The median annual pay for travel agents is $46,400, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent data.
Travel is a passion many people share, but not many people are fortunate enough to make their love of travel their full-time job. If someone is skilled at finding the best travel deals and building the perfect vacation itinerary, they may find that working as a travel agent is a rewarding way to earn a living.
To better understand what it’s like to work as a travel agent and how much they earn, keep reading.
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What Are Travel Agents?
Travel agents help their clients plan and book their trips. They may work for an individual client to plan their vacation or a corporate client to book their work travel. No two trips they manage are likely to be exactly the same, but they can help arrange everything from flights to hotels to excursions to dining reservations. Many travel agents can also give their clients access to deals through partner hotels and other travel vendors.
A travel agent can work independently. In-house at a large corporation, or for a major travel company. They may pursue this work full-time or as a side hustle. Given that a significant part of this career involves working with individuals to understand their travel aspirations and needs, it’s likely not a good job for antisocial people.
Travel agents can train in different ways: Some have a bachelor’s degree in an allied field or an associate’s degree in travel and tourism. There are many professional training programs and certifications available, such as ASTA, IATA, TIDS, and CLIA for different dimensions of travel planning.
As part of their work, travel agents may have the opportunity to visit various properties and destinations to make sure they would be a good fit for clients and learn about their selling points. This is often available at a reduced rate or for free and can be a major perk of working as a travel agent.
However, it’s worth noting that travel agents likely have to be available 24/7 and can deal with considerable stress, if, say, a client misses their flight or extreme weather ruins a vacation. 💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.
How Much Do Starting Travel Agents Make a Year?
If you’re wondering how much money a travel agent makes, the answer will depend a lot on how experienced the travel agent in question is. For example, entry-level travel agents can earn a lot less than more experienced agents. The lowest 10% of earners in this role make less than $29,650.
The highest 10% make more competitive pay north of $64,100. And there are those travel agents who work in the luxury sector who make considerably more.
Indeed, some could make an annual salary of $100,000 or more.
What is the Average Salary for a Travel Agent?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the latest median pay per year for travel agents is $46,400 and the median hourly pay is $22.31.
Alongside experience, location can majorly impact a travel agent’s earning potential. The following table illustrates how much a travel agent’s average salary can vary by state, arranged from highest to lowest. For example, in New York, travel agents make an average annual salary of $51,002, but in Arkansas, they earn almost $20,000 less at an average of $33,194.
What is the Average Travel Agent Salary by State for 2023
State
Annual Salary
Monthly Pay
Weekly Pay
Hourly Wage
New York
$51,002
$4,250
$980
$24.52
Pennsylvania
$46,702
$3,891
$898
$22.45
New Hampshire
$45,667
$3,805
$878
$21.96
New Jersey
$44,975
$3,747
$864
$21.62
Wyoming
$44,490
$3,707
$855
$21.39
Washington
$44,429
$3,702
$854
$21.36
Wisconsin
$44,110
$3,675
$848
$21.21
Massachusetts
$44,109
$3,675
$848
$21.21
Alaska
$43,993
$3,666
$846
$21.15
Oregon
$43,637
$3,636
$839
$20.98
Indiana
$43,568
$3,630
$837
$20.95
North Dakota
$43,557
$3,629
$837
$20.94
Hawaii
$42,711
$3,559
$821
$20.53
Arizona
$42,667
$3,555
$820
$20.51
New Mexico
$42,402
$3,533
$815
$20.39
Colorado
$42,122
$3,510
$810
$20.25
Minnesota
$42,111
$3,509
$809
$20.25
Montana
$42,024
$3,502
$808
$20.20
Nevada
$41,598
$3,466
$799
$20.00
Alabama
$41,499
$3,458
$798
$19.95
South Dakota
$41,167
$3,430
$791
$19.79
Vermont
$41,101
$3,425
$790
$19.76
Ohio
$41,077
$3,423
$789
$19.75
Rhode Island
$40,418
$3,368
$777
$19.43
Iowa
$39,934
$3,327
$767
$19.20
Delaware
$39,881
$3,323
$766
$19.17
Connecticut
$39,806
$3,317
$765
$19.14
Virginia
$39,419
$3,284
$758
$18.95
Mississippi
$39,257
$3,271
$754
$18.87
Tennessee
$39,219
$3,268
$754
$18.86
Utah
$39,017
$3,251
$750
$18.76
Illinois
$38,900
$3,241
$748
$18.70
Georgia
$38,659
$3,221
$743
$18.59
Maryland
$38,651
$3,220
$743
$18.58
California
$38,534
$3,211
$741
$18.53
Nebraska
$37,909
$3,159
$729
$18.23
Maine
$37,734
$3,144
$725
$18.14
Missouri
$37,456
$3,121
$720
$18.01
South Carolina
$37,087
$3,090
$713
$17.83
Kansas
$36,952
$3,079
$710
$17.77
Idaho
$36,789
$3,065
$707
$17.69
Louisiana
$36,765
$3,063
$707
$17.68
Oklahoma
$36,712
$3,059
$706
$17.65
Texas
$36,475
$3,039
$701
$17.54
North Carolina
$36,322
$3,026
$698
$17.46
West Virginia
$36,068
$3,005
$693
$17.34
Kentucky
$34,977
$2,914
$672
$16.82
Michigan
$34,895
$2,907
$671
$16.78
Florida
$34,212
$2,851
$657
$16.45
Arkansas
$33,194
$2,766
$638
$15.96
Source: ZipRecruiter
Travel Agent Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
Working as a travel agent can be very flexible. While full-time positions are available in this role, some travel agents choose to work part-time or for themselves as entrepreneurs.
When working full-time for a travel advisory firm, travel agents can expect to gain access to benefits like health insurance and retirement contribution matching. If they work part-time or are self-employed, they will need to provide themselves with those benefits, which can eat into their take-home pay. 💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of Travel Agent Salary
The main disadvantage of a travel agent’s salary is that the median annual salary is on the lower side at just $46,400. That being said, one of the main advantages of this salary is that it can come with hefty bonuses based on travel bookings with partners that offer commissions to travel agents. Also, travel agents often get discounts and freebies as they themselves travel to check out new resorts and attractions.
Travel agents who work for themselves can also choose to set their own rates and can potentially earn more. Or those who cater to high net-worth individuals may be able to raise their income.
Recommended: Work-from-Home Jobs for Retirees
The Takeaway
A travel agent who is super organized and passionate about travel can help make their client’s lives easier and their trips more enjoyable. In exchange for their savviness, some travel agents earn good salaries doing work that they truly enjoy and have perks that involve more travel at lower or no cost for their own purposes.
SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.
FAQ
Can you make 100k a year as a travel agent?
While most travel agents don’t earn $100,000 per year, those who choose to work for themselves and set their own rates or cater to an elite clientele can possibly make six figures. Many travel agents work on commission, so they can also stand to earn more if their clients book a lot of expensive trips.
Do people like being a travel agent?
Many people like working as a travel agent because it’s a fun way to put their love of travel to use. It tends to be a good job for those who consider themselves to be a “people person” since there’s lots of interaction with clients. Also, it’s good for people who can “roll with the punches” since travel plans often change for various reasons.
Is it hard to get hired as a travel agent?
The demand for travel agents is on par with the average of other professions. So, while it’s not seeing a surge in need, there should be availability of jobs as a travel agent.
Photo credit: iStock/Dimensions
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
The median pay for professional photographers is $40,170 per year, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That said, there is a broad range of earning possible, depending on what kind of photographer a person is and where they live.
Photography may become a more in-demand skill in the future, given what a visual culture exists today. Over the next decade, it’s anticipated that photographers will see job demand increase by 5% between 2022 and 2032, which is greater than the average for all professions.
Read on to learn more about the salary and other facets of a career as a photographer.
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What Are Photographers?
A photographer combines technical expertise with creativity and composition skills to produce photographic images. Photographers can get paid to take wedding, family, or pet portraits; cover news events; work for businesses and brands shooting products; or create art — among many other types of photography work.
Many photographers are also skilled in editing photos. If a photographer works for themselves, they can also be responsible for running their business and everything that entails, from advertising to accounting to operations. There are so many directions a photographer’s career can take. Some photographers also teach the art of photography, help plan creative direction for photo shoots, or use drone technology to capture shots from the sky. 💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.
How Much Do Starting Photographers Make a Year?
When they are earning an entry-level salary, how much money a photographer makes is typically on the low end of the spectrum. Their earnings will likely grow as they gain skills and experience and make connections in the industry.
The lowest 10% of photographers earn less than $12.98 per hourly pay. That may be a good starting point if you are wondering about starting salaries.
Keep in mind that photographers in different locations and areas of focus will make an array of salaries. For instance, someone who takes baby portraits for new parents in a small town will likely never earn as much as a high-fashion photographer in a major city who is being paid by corporate clients. The latter could make $100,000 a year or considerably more.
Recommended: What Trade Makes the Most Money?
What is the Average Salary for a Photographer?
