State-by-State Income Breakdown: What You Need to Earn for Top 10% Status

The wealth gap across America tells a striking story. While some states see their highest earners pull in just over double the median, others witness a gap exceeding 300%. Understanding the top 10 income by state reveals how geography dramatically shapes financial success.

The Widest Divides: High-Income States

New York leads the pack with the most extreme disparity in the nation. To rank in the top 10% here, you’ll need to earn $302,676 against a median of $75,157—a staggering 303% difference. Connecticut follows closely at 282%, followed by Louisiana at 276%.

California, another high-earner state, demands $309,857 for top 10% status, with median earners bringing home $84,097. The Golden State’s wage gap of 268% underscores how coastal economies concentrate wealth differently than inland regions.

Maryland and New Jersey present similar patterns, with top 10% thresholds at $293,979 and $319,140 respectively. These states’ relatively high median incomes (over $89,000) don’t prevent elite earners from pulling significantly ahead.

Modest Gaps in Surprise Places

Utah offers perspective when examining top 10 income by state across different regions. Despite a solid median income of $79,133, Utah’s top earners (at $239,149) see only a 202% premium—among the smallest in America. This suggests more equitable income distribution in certain markets.

Hawaii, despite its reputation for high costs, shows an unexpectedly narrow 209% gap. Vermont and North Dakota similarly demonstrate smaller wealth divides at 222% and 219% respectively.

Southern and Midwestern Patterns

Southern states like Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas show lower median incomes but higher percentage gaps. Mississippi’s median stands at $49,111 while top earners reach $175,581—a 258% jump. West Virginia follows with the nation’s lowest median at $50,884, creating a 242% spread to the top 10%.

Midwestern states tend toward moderate gaps. Wisconsin’s 215% spread, Nebraska’s 220%, and Iowa’s 211% reflect more balanced income structures, though often with below-average baseline salaries.

Regional Analysis

High-income corridors stretch along the coasts and include Texas, where top 10% earners make $239,765 against a $67,321 median. Washington State similarly shows a 236% gap, while Colorado’s 230% spread reflects tech-sector influence.

Lower-gap regions concentrate in Mountain West and some Northern states, where top 10 income by state figures show 200-220% premiums rather than the 250%+ seen elsewhere.

What the Data Reveals

Analyzing U.S. Census Bureau data from the 2021 American Community Survey shows clear patterns: states with higher median incomes don’t necessarily have smaller gaps. Instead, the presence of major financial centers, tech hubs, or high-income professional clusters drives top 10% earnings skyward.

The difference between the highest (New York at 303%) and lowest (Utah at 202%) gaps exceeds 100 percentage points, illustrating how location fundamentally determines the income ceiling. For those seeking financial advancement, understanding your state’s top 10 income by state figure provides a concrete target—and a sobering reality check on earning potential.