Adults in the United States who hold some college education or an associate degree face varied earning prospects depending on their state of residence. According to recent analysis of the US Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey, Maryland tops the list with the highest median incomes for this group, reflecting significant regional differences in wages for non-bachelor’s degree holders.

The data shows that adults with a bachelor’s degree generally earn substantially more than those without one, averaging nearly 39% higher annual income nationwide. This earnings gap amounts to approximately $18,500 annually across states. Despite this, a sizable portion of the workforce opts for technical or vocational pathways that do not require a four-year degree, making the state-by-state comparison crucial for understanding local opportunities.

States with large professional markets and higher costs of living, such as Maryland, tend to offer greater median incomes even for those without bachelor’s degrees. Conversely, states ranking near the bottom display substantially lower median wages for adults with some college education or associate degrees. For example, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico consistently report some of the lowest median earnings for these workers.

The ranking includes three education categories per state: median earnings for adults with a high school diploma, those with some college or an associate degree, and those holding bachelor’s degrees. This structure highlights how additional education correlates with higher earnings, although cost-of-living factors are not adjusted for in the analysis.

  • Maryland has the highest median income for adults with some college or an associate degree.
  • States like Arkansas and Mississippi rank lowest for median earnings among the same group.
  • Median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders exceed those of some college graduates by an average of 39% across states.
  • Median wages vary widely by state despite similar education levels.
  • The analysis excludes adjustments for local costs of living, which affect real income value.

For workers deciding whether to pursue further education, these findings underscore the importance of regional economic conditions and labor market demands. Understanding where associate degree holders can earn competitive wages may influence educational and career choices, especially amid rising college costs and changing job markets.