The average salary for a photographer can depend a lot, as already noted, on where someone lives. While the median annual income for this role is $40,170, the following table illustrates how the state a photographer chooses to work in can impact their potential earnings and determine if it’s a high-paying job.
What is the Average Photographer Salary by State for 2023
State
Annual Salary
Monthly Pay
Weekly Pay
Hourly Wage
Oregon
$48,870
$4,072
$939
$23.50
Alaska
$48,629
$4,052
$935
$23.38
North Dakota
$48,622
$4,051
$935
$23.38
Massachusetts
$48,041
$4,003
$923
$23.10
Hawaii
$47,595
$3,966
$915
$22.88
Washington
$46,501
$3,875
$894
$22.36
Nevada
$45,979
$3,831
$884
$22.11
South Dakota
$45,953
$3,829
$883
$22.09
Colorado
$45,377
$3,781
$872
$21.82
Rhode Island
$45,265
$3,772
$870
$21.76
New York
$43,131
$3,594
$829
$20.74
Delaware
$42,656
$3,554
$820
$20.51
Vermont
$42,118
$3,509
$809
$20.25
Virginia
$42,039
$3,503
$808
$20.21
Illinois
$42,025
$3,502
$808
$20.20
Maryland
$41,311
$3,442
$794
$19.86
Nebraska
$40,429
$3,369
$777
$19.44
Missouri
$40,178
$3,348
$772
$19.32
California
$40,067
$3,338
$770
$19.26
South Carolina
$39,831
$3,319
$765
$19.15
Pennsylvania
$39,512
$3,292
$759
$19.00
New Jersey
$39,430
$3,285
$758
$18.96
Oklahoma
$39,153
$3,262
$752
$18.82
Maine
$39,132
$3,261
$752
$18.81
Wisconsin
$39,049
$3,254
$750
$18.77
North Carolina
$39,009
$3,250
$750
$18.75
New Hampshire
$38,424
$3,202
$738
$18.47
Idaho
$38,328
$3,194
$737
$18.43
Texas
$38,071
$3,172
$732
$18.30
Kentucky
$37,948
$3,162
$729
$18.24
Wyoming
$37,814
$3,151
$727
$18.18
Minnesota
$37,716
$3,143
$725
$18.13
Michigan
$37,565
$3,130
$722
$18.06
New Mexico
$37,504
$3,125
$721
$18.03
Indiana
$37,314
$3,109
$717
$17.94
Ohio
$36,661
$3,055
$705
$17.63
Arizona
$36,543
$3,045
$702
$17.57
Connecticut
$36,357
$3,029
$699
$17.48
Mississippi
$36,102
$3,008
$694
$17.36
Iowa
$36,056
$3,004
$693
$17.34
Montana
$35,992
$2,999
$692
$17.30
Arkansas
$35,860
$2,988
$689
$17.24
Alabama
$35,543
$2,961
$683
$17.09
Utah
$35,026
$2,918
$673
$16.84
Tennessee
$35,001
$2,916
$673
$16.83
Kansas
$33,992
$2,832
$653
$16.34
Georgia
$33,110
$2,759
$636
$15.92
Louisiana
$32,930
$2,744
$633
$15.83
West Virginia
$30,515
$2,542
$586
$14.67
Florida
$29,303
$2,441
$563
$14.09
💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Photographer Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
While photographers can often choose to set their own rates, they are also usually self-employed and therefore responsible for securing their own benefits. For instance, they won’t have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan or healthcare benefits. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a photographer works for a large corporation or photo studio, they may receive access to traditional employee benefits like paid time off and a retirement plan contribution match.
Other considerations can be how a career as a photographer can impact your lifestyle. If you are a news photographer, you may find that you have to be available for extended periods, whenever a situation comes up that needs documenting. If you are a travel photographer, which can sound like a dream job, you likely won’t have a typical week-to-week schedule. And if you are a wedding photographer, you will likely be spending many weekends shooting ceremonies vs. kicking back with your family.
There are some photography jobs, such as taking pictures of a product, that may not involve that much social interaction, but many kinds of photography careers do involve working with people non-stop. For this reason, it may not be the best job for antisocial people.
Pros and Cons of Photographer Salary
The main advantage of a photographer’s salary is there is no real cap on how much they earn. For example, in-demand wedding photographers or photographers who license their images for products can all demand high rates for their work. On the flip side, their salaries are often not consistent, which can be very stressful. Also, when you are self-employed, taxes can take a bite out of your earnings.
Recommended: What Is Competitive Pay?
The Takeaway
Working as a professional photographer can be a creatively fulfilling, fun, and lucrative career. Worth considering, though: How much a photographer stands to make depends a lot on their specialty, where they live, and their level of experience.
See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.
FAQ
Can you make 100k a year as a Photographer?
It is possible to earn $100,000 or more a year as a photographer — the sky really is the limit when it comes to income potential in this field. However, the median annual income for this role is $40,170, but photographers can earn more over time as they gain experience and a strong reputation in their industry.
Do people like being a photographer?
Many people who pursue a career in photography do so because it is a creative pursuit they are truly passionate about. Many positions can provide flexibility and fun experiences (say, if you are a travel or wedding photographer).
Is it hard to get hired as a photographer?
It can be very hard to find a job as a photographer if you don’t have the skill set required to get the job done well. Taking some time to build a strong portfolio of your work and then marketing your business can make it much easier to get hired.
Photo credit: iStock/ivan101
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Inside: Learn what 29 an hour is how much a year, month, and day. Plus tips to budget your money. Don’t miss the ways to increase your income.
You’re probably wondering if I made $29 a year, how much do I truly make? What will that add up to over the course of the year when working? Is $29 an hour good?
Is this wage something that I can actually live on? Or do I need to find ways that I can increase my hourly wage? How much more is $29.50 an hour annually?
When you finally start earning $29 an hour, you are happy with your progress as an hourly employee. Typically, this is when many hourly employees start to become salaried workers.
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $29 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
By taking a step ahead and making a plan for the money, you are better able to decide how you want to live, make sure that you put your money goals first, and not just living paycheck to paycheck struggling to survive.
The ultimate goal with money success is to be wise with how you spend your money.
If that is something you want too, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$29 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $29 per hour is as an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $29 = $60,320
$60,320 is the gross annual salary with a $29 per hour wage.
As of June 2023, the average hourly wage is $33.58 (source).
Let’s Break Down Of 29 Dollars An Hour Is How Much A Year
Typically, the average workweek is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $29 times 2,080 working hours, and the result is $60,320.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
That is slightly above the $60000 salary threshold, which is desired to become middle-income worker.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $29 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $29 times 1,040 working hours, and the result is $30,160.
Just over $30000 a year.
How Much is $29 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $5,027.
Annual Amount of $60,320 ÷ 12 months = $5,027 per month
Just over $5000 a month.
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid and on which days you get paid.
Plus by increasing your wage from $24 an hour, you average an extra $867 per month. So, yes a few more dollars an hour add up!
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $2,513.
How Much is $29 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $29 = $1,160 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $580.
How Much is $29 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $1,160 and double it.
$1,160 per week x 2 = $2,320
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $29 an hour = $2,320
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $1,160.
How Much is $29 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight-hour workday.
8 hours x $29 per hour = $232 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $290 per day. (10 hours x $29 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $116.
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$29 Per Hour is…
$29 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$60,320
Yearly Wage (50 weeks)
$58,000
Monthly Salary (173 hours)
$5,027
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$1,160
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$2,320
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$232
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$3,834
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 29 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly employee, you may or may not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $60,320 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $29 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $29 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $58000 per year.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $29 = $58,000
You would average $232 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$29 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $60,320
Federal Taxes of 12%: $7,238
State Taxes of 4%: $2,413
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $4,614
$29 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $46,054
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$46054 ÷ 2,080 hours = $22.14 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $22.14 an hour. That is $6.86 an hour less than what you thought you were paid.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
Plus budgeting for under $22 an hour wage is much different.
$29 An Hour Salary Calculator
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $29.01-29.99.
This is super helpful if you make $29.15, $29.45, or $29.81.
Also, if you work various hours other than the standard 40 hours per week. You can adjust to your personal situation.
$29 an Hour Budget – Example
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 29 dollars an hour? How much rent or mortgage payment can you afford on 29 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best-case scenario on how to budget your $29 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, above we calculated that $29 an hour was $22.14 after taxes. That would average $3838 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high-level view of a $29 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $1919
Save Money of 20% = $768
Give Money of 10% = $384
Fun Spending of 20% = $768
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable for everyone. Even though you would expect your money to go further when you are making double the minimum wage. So, you have to be strategic in ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun spending.
To further break down an example budget of $29 per hour, then using the ideal household percentages is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $29 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$402
Savings
15-25%
$1005
Housing
20-30%
$1,181
Utilities
4-7%
$176
Groceries
5-12%
$385
Clothing
1-4%
$20
Transportation
4-10%
$176
Medical
5-12%
$251
Life Insurance
1%
$15
Education
1-4%
$25
Personal
2-7%
$75
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$126
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$1,189
Total Gross Income
$5,027
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses.
