Retail · State Rankings

Best US States for Cashiers

All 50 states + DC ranked by Cashier salary. State tax structure noted for take-home math.

Top 10 states by salary
#StateEstimated salaryCost mult.State tax
1District of Columbia$34,8001.20×~5% effective
2California$34,2001.18×~5% effective
3Hawaii$33,4001.15×~5% effective
4New York$33,4001.15×~5% effective
5Alaska$32,8001.13×No state tax
6New Jersey$32,8001.13×~5% effective
7Massachusetts$32,5001.12×~5% effective
8Connecticut$31,9001.10×~5% effective
9Washington$31,9001.10×No state tax
10Maryland$31,3001.08×~5% effective
All 51 states + DC, ranked
#StateSalaryAfter state tax (rough)
1District of Columbia$34,800$25,526
2California$34,200$25,086
3Hawaii$33,400$24,499
4New York$33,400$24,499
5Alaska$32,800$25,699
6New Jersey$32,800$24,059
7Massachusetts$32,500$23,839
8Connecticut$31,900$23,399
9Washington$31,900$24,994
10Maryland$31,300$22,959
11Colorado$30,500$22,372
12New Hampshire$30,500$23,897
13Oregon$30,500$22,372
14Rhode Island$29,900$21,932
15Virginia$29,900$21,932
16Nevada$29,600$23,192
17Arizona$29,000$21,272
18Delaware$29,000$21,272
19Florida$29,000$22,722
20Illinois$29,000$21,272
21Minnesota$29,000$21,272
22Vermont$28,700$21,051
23Maine$28,100$20,611
24Pennsylvania$28,100$20,611
25Texas$28,100$22,016
26Utah$28,100$20,611
27Georgia$27,300$20,025
28North Carolina$27,300$20,025
29Idaho$27,000$19,805
30Michigan$27,000$19,805
31Montana$27,000$19,805
32Wisconsin$27,000$19,805
33Wyoming$27,000$21,155
34New Mexico$26,700$19,584
35North Dakota$26,700$19,584
36South Carolina$26,700$19,584
37Tennessee$26,700$20,919
38Indiana$26,400$19,364
39Kansas$26,400$19,364
40Nebraska$26,400$19,364
41Ohio$26,400$19,364
42South Dakota$26,400$20,684
43Iowa$26,100$19,144
44Louisiana$26,100$19,144
45Missouri$26,100$19,144
46Alabama$25,500$18,704
47Kentucky$25,500$18,704
48Oklahoma$25,500$18,704
49Arkansas$24,900$18,264
50West Virginia$24,900$18,264
51Mississippi$24,400$17,897
After-state-tax estimate uses federal ~14% + FICA 7.65% + state ~5% (or 0% in no-tax states).

Salary range across states

For Cashiers, the estimated median salary ranges from $24,400 in Mississippi to $34,800 in District of Columbia — a 43% range. State-by-state variation reflects local cost of living, employer density, and labor market dynamics.

No-state-tax states

Nine US states have no state income tax: Alaska, Washington, New Hampshire, Nevada, Florida, Texas, Wyoming, Tennessee, South Dakota. For high earners, this can mean $5,000-15,000+ extra per year in take-home pay vs neighboring states with similar gross salaries. New Hampshire taxes interest/dividends only (phasing out).

But: many no-state-tax states make up revenue with higher property tax (Texas) or sales tax (Tennessee). And cost of living varies — Texas urban metros (Austin, Houston) have grown expensive while Florida coastal areas command premium real estate prices.

Cost of living matters more than nominal salary

California pays the most for Cashiers on a nominal basis — but housing in coastal California (SF, LA, San Diego) eats 35-50% of net income for median earners. A Cashier earning $34,200 in California often has less spendable income than one earning $28,100 in Texas.

Use our cost-of-living comparison tool to see specific city pairs. For state-level take-home, use our state-specific Paycheck Calculator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which state pays the most for Cashiers?
Based on cost-of-living-adjusted estimates, District of Columbia pays the most with an estimated median of $34,800/year for Cashiers. High-cost states (CA, NY, MA, HI) tend to top the list because employers compensate for local cost of living.
Do no-state-tax states pay better effective?
Often yes after taxes. Alaska, Washington, New Hampshire, Nevada, Florida have no state income tax. A 5% state tax savings on $100K = $5,000 more take-home. But verify cost of living too — Texas pays well and has no tax, but Houston/Austin housing has risen dramatically.
Why do some states pay so much more?
Three factors: (1) cost of living — coastal states cost 15-25% more, employers adjust pay; (2) employer concentration — CA dominates tech, NY finance, MA biotech; (3) regulatory environment — some states have higher unionization or licensing requirements that increase wages.
Are these salaries net or gross?
Gross — before federal income tax (~14% effective at this income), FICA (7.65%), state income tax (varies), and local taxes if applicable. Use our state-specific Paycheck Calculator for exact take-home in any state.
How does experience affect these numbers?
These are medians — entry-level often runs 25-35% below median, senior roles 40-60%+ above. A senior Cashier in District of Columbia can easily exceed $52,200, while an entry-level role in a low-cost state might be $17,080.