#11: Hawaii
Minimum wage: $16.00
Hawaii’s wealthy often earn through tourism ownership, real estate, healthcare, government, and remote professional work. Many enjoy oceanfront homes, private schools, and a lifestyle centered on outdoor recreation and travel. High incomes help offset the state’s famously high cost of living and limited housing supply.

For lower-income residents, many jobs are in hospitality, food service, retail, and tourism support. Despite a higher minimum wage, housing, groceries, and utilities are extremely expensive. Crowded living arrangements and long commutes are common, and multigenerational households help manage everyday costs.