Can I Live off $29 Per Hour?
At this $29 hourly wage, you are more than likely double the minimum wage. Things should be easy to live off this $29 hourly salary.
However, it is still slightly above the median income of over $60,000 salary. That means it can still be a tough situation.
Is it doable? Absolutely.
In fact, $29 an hour is higher than the median hourly wage of $19.33 (source). That seems backward, but typically salaried workers earn more per hour than hourly workers.
Can you truly live off $29 an hour annually?
You just have to have the desire to spend less than your income. Plus consistently save.
If you are constantly struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, then you need to break that constant cycle. It is possible to be smart with money.
Your mindset is everything.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, I have aspirations and goals to increase how much I make. This is the time to start diversifying my income into multiple streams and start investing. I am going to stretch my 29 dollars per hour.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, is it possible to live on $29 an hour?
Yes, you can do it, and as you can see it is possible with the sample budget of $29 per hour.
Living in a higher cost of living area would be more difficult. So, you may have to get a little creative. For example, you might have to have a roommate. Move to a lower cost of living area where rent is cheaper.
Also, you must evaluate your “fun spending” items. Many of those expenses are not mandatory and will break your budget. You can find plenty of free things to do without spending money.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most crucial section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $29.50 will add up over the year. An increase to $30 an hour is a big milestone!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work. Making $29 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I needed in my life to do what I wanted when I needed to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine-to-five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
Must Read: How to Make Quick Money in One Day: 50 Best Ways to Make Cash
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially and becoming financially sound.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in 8 months. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Watch his inspiring story!
Tips to Live on $29 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on a $29 an hour or just above $60k yearly salary. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $29 an hour. More importantly stretch how much you make, in case you are in the “I don’t want to work anymore” mindset. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than you Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $29 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is $29 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, Social Security, and Medicare are taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your gross income. Learn more on gross pay vs net pay.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. If you’re good, since you must keep your expenses low, you have to find ways to make your savings fun!
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are 101 things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons of budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and that you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt-free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until we paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt-free journey.
Jobs that Pay $29 an Hour
You can find jobs that pay $29 per hour. Polish up that resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Virtual Assistant – Get free training NOW!
Freelance writer
Class A Truck Driver
Managers
Entry Level Marketing Jobs
Data Entry Clerks
Customer service managers
Bank tellers
Maintenance workers
Freight broker – Learn how easy it is to start!
Administrative assistants
Athletic Trainers
Event Planners
Day trader
Security guard
Movers
Cashiers
Warehouse workers
Companies that pay more than $29 per hour: Wells Fargo, Disney World, Disney Land, Bank of America, Cigna, Aetna, etc
$29 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 29 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
$60,320
That is making between $60000 a year and $62000 a year.
In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Still thinking I don’t want to work anymore, you aren’t alone and need to start to plan for your early retirement.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
The average cost of a dozen eggs in the U.S. is $3, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Though higher than in previous years, it’s still lower than the $4.82 consumers paid on average in January of 2023, when concerns about egg shortages sent the cost of eggs skyrocketing.
Why does knowing the cost of a dozen eggs today matter? If you’re trying to manage your household budget, then keeping food costs as low as possible might be a priority. Where you live can play a part in determining how much you’ll pay for a dozen eggs.
Table of Contents
What Is the Average Cost of a Dozen Eggs Today?
On average, Americans are paying $3 for a dozen Grade A large eggs, based on the BLS data. That price reflects the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data available as of February 2024. The CPI Consumer Price Index tracks prices for a basket of consumer goods and services over time.
In tracking egg price data, the CPI looks at average numbers by city, rather than state. Prices are based on the cost of a dozen eggs only and don’t take into account pricing for smaller or larger quantities of eggs sold, or pricing for different sizes of eggs. The CPI’s egg price data offers a snapshot of how egg prices have moved up or down over time. While prices increased sharply in the beginning of 2023, the average cost of a dozen eggs has since declined. Whether you live alone or are supporting a family, these types of fluctuations can impact your grocery budget.
It’s important to keep in mind that average reflects all prices from high to low, while median reflects the middle price. Median prices for eggs or other consumer goods and services may be higher than the average price. 💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.
Average Cost of Eggs by State for 2023
If you’re interested in what is the average cost of a dozen eggs by state, you might be surprised at just how much prices can vary from one location to the next. The following table breaks down the average cost of a dozen eggs in all 50 states, according to pricing data from Instacart collected in December 2022. Note that the figures below were captured during the egg shortage, when prices were high, and may not reflect the latest CPI price data.
State
Cost
Alabama
$6.12
Alaska
$4.61
Arizona
$6.03
Arkansa
$4.95
California
$6.05
Colorado
$5.77
Connecticut
$5.54
Delaware
$4.79
District of Columbia
$4.58
Florida
$6.36
Georgia
$5.96
Hawaii
$9.73
Idaho
$5.09
Illinois
$4.82
Indiana
$4.33
Iowa
$4.44
Kansas
$4.41
Kentucky
$4.51
Louisiana
$5.59
Maine
$5.84
Maryland
$4.78
Massachusetts
$5.20
Michigan
$4.82
Minnesota
$5.10
Mississippi
$5.04
Missouri
$4.24
Montana
$5.46
Nebraska
$4.25
Nevada
$6.07
New Hampshire
$4.91
New Jersey
$5.05
New Mexico
$5.65
New York
$5.37
North Carolina
$5.60
North Dakota
$4.83
Ohio
$4.39
Oklahoma
$4.92
Oregon
$4.81
Pennsylvania
$4.52
Rhode Island
$5.10
South Carolina
$5.76
South Dakota
$5.00
Tennessee
$5.61
Texas
$5.43
Utah
$5.67
Vermont
$5.70
Virginia
$4.96
Washington
$4.91
West Virginia
$4.64
Wisconsin
$4.78
Wyoming
$5.84
Source: Instacart
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Where the Cost of Eggs Is Highest
As evidenced by the price data, some states are more expensive than others when it comes to what you’ll pay for a dozen eggs on average. In descending order, here are the 10 states that had the highest cost overall for a dozen eggs:
• Hawaii
• Florida
• Alabama
• Nevada
• California
• Arizona
• Georgia
• Wyoming
• Maine
• Colorado
In each of those states, shoppers paid $5.70 or more on average for a dozen eggs. Hawaii is the most expensive state to buy eggs, with the average cost of a dozen eggs nearing $10.
Where the Cost of Eggs Is Lowest
Where is the average cost of a dozen eggs the cheapest? Shoppers paid the least for a dozen eggs in these states:
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Kansas
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Pennsylvania
• Alaska
• West Virginia
In these states, the average cost of eggs was below $5 per dozen. As you can see, most of these states are located in the central, southern, and eastern U.S., though Alaska is the outlier. Assuming food costs are lower overall in these states, the average grocery budget for a family of 5 is likely to be less compared to the states where eggs are more expensive.
Why Did the Cost of Eggs Increase
The spike in egg prices that peaked in 2022 was largely fueled by scarcity. An outbreak of avian flu sent egg production into decline as more than 43 million laying hens were lost to the disease or depopulation efforts. With fewer eggs in supply but demand not easing, egg prices began to rise. Prices began to decline as egg inventory increased following the end of the outbreak.
Prices began to decline as egg inventory increased. However, the ongoing outbreak and strong demand have helped keep prices high. Inflation can also be pointed to as a contributing factor to rising egg prices. In simple terms, inflation is a rise in prices for things consumers buy, like eggs and other household items. Knowing how to find the inflation rate and what’s considered to be a normal range matters for making the most of your money.
When inflation is higher, everything costs more and your money doesn’t go as far. A difference of a few cents in the price of a dozen eggs might not seem like much. But when everything else is going up in price too, and inflation doesn’t appear to be easing any time soon, it can take a serious toll on your wallet.
When Will the Cost of Eggs Go Down?
According to the CPI data, egg prices have declined from the peak they reached in January 2023. While eggs are more expensive than they were a couple of years ago, relief might be on the horizon. In its food price outlook, the USDA predicted that egg prices would drop 2.8% in 2024.
Monitoring prices for different goods and services can help you stay on top of your budget. Making and sticking to a spending and savings plan is one of the most basic steps for building wealth and increasing your net worth. Being able to measure your liquid net worth can give you an idea of how well you’re doing financially when it comes to accumulating assets and paying down debt.
Tips on How to Shop for Cheap Eggs
Shopping for eggs on the cheap can save you money and make it easier to live below your means. Living below your means benefits you in a few ways. For one thing, you may be less reliant on credit cards to cover expenses if you always have extra cash in your budget. And for another, it can make it easier to adapt to economic changes that can affect your budget and spending.
With that in mind, here are a few quick tips to help you pay less for eggs.
