65,030 | ₹5,462,520 |
| 18 | Arizona | $63,040 | ₹5,295,360 |
| 19 | Vermont | $62,780 | ₹5,273,520 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $61,920 | ₹5,201,280 |
| 21 | Georgia | $61,250 | ₹5,145,000 |
| 22 | Texas | $61,240 | ₹5,144,160 |
| 23 | Utah | $61,070 | ₹5,129,880 |
| 24 | Michigan | $60,600 | ₹5,090,400 |
| 25 | Florida | $60,210 | ₹5,057,640 |
| 26 | Maine | $60,000 | ₹5,040,000 |
| 27 | Ohio | $59,890 | ₹5,030,760 |
| 28 | North Carolina | $59,730 | ₹5,017,320 |
| 29 | Wisconsin | $59,500 | ₹4,998,000 |
| 30 | North Dakota | $59,050 | ₹4,960,200 |
| 31 | Nevada | $58,900 | ₹4,947,600 |
| 32 | Nebraska | $58,080 | ₹4,878,720 |
| 33 | Wyoming | $57,930 | ₹4,866,120 |
| 34 | Missouri | $57,580 | ₹4,836,720 |
| 35 | New Mexico | $57,520 | ₹4,831,680 |
| 36 | Indiana | $56,420 | ₹4,739,280 |
| 37 | Iowa | $56,400 | ₹4,737,600 |
| 38 | Kansas | $56,270 | ₹4,726,680 |
| 39 | Tennessee | $56,030 | ₹4,706,520 |
| 40 | Montana | $55,920 | ₹4,697,280 |
| 41 | Idaho | $55,640 | ₹4,673,760 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $54,250 | ₹4,557,000 |
| 43 | Kentucky | $54,030 | ₹4,538,520 |
| 44 | Oklahoma | $53,450 | ₹4,489,800 |
| 45 | Louisiana | $53,440 | ₹4,488,960 |
| 46 | Alabama | $53,400 | ₹4,485,600 |
| 47 | South Dakota | $53,230 | ₹4,471,320 |
| 48 | West Virginia | $52,200 | ₹4,384,800 |
| 49 | Arkansas | $51,250 | ₹4,305,000 |
| 50 | Mississippi | $47,570 | ₹3,995,880 |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = ₹84
Though it is a very wealthy nation there are stark contrasts between high-income and low-income regions.
High-income regions in the USA are primarily located in the Northeast and West Coast. These include states like the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and California. For instance, Washington DC has a median annual income of $111,000 in 2023. In states like Massachusetts and Maryland, high incomes are driven by well-paying jobs in industries like biotech, health care, and finance, and its highly educated population.
On the other hand, the Deep South has the lowest median household incomes overall, with half of its states falling below $70,000 a year. Mississippi had the lowest median household income in the nation in 2023 at $55,060, according to Census Bureau data.
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2025
Which are the highest-paying jobs in the USA for 2025?
The highest-paying jobs in the USA for 2024 are mostly in the medical and executive fields.
Physicians and psychiatrists lead the list with median salaries ranging from $200,000 to $330,000 (₹17,126,000 to ₹28,257,000) annually. Airline pilots also feature among the highest-paid professionals, earning up to $215,000 (₹18,410,000) per year. Lawyers are another highly-paid group with salaries reaching $165,000 (₹14,129,000).
Other lucrative careers with high average salaries in the USA include architectural and engineering managers, computer and information systems managers, and nurse anesthetists. These professionals earn median salaries between $126,000 and $150,000 (₹10,786,000 to ₹12,840,000).
Strong demand for skilled professionals in these fields drives high salaries. Of course, specialized skills and experience are essential for success in these careers.
Note: The potential for high salaries in fields like medicine, engineering, and technology is exciting for students. However, many still feel uncertain about pursuing higher education due to concerns over securing a low-interest education loan.
This is where FundRight (by GradRight) can help. FundRight is a smart platform that connects you with competitive loan offers from top lenders, making it easier to find the best financing option.
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Start your journey towards a high-paying career by securing the right loan with FundRight today!
