Core Insights - The article discusses how geographic location significantly influences the potential for earning a six-figure salary in the U.S. [2][4] - A study by ScoutLogic analyzed nearly 40 metropolitan areas to identify where high-paying jobs are most accessible, considering factors like job market strength, salary growth, and living costs [3][5] Summary by Sections Salary Potential by Location - Certain metropolitan areas, particularly those with strong tech, government, and corporate sectors, offer more opportunities for six-figure salaries [4][6] - The study emphasizes that while location is crucial, the demand for specific skills also plays a significant role in salary potential [6][7] Top Metropolitan Areas for Six-Figure Salaries - The top five metropolitan areas identified for six-figure salary opportunities are: 1. San Jose, CA - 64.7% of jobs pay over $100K, with a median household income of $157,444 and a salary growth rate of 6.5% [8][11] 2. San Francisco, CA - 59.8% of jobs pay over $100K, median income of $133,780, and a growth rate of 2.8% [8][11] 3. Denver, CO - 18.4% of jobs pay over $100K, median income of $102,339, and a growth rate of 5.4% [9][11] 4. Washington, D.C. - 26.4% of jobs pay over $100K, median income of $123,896, and a growth rate of 2.3% [9][11] 5. Portland, OR-WA - 13.2% of jobs pay over $100K, median income of $94,573, and a growth rate of 5.7% [10][11] Comparison of Other Major Metros - Other notable metropolitan areas include Boston and Seattle, which have a higher percentage of six-figure jobs but rank lower due to higher living costs [12][11] - San Diego, Charlotte, and Salt Lake City also feature in the top 10, balancing income potential with moderate living expenses [13][11] Detailed Data on Salary Opportunities - The article provides a detailed table of various metropolitan areas, showing the percentage of jobs paying over $100K, median household income, salary growth rates, estimated monthly costs, and overall six-figure opportunity scores [13][14]