• Shop the farmer’s market. Buying eggs locally from a farmer’s market vs. a supermarket could save you money if you’re able to find lower prices. You may even be able to work out a barter or trade with a local farmer or neighbor who has a backyard flock, which could allow you to get eggs for free.
• Choose store brands. Store-brand products, including eggs, typically cost less than name-brand ones. If you’re not partial to any one egg brand, you may save a little money by choosing your local store’s brand.
• Buy eggs in bulk. Buying in bulk could save you money if you’re paying a lower unit price per egg. But the catch is that you have to be sure you’re actually going to use them all; otherwise, you could be wasting money.
• Use fewer eggs. A simple way to save money on eggs is to not consume as many. For instance, you might opt to get your daily protein from other sources or swap out your favorite baking recipes for ones that don’t incorporate eggs.
• Shop with coupons and cash back apps. Couponing may seem tedious but supermarkets make it easier by allowing you to load digital coupons to your store loyalty card. You can pair coupons with a cash back app that pays you a percentage back when you shop at partner grocery stores, which can add to your savings.
💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.
The Takeaway
The average cost of a dozen eggs might not be something you think about on a day-to-day basis. But knowing how much you’ll pay for eggs matters when it’s time to go to the grocery store and do your weekly shopping. Keeping an eye on egg prices and implementing some different hacks for finding cheap eggs can help you keep your food budget in check.
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See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.
FAQ
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 2023?
As of July 2023, the average cost of a dozen eggs was $2.09, according to Consumer Price Index data. Overall, egg prices were on the decline by mid-2023 after peaking at $4.82 on average per dozen at the beginning of the year.
What state has the most expensive eggs?
According to December 2022 pricing data from Instacart, Hawaii residents pay the most for a dozen eggs. On average, a dozen eggs there costs just under $10.
Do eggs last longer than sell by date?
Eggs can stay fresh past the sell by date, but there are limits on how long you’ll be able to use them. A simple way to tell if an egg is fresh is to place it in a glass or bowl of water. Eggs that float to the surface are no longer fresh, while ones that lie flat on their side are the freshest.
Photo credit: iStock/nd3000
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Unstable borrowing conditions and a lack of affordable properties kept homeownership out of reach for many Americans in 2023. However, as the spring buying season approaches and signs that the market is recovering emerge, buyer sentiment is shifting. According to the National Association of Realtors®, national existing home sales in January 2024 were up year-over-year by 1.3%. Housing supply is also improving, with national inventory up by 3.1% year-over-year and 2% month-over-month.
These positive changes are setting the stage for an active spring market in the US. But as competition increases, so do home prices. The national median price for a single-family home in the US increased by 5.1% year-over-year in January to $379,100. This begs the question: where can prospective homebuyers find the best deals this spring?
To better understand where homebuyers can find pockets of affordability, Zoocasa analyzed home prices in 50 metropolitan statistical areas across the country to determine which are below the national median and where the most growth is happening. Median single-family home prices were sourced from the National Association of REALTORS® and are from Q4 2023, except the national median home price which is from January 2024.
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It’s usually said that the further outside of an urban center you go, the more affordable the home price. But of the 33 metropolitan statistical areas with a median home price below the national median, 15 have populations above 2 million, and five have populations above 5 million. The largest urban center with a median home price below the national median is Chicago, IL with a median home price of $343,300 in Q4 of 2023. Despite the city experiencing year-over-year price growth of 6.2%, Chicago’s median home price is still $35,800 below the national median.
Of the 50 markets we analyzed, Cleveland, OH came out on top for affordability. Cleveland’s median home price of $190,700 is an impressive $188,400 below the national median and is one of the few areas on our list where the median home price dropped from last year. Other markets where the median home price fell from last year include Myrtle Beach, SC, Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX, and Memphis, TN. Alabama’s capital, Montgomery, was the only other market on our list besides Cleveland with a median home price below $200,000. Homebuyers here can snag a home for approximately $185,700 below the national median.
It’s worth noting that five out of the six markets that experienced year-over-year price growth of more than 9% have home prices below the national median. These markets include Rochester, NY, Hartford, CT, New Haven, CT, Oklahoma City, OK, and Cincinnati, OH. This means that homebuyers of all price ranges, including those purchasing lower-priced homes, can still expect to build a significant amount of equity.
Markets that have experienced significant year-over-year price growth also present good investment opportunities. For instance, single-family homes in Philadelphia, PA have experienced year-over-year price growth of 7.2% and are still $20,100 below the national median price, making this sought-after city a good option for first-time investors. Kansas City, MO is an emerging market that would make a great first-time investment location. The city garnered a lot of media attention last year thanks to the city’s football team and frequent Taylor Swift visits, resulting in the median home price rising by 5.9% year-over-year. Despite its growing popularity, the median home price in Kansas City remains one of the lowest on our list at $315,800.
Homebuyers with their hearts set on a particular destination, especially one of the largest and most sought-after cities in the US, would benefit from considering smaller markets relatively close to their dream location. While the Big Apple might be out of reach for the average buyer, with a median home price of $659,200, New York’s second and third-largest cities still maintain affordable prices. Buffalo and Rochester have median home prices of $243,500 and $230,500 respectively. This is nearly $150,000 less than the national median, compared to New York City, where the median home price is more than $280,000 above the national median.
Though San Francisco, CA, and Los Angeles, CA have notoriously high home prices, at $1,251,000 and $884,400 respectively, California homebuyers still have affordable options. At just $26,600 above the national median, Fresno’s median home price is one of the more affordable options in California. But for savvy buyers looking for a deal in California, Bakersfield presents the best option with a median home price of $11,800 below the national median.
In Florida, motivated buyers on the hunt for affordable prices will have to look outside of the vibrant Miami market, which has a median home price more than $200,000 above the national median. Tampa’s median home price exceeds the national median by just $30,900, while Daytona Beach and Tallahassee offer more affordable housing, with median prices $16,700 and $57,100 below the national median, respectively.
Planning to enter one of these markets this spring? It’s important to speak with a local realtor who is familiar with your local real estate market. Give us a call today to discuss your home-buying plans.
The median annual wage for speech pathologists in the U.S. is $84,140, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But salaries can vary significantly, ranging from less than $56,370 to more than $126,680.
How much money you can make as a speech-language pathologist may depend on several factors, including the industry in which you work, the level of education you attain, and where you live.
Here’s a look at what speech pathologists do and how they are paid.
What Is a Speech Pathologist?
Speech pathologists are health care providers who evaluate, diagnose, and treat children and adults who are experiencing communication difficulties because of speech, language, or voice problems. They also may treat clients who are struggling with developmental delays, memory issues, or who have trouble swallowing.
Speech pathologists typically work in a school, hospital, or rehabilitation/nursing home setting, or they may open their own practice. They often work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that also provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other types of care.
All speech pathologists must be licensed. While the qualifications can vary by state, a master’s degree from an accredited university is often required, along with several hours of supervised clinical experience, a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and a passing grade on a state exam.
Depending on the work you plan to do, other certifications may be required by your employer, including a teaching certificate if you practice in an educational setting. 💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.
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How Much Do Starting Speech Pathologists Make a Year?
Speech-language pathologists with one to three years of experience earned a median salary of $74,000 in 2023, according to the ASHA’s SLP Health Care Survey Salary Report. The job site ZipRecruiter lists Massachusetts, Washington, Colorado, Delaware, and Illinois as the states where speech pathologists currently earn the highest entry-level salaries.
Recommended: High-Paying Vocational Jobs for 2024
What Is the Average Salary for a Speech Pathologist?
So how much can you expect to make per year if you stay with a career as a speech pathologist?
The 2023 SLP Health Care Survey Salary Report found that several factors can have an impact on speech pathologists’ earnings, including job duties, the type of facility where they’re employed, if they work full- or part-time, if they’re paid a salary vs. hourly wage or on a per-visit basis, and whether they work in a region with a higher cost of living.
Here are the average annual salaries for speech pathologists by state.
Average Speech Pathologist Salary by State
State
Average Annual Salary
Alabama
$81,140
Alaska
$90,279
Arizona
$83,423
Arkansas
$68,644
California
$94,592
Colorado
$87,186
Connecticut
$80,836
Delaware
$82,742
Florida
$66,895
Georgia
$75,588
Hawaii
$87,406
Idaho
$90,774
Illinois
$80,442
Indiana
$85,185
Iowa
$80,542
Kansas
$75,362
Kentucky
$72,228
Louisiana
$73,799
Maine
$91,996
Maryland
$80,211
Massachusetts
$90,970
Michigan
$72,246
Minnesota
$84,527
Mississippi
$80,048
Missouri
$77,637
Montana
$82,167
Nebraska
$78,728
Nevada
$85,362
New Hampshire
$88,375
New Jersey
$89,146
New Mexico
$84,483
New York
$98,990
North Carolina
$75,258
North Dakota
$89,084
Ohio
$82,280
Oklahoma
$76,241
Oregon
$89,146
Pennsylvania
$90,666
Rhode Island
$82,571
South Carolina
$76,844
South Dakota
$84,193
Tennessee
$78,555
Texas
$90,424
Utah
$78,424
Vermont
$97,120
Virginia
$81,864
Washington
$110,930
West Virginia
$70,022
Wisconsin
$87,933
Wyoming
$86,602
Source: ZipRecruiter
Recommended: Cost of Living by State
Speech Pathologists Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
If you decide speech pathology is the right fit for you, you may not need to worry about job security. The BLS is projecting that employment of speech pathologists will grow by 19% over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations combined.