Also Read: Jobs (With Salaries) After MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
Occupations with the highest paying salary in the USA
A few professions in the USA are consistently among the highest paying. This reflects the demand for specialized skills associated with these roles. In 2024, the top-paying jobs fall primarily within the healthcare, technology, finance, and engineering sectors.
Here is an overview of the highest-paying jobs in the USA.
Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare has always been a high-paying field in the USA. Those with advanced degrees earn millions over their lifetime. Medical professionals dominate the highest-paying job lists with no less than 22 out of the top 25 best-paying jobs.
In 2024, the average salaries for key healthcare positions are as follows:
- Cardiologist: $353,970 (₹30,300,000)
- Anesthesiologist: $331,190 (₹28,350,000)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: $311,460 (₹26,661,000)
- Emergency Medicine Physician: $310,640 (₹26,591,000)
- Orthopedic Surgeon: $306,220 (₹26,212,000)
Software Development
The tech industry continues to drive high salaries. This is because more and more companies are investing in digital transformation. In 2024, the most lucrative software development roles offer impressive pay packages.
Here is an overview of software developer salaries in the United States:
- Median total pay: $131,366 per year (₹11,245,000)
- Average salary: $101,989 per year (₹8,730,000)
- Total pay range: $105,000 – $167,000 per year (₹8,988,000 to ₹14,295,000)
- Base pay range: $83,000 – $125,000 per year (₹7,105,000 to ₹10,700,000)
- Additional pay range: $22,000 – $41,000 per year (includes bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing) (₹1,883,000 to ₹3,510,000)
Top Paying Companies
- Airbnb: $227,000 – $357,000 per year (₹19,431,000 to ₹30,559,000)
- Stripe: $201,000 – $311,000 per year (₹17,206,000 to ₹26,622,000)
- Google: $212,000 – $301,000 per year (₹18,147,000 to ₹25,766,000)
- Microsoft: $175,000 – $242,000 per year (₹14,980,000 to ₹20,715,000)
Top Paying Industries
- Financial Services: $114,611 per year (₹9,811,000)
- Insurance: $111,248 per year (₹9,523,000)
- Telecommunications: $109,793 per year (₹9,398,000)
Finance Professional
The salary of a finance professional in the United States depends on the job, education, and experience. The finance sector continues to offer attractive salaries and benefits.
Here is a brief overview of how much a finance professional earns:
- Median total pay: $114,872 per year (₹9,811,000)
- Average salary: $85,803 per year (₹7,357,000)
- Total pay range: $86,000 – $157,000 per year (₹7,344,000 – ₹13,467,000)
- Base pay range: $64,000 – $117,000 per year (₹5,472,000 – ₹10,003,000)
- Additional pay range: $22,000 – $41,000 per year (includes bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing) (₹1,883,000 – ₹3,510,000)
Top Paying Companies
- Danaher: $100,000 – $163,000 per year (₹8,560,000 – ₹13,945,000)
- Silicon Labs: $89,000 – $154,000 per year (₹7,610,000 – ₹13,162,000)
Top Paying Industries
- Healthcare: $74,461 per year (₹6,359,000)
- Education: $63,339 per year (₹5,415,000)
Data Science
Data science is a rapidly evolving field that offers a variety of career opportunities. As organizations invest in data-driven decision-making there is massive demand for skilled professionals.
Here is a look at the latest data scientist salaries in the United States:
- Median total pay: $160,401 per year (₹13,719,000)
- Average salary: $115,325 per year (₹9,873,000)
- Total pay range: $127,000 – $206,000 per year (₹10,859,000 – ₹17,626,000)
- Base pay range: $93,000 – $143,000 per year (₹7,955,000 – ₹12,221,000)
- Additional pay range: $34,000 – $63,000 per year (includes bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing) (₹2,906,000 – ₹5,387,000)
Top Paying Companies
- Cruise: $257,000 – $374,000 per year (₹21,963,000 – ₹32,030,000)
- Airbnb: $249,000 – $368,000 per year (₹21,294,000 – ₹31,475,000)
- Roku: $224,000 – $348,000 per year (₹19,142,000 – ₹29,717,000)
Top Paying Industries
- Financial Services: $146,616 per year (₹12,530,000)
- Telecommunications: $145,898 per year (₹12,468,000)
- Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: $145,536 per year (₹12,439,000)
- Information Technology: $145,336 per year (₹12,425,000)
MBA Professionals
MBA professionals are in high demand since top companies seek skilled talent to drive business success. It comes with handsome pay and benefits.
