Special Report
The Most Iconic Job in Each State
March 26, 2015 1:10 pm
Last Updated: December 4, 2019 7:22 am
21. Massachusetts
> Most iconic job: Biochemists and Biophysicists
> Number of people employed in occupation in state: 3,844
> Annual median salary, iconic job: $100,980
The most iconic job in Massachusetts was the biochemist and biophysicist. This is attributable to the fact that Boston is one of the national hubs for the biotechnology industry. In 2013, the median income of biochemists and biophysicists was $100,980, more than twice the median for all workers in Massachusetts.
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22. Michigan
> Most iconic job: Tool and Die Makers
> Number of people employed in occupation in state: 13,336
> Annual median salary, iconic job: $50,150
The most iconic job in Michigan was the tool and die maker. Close to 20% of U.S. tool and die makers were employed in Michigan, and the job was over five times more prevalent in the Michigan labor force than the average prevalence among all states. This is due to the major role that auto and auto part manufacturing plays in the Michigan economy. Dies or forms used to stamp and mold metal are a main component of the manufacturing industry.
23. Minnesota
> Most iconic job: Food Scientists and Technologists
> Number of people employed in occupation in state: 2,065
> Annual median salary, iconic job: $71,540
The most iconic job in Minnesota was the food scientist and technologist. People in the occupation are involved with food processing. The high prevalence of this role in Minnesota is in part attributable to the fact that major food production companies, such as General Mills and Cargill, operate in the state.
24. Mississippi
> Most iconic job: Upholsterers
> Number of people employed in occupation in state: 3,943
> Annual median salary, iconic job: $32,930
The job that stood out most in Mississippi was the upholsterer. Upholsterers were more than 16 times more prevalent in the Mississippi labor force than in the average state. Upholstering is associated with auto manufacturing, as cars need to be upholstered, and the industry has expanded considerably in the southern United States in recent years.
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25. Missouri
> Most iconic job: Psychiatric Technicians
> Number of people employed in occupation in state: 4,935
> Annual median salary, iconic job: $23,080
Psychiatric technicians were the most iconic jobs in Missouri. Psychiatric technicians care for and monitor people with mental or emotional conditions. They are often responsible for administering medications, looking after a patient’s personal hygiene, and performing other tasks people with disabilities may be unable to perform. The occupation was nearly four times more concentrated in Missouri than the national average share. Psychiatric technicians had a median income of $23,080, lower than the statewide median for all occupations.
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