Therapists are needed more than ever to assist aging baby boomers and others who’ve experienced a stroke, hearing loss, dementia, or other health-related issues. And there is an increasing need for those who wish to work with kids and adults on the autism spectrum. Therapists are also needed to help children overcome speech impediments and other communication issues.
A career as a speech pathologist also can offer a competitive paycheck. While the BLS reported the median weekly earnings for all full-time workers was $1,145 in the fourth quarter of 2023, the average weekly paycheck for a speech pathologist was $1,652, according to ZipRecruiter.
Of course, the pay and benefits you receive will likely be tied to the job you choose. If you’re employed by a public school district in a rural community, for example, you may not earn as much as a department head at a large health facility in a major city. Still, you can expect to receive benefits similar to other workers in the health-care field, including health insurance, a retirement plan, vacation pay, etc.
As you weigh your career decisions, consider using online tools to ensure you’re staying on track with your personal and financial goals. A money tracker app, for example, can help you create a budget and keep an eye on your spending and your credit score.
Pros and Cons of a Speech Pathologist’s Salary
Probably the biggest downside of choosing a career as a speech pathologist is the amount of time and money it can take just to get started. After getting your bachelor’s degree, it may take two or more years to complete your master’s degree and clinical training. Depending on the career path you choose, you also may need to earn certain certifications along with your state license to practice. And it may take some time to pay off your student debt.
On the plus side, you’ll be helping others in a career that can be extremely fulfilling, and you can earn a comfortable living while doing so.
Here are some more pros and cons to keep in mind.
Pros:
• As a speech pathologist, you will be helping others and, in many cases, changing lives.
• You’ll be working and networking with other professionals who will help you keep learning.
• You may be able to design a schedule that fits your needs (especially if you have your own practice).
Cons:
• You may have an overwhelming caseload, and the work could be frustrating and stressful at times.
• You may have to work nights and weekends (even with a job in education or in private practice).
• The paperwork can be daunting and may require working overtime or taking work home to keep up. 💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
The Takeaway
Working as a speech pathologist can be professionally rewarding. Not only is the field growing, it tends to pay well, too. However, you can expect to make a substantial investment in time and money before you get the job you want. And how much you earn — especially when starting out — can depend on several factors, including the specialty you choose, who your employer is, and where you’re located.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.
FAQ
Can you make $100,000 a year as a speech pathologist?
Yes. While the median annual wage for speech-language pathologists in the U.S. is $84,140, the highest 10% of earners in this category make six-figure salaries.
Do most speech pathologists enjoy their work?
Speech-language pathologists came in at No. 3 on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of “Best HealthCare Jobs” for 2024 and No. 10 on the news site’s list of “100 Best Jobs.” While the career was rated above average for stress, it received high ratings for both flexibility and opportunities for upward mobility.
Is it hard to get hired as a speech pathologist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for speech pathologists is good, and should be solid for the next decade. If you get the proper education and training, and you have a passion for helping others, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find work in this profession.
Photo credit: iStock/akinbostanci
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The median annual wage for psychologists in the U.S. is $85,330, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But salaries can vary significantly, ranging from less than $50,000 to more than $140,000.
How much money you can make as a psychologist may depend on several factors, including the industry you choose to work in, the level of education you attain, and where your job is located. Here’s a look at what psychologists do and how they are paid.
What Are Psychologists?
Psychologists are mental health professionals who are trained to help individuals and groups understand and address various behavioral, emotional, and organizational challenges. There are several different types of psychologists, including:
• Clinical and counseling psychologists, who evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders such as depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and addiction.
• Industrial/organizational psychologists, who help organizations solve workplace issues and improve work-life balance.
• School psychologists, who specialize in dealing with problems that can affect students’ behaviors and learning.
• Neuropsychologists, who study how damage to a person’s brain or body can impact behavior and cognition.
• Forensic psychologists, who may collaborate with various law enforcement agencies, attorneys, judges, and others on certain aspects of a legal case.
It’s important to note that a psychologist is not the same thing as a psychiatrist, though they are often confused. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications. A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree in psychology, which is a social science. 💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.
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What Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?
Do you have good observational skills? Are you a problem solver? Do you pride yourself on your ability to build a rapport with others? Do you have empathy for those who are experiencing emotional or behavioral issues?
If so, you may find you’re well-suited for a career as a psychologist. But you’ll also have to get the education and training necessary for the job.
Psychologists usually must have at least a master’s degree to get into the field, and depending on what type of work you hope to do, you may need a doctoral degree as well. Clinical and counseling psychologists, for example, typically need a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree.
Industrial-organizational psychologists usually earn at least a master’s degree, with coursework that focuses on understanding how people behave in the workplace. School psychologists also may need at least a master’s degree with a focus on student development and other educational issues. And most degree programs can also require an internship and clinical experience.
Most states also require psychologists to obtain a license. And there are several certifications available that specific employers may require.
Recommended: High-Paying Vocational Jobs for 2024
How Much Do Starting Psychologists Make a Year?
The average salary for a starting psychologist in 2024 is $89,326, according to the job site Salary.com, but entry-level salaries currently can range from $75,493 to $101,117.
Of course, the work you do, your education level, certifications, and even your work location can impact how much you might earn as a beginning psychologist. The job site ZipRecruiter lists Washington, New York, Vermont, California, and Maine as the states where starting clinical psychologists currently earn the most money.
What Is the Average Salary for a Psychologist?
So, how much can you make per year if you choose a career as a psychologist?
You can expect your specialty to have a big influence on how much you earn. According to BLS statistics, industrial-organizational psychologists currently earn the highest salaries, while school psychologists earn the least.
Staying up to date by continuing your education and training may help boost your salary as well. And building a reputation through research and publishing can also make a psychologist more valuable to employers and clients.
If you’re hoping to negotiate for a more competitive paycheck, it’s important to remember that salaries — or how much a psychologist makes an hour — may be affected by the cost of living or demand in a particular region. Here’s how psychologists’ average annual salaries break down by state based on ZipRecruiter data.
Average Psychologist Salary by State
State
Average Annual Salary
Alabama
$129,310
Alaska
$176,920
Arizona
$132,948
Arkansas
$130,467
California
$145,770
Colorado
$165,086
Connecticut
$132,272
Delaware
$155,187
Florida
$106,610
Georgia
$120,463
Hawaii
$173,156
Idaho
$139,446
Illinois
$152,897
Indiana
$135,754
Iowa
$131,180
Kansas
$123,671
Kentucky
$138,059
Louisiana
$119,804
Maine
$142,367
Maryland
$150,294
Massachusetts
$174,781
Michigan
$136,667
Minnesota
$137,219
Mississippi
$131,343
Missouri
$146,175
Montana
$130,944
Nebraska
$147,086
Nevada
$167,279
New Hampshire
$139,791
New Jersey
$143,454
New Mexico
$136,445
New York
$156,917
North Carolina
$141,923
North Dakota
$176,893
Ohio
$133,380
Oklahoma
$142,442
Oregon
$177,795
Pennsylvania
$143,748
Rhode Island
$164,679
South Carolina
$144,913
South Dakota
$167,182
Tennessee
$127,338
Texas
$138,507
Utah
$127,431
Vermont
$153,232
Virginia
$152,942
Washington
$169,179
West Virginia
$111,019
Wisconsin
$142,067
Wyoming
$137,573
Source: ZipRecruiter
Recommended: Cost of Living by State
Psychologist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
Besides a pretty good paycheck, another plus to becoming a psychologist is that you may not have to worry about job security. The BLS is projecting overall employment of psychologists will grow by 6% over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations combined. And job growth for those who specialize in clinical and counseling psychology is projected to grow by 11%.
Of course, the pay and perks you’ll receive as a psychologist will likely be tied to the specialty you choose and the salary negotiation tactics you use. Whether you’re a school psychologist or work for a major corporation, you can expect to be offered benefits such as health insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for continuing education.
Depending on the type of work you do, you may also be able to participate in profit-sharing, receive regular bonuses, work a flexible schedule, or earn income from consulting or writing books. 💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of a Psychologist’s Salary
Probably the biggest downside of choosing a career as a psychologist is the amount of time and money it can take just to get started. After getting your bachelor’s degree, it may take two or more years to complete your master’s degree, and then another four to seven years to earn your doctorate degree. Add on even more time for training — and to study for your license — and it could be several years before you can pursue the job you want. And by that time, you may have some substantial student debt to pay down.
On the plus side, you’ll be in a career that can be both personally and financially rewarding.