Here is an analysis of what MBA graduates earn in the USA:
- Median total pay: $246,354 per year (₹21,094,000)
- Average salary: $110,200 per year (₹9,427,000)
- Total pay range: $185,000 – $345,000 per year (₹15,760,000 – ₹29,484,000)
- Base pay range: $83,000 – $154,000 per year (₹7,105,000 – ₹13,162,000)
- Additional pay range: $102,000 – $191,000 per year (includes bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing) (₹8,719,000 – ₹16,354,000)
Top Paying Companies
- Microsoft: $228,000 – $405,000 per year (₹19,485,000 – ₹34,608,000)
- Meta: $221,000 – $378,000 per year (₹18,914,000 – ₹32,345,000)
- Google: $214,000 – $380,000 per year (₹18,286,000 – ₹32,480,000)
Popular Companies for MBA Graduates
- US Army: $69,000 – $124,000 per year (₹5,894,000 – ₹10,606,000)
- Deloitte: $98,000 – $150,000 per year (₹8,373,000 – ₹12,840,000)
- US Navy: $75,000 – $130,000 per year (₹6,420,000 – ₹11,110,000)
- Accenture: $103,000 – $159,000 per year (₹8,803,000 – ₹13,584,000)
- PwC: $113,000 – $207,000 per year (₹9,659,000 – ₹17,626,000)
Top Paying Industries
- Information Technology: $206,538 per year (₹17,664,000)
- Manufacturing: $164,574 per year (₹14,084,000)
- Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology: $162,452 per year (₹13,903,000)
- Telecommunications: $150,706 per year (₹12,881,000)
- Insurance: $123,916 per year (₹10,596,000)
Also Read: Part-Time Jobs in USA for Indian Students: Visa regulations & salary
Factors affecting average salaries in the USA
Multiple elements contribute to the variation in average salaries across the United States. Recognizing these is essential to make informed decisions about your career paths.
Location Matters
The geographic location has a huge impact on salary levels. Jobs in cities, particularly those with a high cost of living such as New York offer higher compensation to offset expenses.
Educational Attainment
Educational background plays a crucial role in determining salary potential. Individuals with advanced degrees and certifications earn higher salaries. For instance, bachelor’s degree holders tend to earn more than high school graduates. A postgraduate commands even higher salaries.
Experience Counts
Professional experience significantly influences earning potential. As an employee gathers experience, salaries also increase. Employers reward experienced workers with higher salaries to draw from their expertise.
Industry Variations
The industry sector also substantially affects average salary levels in the USA. High-paying industries like technology, healthcare, and finance usually offer better compensation than sectors like retail. Specialized professionals in in-demand fields like data science often earn significantly higher salaries.
Also Read: MBA Jobs in Australia: Salary, Job Roles, Top Universities & Requirements
FAQs
The average salary in the USA is about $65,000 (₹5,544,000). However, that is hardly enough to sustain a decent lifestyle. The cost of property and rent has increased vastly in recent years. Food inflation has also shot up since COVID-19. To live in any major city in the USA such as San Francisco, Dallas, and Seattle a salary of $90,000 (₹7,698,000) is considered a minimum. Since most Indians are tech workers, they fall in the high-income category and are quite well off.
The average salary in the United States in 2024 is between $59,000 and $65,000 (₹5,032,000 – ₹5,544,000) per year. It varies according to the region.
Despite decades of progress, one cannot deny the gender pay gap in the United States. Women working full-time earn only 84 cents for every dollar earned by men. That is 16% less.
This leads to significant financial problems throughout their lives. This gap extends into retirement, with women receiving less in social security and pensions.
A recent analysis has ranked 60 of the worst-value colleges in the US based on economic performance and graduation rates.
Over 1,200 colleges were evaluated. Claflin University, Lincoln University, and Unity College topped the list due to low graduate salaries. Other schools included Alcorn State University and Grand Canyon University.
Graduation rates were also reviewed in the study. Miami University Hamilton topped the list with a graduation rate of under 20%.
