Tapers Salary by State
The national median pay for tapers is $68,270 a year. By state, it ranges from $41,600 in West Virginia to $113,180 in Illinois.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $43,670
- 25th percentile
- $52,730
- Median
- $68,270
- 75th percentile
- $88,540
- Top 10%
- $107,110
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 12,840 jobs.
Median pay in 27 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $113,180 | +66% | $79,230 | $116,500 | 320 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $95,490 | +40% | $48,890 | $101,610 | 170 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $82,240 | +20% | $37,650 | $105,190 | 60 |
| 4 | Washington | $79,040 | +16% | $50,650 | $103,880 | 1,550 |
| 5 | Minnesota | $78,090 | +14% | $72,230 | $89,370 | 220 |
| 6 | New York | $77,790 | +14% | $52,900 | $108,660 | Not published |
| 7 | Kansas | $74,120 | +9% | $49,900 | $81,040 | 30 |
| 8 | Ohio | $73,840 | +8% | $64,300 | $97,170 | 110 |
| 9 | California | $73,460 | +8% | $45,800 | $115,370 | 4,540 |
| 10 | Oregon | $71,450 | +5% | $48,620 | $100,880 | 500 |
| 11 | Iowa | $66,980 | −2% | $55,920 | $70,400 | 100 |
| 12 | Massachusetts | $65,060 | −5% | $37,670 | $115,390 | 510 |
| 13 | Michigan | $63,630 | −7% | $60,890 | $70,620 | 190 |
| 14 | Connecticut | $63,600 | −7% | $48,000 | $84,580 | 80 |
| 15 | Missouri | $63,020 | −8% | $48,230 | $83,330 | 220 |
| 16 | Nevada | $60,690 | −11% | $43,840 | $101,090 | 1,190 |
| 17 | Wisconsin | $57,840 | −15% | $21,490 | $89,660 | 70 |
| 18 | Idaho | $57,690 | −15% | $36,930 | $93,130 | 310 |
| 19 | Arizona | $56,300 | −18% | $39,780 | $76,610 | 780 |
| 20 | Colorado | $54,500 | −20% | $49,240 | $55,930 | Not published |
| 21 | Utah | $52,930 | −22% | $38,400 | $72,890 | 210 |
| 22 | Florida | $49,400 | −28% | $39,020 | $54,080 | Not published |
| 23 | New Mexico | $48,320 | −29% | $45,730 | $60,780 | 60 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $45,770 | −33% | $34,750 | $46,040 | Not published |
| 25 | Texas | $43,670 | −36% | $36,880 | $47,620 | 220 |
| 26 | Indiana | $42,810 | −37% | $36,400 | $110,340 | 120 |
| 27 | West Virginia | $41,600 | −39% | $31,200 | $61,520 | 30 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Tapers salary questions
Which state pays tapers the most?
Illinois, with a median of $113,180 a year (+66% vs. the national median of $68,270). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays tapers the least?
West Virginia, with a median of $41,600 a year (−39% vs. national).
Where do most tapers work?
California has the most jobs, about 4,540, with a median of $73,460.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.