Here are some more pros and cons to consider:
Pros
• You’ll be helping people. As a psychologist, you can have a meaningful impact on others, whether you’re working with children or adults.
• The demand (and respect) for psychological services is increasing, as mental health is now considered an important part of our overall well-being.
• Whether you’re drawn to research, counseling, or clinical practice, a career in psychology can offer a wide array of job options. You may even be able to design a job and flexible schedule that suits your needs.
• You may benefit personally from skills like empathy, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving that you gain as a psychologist.
Cons
• Trying to help people who have behavioral and emotional issues can be stressful. It may be difficult to leave work at work.
• You may run into ethical dilemmas that make dealing with a client and/or employer a challenge.
• If you decide to open your own practice, you’ll have to deal with the business side of things as well as the work you’re doing with clients.
• Depending on the type of work you do, your job may be dangerous at times. You may have to counsel a person with anger issues, for example, or someone who has committed a violent crime, which could put you at risk.
As you consider this important career decision, keep in mind that online tools that can help you succeed. A money tracker app, for example, can help you create a budget, keep an eye on your spending, and monitor your credit score as you work toward your personal and financial goals.
The Takeaway
Working as a psychologist can be a fulfilling career, and finding and keeping a job in this growing field shouldn’t be too difficult. But you can expect to make a substantial investment in time and money before you finally get the job you want. And how much money you make as a psychologist can depend on several factors, especially when you’re starting out. The specialty you choose, who your employer is, and where your job is located can all affect your earning potential.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.
FAQ
Can you make $100,000 a year as a psychologist?
Yes. According to the latest ZipRecruiter data, psychologists in every state make an average annual salary that’s more than $100,000.
Do people like being a psychologist?
Psychologists who responded to the website CareerExplorer’s ongoing survey on job satisfaction rated their career happiness a 3.5 out of 5 stars. And U.S. News & World Report, which ranks jobs based on salary, upward mobility, work-life balance, among other factors — gave “psychologist” the No. 5 spot on its list of “Best Science Jobs.”
Is it hard to get hired as a psychologist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for psychologists is expected to be strong through the next decade. If you get the proper education and training, and have a passion for helping others, it shouldn’t be too hard to find work in this profession.
Photo credit: iStock/Dean Mitchell
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Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Lawyers are highly educated and command high salaries to match. How much a lawyer earns a year depends on what type of law they practice, what school they attended, as well as their competence and experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a lawyer in May 2022 (the latest data available) was $135,740 per year, or $65.26 per hour.
Corporate lawyers who work in the private sector tend to earn more than those in the public sector (such as district attorneys or public defenders), and sole practitioners typically earn less money than lawyers at large firms.
Read on to learn more about how much a lawyer makes, where you can find top-paying jobs for lawyers, and the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a lawyer.
What Does a Lawyer Do?
Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions. They typically conduct in-depth research into law, regulations, and past rulings. They also prepare legal documents, including lawsuits, wills, and contracts.
Not an ideal job for people with social anxiety, lawyers will often appear in court in support of their clients and present evidence in hearings and trials, including arbitration and plea bargaining. Lawyers also counsel their clients in legal matters and suggest courses of action.
A lawyer’s exact duties will vary depending on the type of law they practice. For example, criminal defense attorneys advocate on behalf of those accused of criminal activity; family lawyers handle family-related legal issues like divorce, adoption, and child welfare; and corporate lawyers handle legal matters for businesses. Some lawyers work for the government or in the public’s interest, and are known as public interest lawyers. Public defense attorneys, for example, represent criminal defendants who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Public interest lawyers also work for nonprofit organizations to support civil rights and social justice causes.
Other types of lawyers include:
• Environmental lawyers
• Bankruptcy lawyers
• Immigration lawyers
• Intellectual property lawyers
• Entertainment lawyers
• Tax lawyers
• Personal injury lawyers
• Estate planning lawyers 💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.
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How Much Do Starting Lawyers Make a Year?
Lawyers tend to be well paid even at the entry level because they are highly educated. And, the more experience a lawyer gains, generally the more they will earn. According to ZipRecruiter, entry-level lawyers make $100,626 a year, on average, with a range from $47,000 to $138,000.
Those who choose to invest the time, money, and work into becoming a lawyer can feel relatively confident about being able to get a job when they graduate: The BLS projects an increase of 62,400 attorney jobs between 2022 and 2032, representing an 8% growth (which is faster than the average for other occupations).
Recommended: What Trade Job Makes the Most Money?
How Much Money Does a Lawyer Make a Year on Average?
According to the BLS’s most recent data, the average salary for a lawyer in 2022 was $135,740. The best-paid 25% made $208,980 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $94,440.
A lawyer working for a law firm or as in-house counsel will typically be paid with an annual salary versus an hourly wage, but the average hourly pay for a lawyer works out to be $65.26 an hour.
How much a lawyer makes, however, can vary widely depending on their experience, specialty, and location.
The highest paying legal specialties include:
• Patent attorney
• Intellectual property attorney
• Trial lawyer
• Tax attorney
• Corporate lawyer
The cities that pay the highest lawyer salaries are:
• San Jose, California ($267,840)
• San Francisco, California ($239,330)
• Washington, District of Columbia ($211,850)
• Bridgeport, Connecticut ($209,770)
• Oxnard, California ($207,970)
Recommended: 11 Work-From-Home Jobs Great for Retirees
How Much Money Does a Lawyer Make by State?
As mentioned above, how much money a lawyer makes can vary by location. What follows is a breakdown of how much a lawyer makes per year, on average, by state.
State
Average Annual Lawyer Salary
Alabama
$138,250
Alaska
$120,590
Arizona
$144,890
Arkansas
$116,730
California
$201,530
Colorado
$168,680
Connecticut
$174,520
Delaware
N/A
District of Columbia
$226,510
Florida
$135,840
Georgia
$165,560
Hawaii
$106,520
Idaho
$96,810
Illinois
$158,030
Indiana
$143,060
Iowa
$117,500
Kansas
$115,860
Kentucky
$99,840
Louisiana
$127,150
Maine
$102,060
Maryland
$158,150
Massachusetts
$196,230
Michigan
$127,030
Minnesota
$163,480
Mississippi
$101,240
Missouri
$138,680
Montana
$98,170
Nebraska
$119,310
New Hampshire
$130,130
New Jersey
$163,690
New Mexico
$110,970
New York
$188,900
North Carolina
$146,890
North Dakota
$120,780
Ohio
$130,320
Oklahoma
$114,470
Oregon
$144,610
Pennsylvania
$144,570
Rhode Island
$156,300
South Carolina
$115,230
South Dakota
$109,190
Tennessee
$149,050
Texas
$166,620
Utah
$133,920
Vermont
$101,610
Virginia
$162,640
Washington
$162,200
West Virginia
$122,070
Wisconsin
$147,530
Wyoming
$88,570
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Lawyer Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
To get a job as a lawyer, you must complete a four-year undergraduate degree and then attend law school to earn a juris Doctor degree, or J.D. This can mean four years pursuing a bachelor’s degree, followed by three years of law school (or four years if you go to law school part time).
After graduating from law school, you’ll need to pass the multi-day bar exam for the state in which you want to practice. In addition, most states also require lawyers to keep up to date with law and take training courses throughout their career.
The hard work and financial investment can pay off, however. In addition to competitive pay, lawyers who work full time for a specific company or organization typically get a wide variety of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and more. They may also get bonuses for cases won, costs of bar association fees covered, and training and development opportunities. 💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of a Lawyer’s Salary
Becoming a lawyer can be a clear path to making more than $100,000 but, as with any profession, working as a lawyer comes with both benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the pros and cons of this role will help you determine if you’re well-suited for this career path.
Pros of Becoming a Lawyer
• Multiple job opportunities: As a lawyer, you have a variety of career paths, giving you the opportunity to work in an area you feel passionate about, whether that is corporate law, family law, real estate law, criminal law, or immigration law.
• Option to start your own practice: With a law degree and significant experience, you may be able to start your own business and determine the types of clients you want to represent and how many cases you want to take on at any one given time.
• Earn a high salary: Lawyers have the potential to earn well over six figures a year. Though you may not earn this salary right out of the gate, there is ample opportunity for career advancement and salary increases over time.
• Stimulating and challenging work: As a lawyer, your daily duties will likely be intellectually challenging. Lawyers typically need to understand complex legal theories, form a hypothesis and create a legal strategy to benefit their clients, and argue and debate in a courtroom.
Cons of Becoming a Lawyer
• Work can be stressful: Lawyers must meet deadlines as well as the demands of their clients. You may also come across stressful and emotionally difficult cases, which can take a psychological toll.
• Long hours: This professional is notorious for its long hours, particular for those who are just starting out in a prestigious law practice. It’s not unusual for an associate lawyer to put in 60 to 90 hours a week each week, depending on the demands of the case they’re working on.
• High level of student debt: In addition to a bachelor’s degree, lawyers need to pay for law school, which often comes with a high price tag. Generally, the more prestigious the school, the higher the price. Even with a high salary, new lawyers may not be able to pay off their debt for many years.
• Today’s clients have more options: The opportunity to get clients has gotten more competitive with the rise of self-help legal websites, legal document technicians, and virtual law offices. If a client seeks legal advice or counsel, they don’t always have to go to a lawyer for help.
The Takeaway
A law degree is a valuable credential that takes around seven years of study to achieve (including a bachelor’s degree). Lawyers can choose where they want to work and what type of law they would like to specialize in, whether it be criminal law, corporate law, environmental law, or immigration law.
The amount a lawyer makes will vary depending on the school they attended, experience, type of law they practice, and where in the country they practice. According to the BLS, the highest paid lawyers earn over $230,000, and the lowest paid lawyers earn around $66,500.
Whatever type of job you pursue, you’ll want to make sure your earnings can cover your everyday living expenses. To help ensure your monthly outflows don’t exceed your monthly inflows, you may want to set up a basic budget and check out financial tools that can help track your income and spending.
With SoFi, you can keep tabs on how your money comes and goes.
FAQ
Can you make $100k a year as a lawyer?
Yes. Most lawyers earn over $100k a year. The average salary for a lawyer, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $135,740 per year. The best-paid lawyers, however, can earn more than $200,000 a year.
Do people like being a lawyer?
Being a lawyer can be a great career choice if you enjoy working in a fast-paced and challenging environment and have an interest in upholding laws and defending an individual’s rights. According to a recent survey by Law360 Pulse, 83% of surveyed attorneys report they are stressed at least some of the time, nonetheless 68% percent say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their overall job.
Is it hard to get hired as a lawyer?
It’s generally not hard to find a job as a lawyer after you pass the bar exam, especially if you attended a top-rated law school, graduated in the top third of your class, and/or had strong internships and clerkships. Jobs for lawyers are expected to grow 8% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average for other occupations (3%).
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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Nutritionists advise others on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal, such as losing weight or reducing blood pressure. Some nutritionists work directly with clients and patients in clinical settings, while others work in community settings like schools or health centers developing food plans and strategies for certain groups or demographics.
How much a nutritionist makes will depend on their qualifications, experience, and where they work, but the average nutritionist’s salary in the U.S. is $54,137 a year, according to ZipRecruiter.
Read on to learn more about how much a nutritionist can make a year and an hour, which cities and states pay the highest salaries, and other compensation and occupational benefits nutritionists enjoy.
What Are Nutritionists?
A nutritionist is an expert in using food to improve health and to prevent and manage disease. Nutritionists often advise people on what to eat to address a particular medical issue, such as hypertension, diabetes, or obesity. They may also be called upon to come up with a plan of action in situations where a treatment protocol, such as chemotherapy, impacts an individual’s overall diet or creates particular food sensitivities. Their exact role will depend on their specialization.
Being a nutritionist is not an ideal job for antisocial people, since you generally don’t work alone. Nutritionists can work in a variety of work settings, including:
• Hospitals and doctors’ offices
• Nursing homes
• Gyms and recreation centers
• Foodservice organizations
• Food and beverage companies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Government organizations
While the terms “nutritionist” and “dietician” are often used interchangeably, there are some key distinctions between them. A registered dietitian (R.D.) is qualified to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions. Nutritionists, on the other hand, tend to focus on general nutritional aims and behaviors.
Dietitians also tend to have more education and credentials, though that’s not always the case. Depending on the state they practice in, a nutritionist may be required to have specific qualifications, certifications, or a license. However, in some states, there are no such mandates — meaning anyone can use the title if they want to.
While every dietitian can be called a nutritionist, not every nutritionist is a dietitian.
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How Much Do Starting Nutritionists Make a Year?
While the average nutritionist’s salary is $54,137 a year, someone just starting out in the field may not be able to earn that figure as an entry-level salary. That said, a nutritionist coming into the profession with an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctorate, and a license or other credentials, may be able to command a higher-than-average salary even when they are just starting out. 💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.
What is the Average Salary for a Nutritionist?
While salaries for a nutritionist can range anywhere from $32,500 to $90,000, the average annual pay for a nutritionist in the U.S. is $54,137 a year, according to February 2024 data from ZipRecruiter.
Nutritionist’s typically get paid an annual salary but some may make money by the hour, which can range from $15.62 to $43.27.
How much a nutritionist makes, however, can vary significantly by education, credentials, experience, industry, and location. Advanced education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, can generally help you qualify for a higher-than-average nutritionist’s salary.
Certain metropolitan areas also pay more than others. The top paying cities for nutritionists include: Berkeley, CA,; Renton, WA; Newark, CA; Woburn, MA; and Santa Monica, CA.
Recommended: Is a $100,000 Salary Good?
The Average Nutritionist Salary by State for 2024
As mentioned above, how much money a nutritionist makes can vary by location. What follows is a breakdown of how much a dietician makes per year, on average, by state (listed from highest to lowest).
State
Average Annual Salary
Wisconsin
$83,731
Alaska
$81,044
Massachusetts
$80,824
Oregon
$80,772
New Mexico
$80,529
North Dakota
$80,527
Washington
$80,268
Minnesota
$79,381
Hawaii
$78,914
Ohio
$77,594
Colorado
$76,879
Nevada
$76,629
South Dakota
$76,107
New York
$75,623
Iowa
$74,908
Rhode Island
$74,814
Connecticut
$74,143
Tennessee
$74,087
Vermont
$73,710
Utah
$73,446
Mississippi
$72,808
Delaware
$72,604
Virginia
$71,688
Illinois
$71,072
Maryland
$70,347
New Jersey
$69,540
California
$69,458
Louisiana
$69,304
Pennsylvania
$69,281
Nebraska
$68,943
Kansas
$68,520
Missouri
$68,260
Maine
$67,953
South Carolina
$67,618
New Hampshire
$67,312
Oklahoma
$66,767
Idaho
$66,358
Wyoming
$66,356
North Carolina
$66,222
Texas
$65,834
Indiana
$65,561
Arizona
$64,205
Kentucky
$64,000
Michigan
$63,673
Montana
$63,238
Alabama
$62,448
Arkansas
$60,647
Georgia
$58,176
West Virginia
$53,507
Florida
$51,486
Source: ZipRecruiter
Nutritionist Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
To get a job as a nutritionist or dietician, you may need:
• A bachelor’s degree, ideally in dietetics, nutrition, food service systems management, clinical nutrition, or a related area.
• Advanced degree (such as a master’s or doctoral degree)
• Supervised training through an internship
• A license (many, though not all, states require licenses for dietitians and nutritionists to practice)
• Certification (many dietitians earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential, which requires a bachelor’s degree and completed a dietetic internship program).
Nutritionists who work on staff typically receive not only competitive pay but also a suite of benefits, which may include:
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance 💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Nutritionist?
As with any profession, becoming a nutritionist comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a closer look at the job’s pros and cons.
Pros of Becoming a Nutritionist
• Opportunity to help people: Nutritionists help people by guiding them in their food choices and assisting them in reaching their health and nutritional goals, which can be highly rewarding.
• Varied tasks and responsibilities: A nutritionist can enjoy meeting a variety of people in different contexts. No client or situation will be the same, and each will bring new challenges.
• Can work in a variety of settings: Nutritionists can choose where they want to work, such as a hospital, nursing home, school, or gym. With extensive experience, a registered dietitian might open a private consulting practice and offer specialized services to their patients.
• Strong job outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of dietitians and nutritionists to grow 7% between 2022 and 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Cons of Becoming a Nutritionist?
• May need an advanced degree and certification: Depending on where you want to work, you may need to obtain a master’s and/or certain certifications (on top of a bachelor’s degree).
• Can be emotionally draining: Though generally a low-stress job, nutritionists may need to have frequent interactions with seriously ill patients, which can be emotionally challenging.
• You constantly have to stay up to date: Nutrition is an evolving science, which means you’ll need to stay current on the latest nutritional guidelines, regulations, and research, and adjust your practice based on new developments.
• Competition for top-paying jobs: While the job outlook is strong for nutritionists, jobs with competitive pay may receive a lot of applicants. Obtaining more than the minimum education and training required by the state, however, can set you apart from other job competitors.
Recommended: How Much Does a Nurse Make a Year?
The Takeaway
Working as a nutritionist can be a rewarding career for people who want to help others improve their health and lifestyle. Nutritionists can choose where they want to work and who they want to work with. A nutritionist’s salary can range from $32,500 to $90,000 or more depending on their certification, experience, and employer.
Whatever type of job you pursue, you’ll want to make sure your earnings can cover your everyday living expenses. To help ensure your monthly outflows don’t exceed your monthly inflows, you may want to set up a basic budget and check out financial tools that can help track your income and spending.
SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.
FAQ
Can you make $100k a year as a nutritionist?
Earning $100K as a nutritionist is possible but isn’t typical. Nutritionist salaries range anywhere from $32,500 to $90,000 a year, according to ZipRecruiter. That said, getting an advanced degree and extra certifications and/or starting your own private practice could lead to a six figure income.
Do people like being a nutritionist?
People who want to help others and who have an interest in the science of food will enjoy being a nutritionist. There are plenty of opportunities for nutritionists in a variety of contexts.
Is it hard to get hired as a nutritionist?
Nutritionists and dieticians are currently in demand and job opportunities are expected to grow 7% between 2022 and 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
To answer whether a $40,000 salary is good, you need to consider your perspective. For a recent grad in a small town where the cost of living is low, that might be an annual income that pays the bills. But a $40,000 salary is not typically enough for a household to live comfortably in most parts of the United States. To put it another way, a single person can live more comfortably on a $40,000 salary, but a family — with or without children — may find it more difficult.
Rising inflation has made it more challenging to get by on $40,000 in 2022, but this salary is still far above the United States Census Bureau’s poverty threshold for families of up to six people. The $40,000 figure represents earning more than the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour).
So is $40,000 a good salary? Well, it depends.
Key Points
• A $40,000 salary may be sufficient for an individual in a low-cost area, but it may not be enough for a family to live comfortably in most parts of the US.
• Rising inflation has made it more challenging to live on a $40,000 salary, but it still exceeds the poverty threshold for families.
• Compared to the median household income in the US, a $40,000 salary falls short, but it can contribute to the median household income when combined with a second income.
• A $40,000 salary translates to a monthly income of $3,333.33, a biweekly paycheck of $1,538.46, and a weekly income of $769.23.
• Living on a $40,000 budget requires careful expense tracking, budgeting, debt management, and saving strategies. Location plays a significant role in how far the salary can stretch.
How Does a $40,000 Salary Compare to the American Median Income?
Here’s a look at how earning a $40,000 annual income compares to that of your fellow Americans.
• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in 2020 (when data was gathered) just surpassed $67,500.
• More recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that the median weekly income of a full-time worker (salary or hourly) was $1,037, or nearly $54,000 a year.
While a $40,000 salary falls short of recent BLS definitions of the median personal income, it could successfully contribute to the Census Bureau’s picture of the median household income, when combined with a second income from a domestic partner.
Could this salary be considered good? Consider the following:
• As an individual, you may find that $40,000 is a good entry-level salary.
• Couples living the DINK lifestyle (which stands for dual income, no kids) and who each make $40,000 would be well above the median household income. Plus, they would have the additional costs of raising children as part of their budget.
$40,000 Salary Breakdown
It can be helpful to know what a $40,000 salary translates to as a monthly budget, weekly paycheck, or even hourly rate. This may help you compare career options and budget wisely, not to mention answer that question, “Is $40K a good salary?”
Here’s how it breaks down:
• Monthly income: $3,333.33
• Biweekly paycheck: $1,538.46
• Weekly income: $769.23
• Daily income: $153.85*
• Hourly income: $19.23**
*Based on 260 working days a year **Based on 2,080 working hours a year
And remember: That’s before taxes. If you are single and make $40,000 a year, your federal tax bracket is at 12%, but you may also owe state, city, and even school district taxes as well. It’s important to keep that in mind as you plan and assess how to pay bills and save with this salary.
Recommended: What to Do When You Get a Pay Raise: 12 Tips
Can You Live Individually on a $40,000 Income?
It is possible to live individually on a $40,000 income. In fact, you may be able to afford the average monthly expenses for a single person and work on your saving and investing goals.
Your location will have the largest impact on how far your dollars will stretch. Areas with a lower cost of living will likely be easier to afford for an individual on a $40,000 income.
As an individual, you can help your salary go further by looking for ways to save money, like:
• Having a roommate or renting out a room in your house if you own one
• Cooking at home instead of eating out
• Buying a used car or, depending on where you live, relying on public transportation
• Finding a higher-yield savings account, ideally over 1.00% APY
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Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.60% APY on your cash!
Best Places to Live on a $40,000 Salary
If you can afford moving expenses and aren’t tied to a specific location for work, you can make your dollars go further more easily in certain locations in the United States. These are places with a lower cost of living. Here are the five cheapest cities to live in the U.S. this year, according to U.S. News:
• Hickory, North Carolina
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Huntsville, Alabama
• Quad Cities (Davenport-Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline-Rock Island, Illinois)
• Fort Wayne, Indiana
However, there’s more to moving than just the expenses and the job. Before packing up a rental truck, consider whether you are comfortable leaving behind friends, family, and familiar places.
Recommended: Financial Moves to Make During a Job Transition
Worst Places to Live on a $40,000 Salary
A $40,000 salary might not go far enough in a city with a high cost of living. U.S. News research indicates these are the most expensive cities to live in:
• Los Angeles, California
• Miami, Florida
• San Diego, California
• Salinas, California
• Santa Barbara, California
And if you were expecting to see New York City on this list, don’t worry: It’s not far behind, at number nine.
Tips for Living on a $40,000 Budget
So how can you (and possibly your family) live on a $40,000 budget? It’s important to cut costs, look for deals, pay down your debt, and build up savings for an emergency.
But living on a small salary doesn’t mean you have to completely give up entertainment. Remember that it’s OK to treat yourself to the nice things in life from time to time, as long as they are within reason. Everyone needs some fun in their life.
Here are some important tips for living on a $40,000 budget:
Carefully Tracking Your Expenses
First things first, get an understanding of your current spending habits. Your bank may offer tools that make this easy to analyze or you can download apps or check websites that make this easier.
Consider what bills you have every month, whether they are on auto pay, and, if so, when do they process? (This will help you schedule your bills and avoid getting hit with late fees.) Make a list of all your recurring expenses (mortgage or rent, student loans, car payment, phone, insurance, and utilities), and then analyze how much on average you’re spending on more variable expenses like groceries, gas, clothing, and entertainment.
What can you cut? What bills can you negotiate down? Where can you reallocate money toward savings?
Now that you have an idea of what you’re currently spending, it’s time to design a budget around what you should be spending.
Start by plugging in necessary monthly expenses; these are things you must pay for each month, like your home, insurance, and food. Only once you can see that these basic needs are met should you begin to budget for things like dining out or new clothes, also known as wants vs. needs.
Not sure where to start? Do some online research on how to make a budget. There are different techniques including a line item budget and the 50/30/20 budget rule.
Getting Out of Debt
As you consider how to manage daily life on a $40,000 salary, it’s wise to pay attention to the role that debt plays in your personal finances. Mortgage and student loan debt are structured to be paid off over decades, and can be considered by some to be good debt, as the interest rates are often relatively low and timely payments build your credit history. The rates on credit card debt, however, can be high (currently over 20% on new offers and 16% on existing accounts) and therefore more detrimental to your finances (and mental health). If you have serious credit card debt, it is wise to cut back expenses as much as you can so you can focus on paying off your debt.
You can tackle your debt using the snowball method or the avalanche method. You may also consider a balance-transfer credit card or a debt consolidation program, depending on your situation. A debt counselor who works for a nonprofit, like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC ), can be helpful as well.
Saving Your Money
If you are debt-free (house, car, and student loan payments aside) and still have wiggle room in your budget after accounting for necessary expenses and a little bit of fun money, you can allocate some of your $40,000 salary toward your saving goals. These might include vacations, a house down payment, renovations, or a wedding. An emergency savings fund is often a good place to start.
Recommended: How to Save Money from Your Salary
Investing Your Money
After you have gotten a handle on your expenses, designed a budget, and opened a savings account, you might consider if there is enough leftover from your $40,000 salary for investing. This may not be possible if you live in a city or state with a high cost of living.
How can you start investing? If your employer offers a 401(k) match, consider taking advantage of that. It’s basically free money, so contribute enough to snag it.
You can also look for automated investing opportunities so you don’t have to worry about building a portfolio from scratch.
Managing Finances With SoFi
If your $40,000 salary is paid via direct deposit, think about opening a high interest online savings account. With direct deposit, you can get an array of perks from our SoFi Checking and Savings account. You’ll spend and save in one convenient place, plus you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay no fees, which can help your money grow faster. What’s more, qualifying accounts can get paycheck access up to two days early.
Make the most of your money with SoFi.
FAQ
Can you live comfortably on $40,000 a year?
Individuals can often live comfortably on $40,000 a year. Families, however, may struggle with this salary, especially in areas with a higher cost of living.
What can I afford making $40K a year?
If you are an individual living on $40,000 a year in an area with a low to moderate cost of living, you can afford typical monthly expenses like food, housing, and utilities and still have enough for some fun expenditures, like entertainment. If you are frugal and build a budget, you may also be able to pay down debt, build your savings, and even invest a little.
Is $40,000 a year considered middle class?
According to Pew Research, a middle-class family of three makes between $56,000 and $156,000. Families of that size who bring in $40,000 a year would not be considered middle class. However, an individual making $40,000 a year would likely qualify as middle class.
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Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.
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SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.
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