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The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Virology around the country.
What We Do
A virologist is a research professional who looks at the viruses that affect all living things in the natural environment. Usually, these health professionals work as teachers or researchers, with many of them actually doing both. Often, they seek further training so that they can work in law or business. As a medical doctor with a virology doctor, they carry out clinical research on a range of different patients who have contracted viruses that cause damage to their health. They often specialize in a certain area, such as plant virology, virus cell interactions, viral replication, virotherapy, emerging viruses, viral oncology, and viral pathology.
Work Environment
Virologists can be found in many different types of health organizations. They also find employment in government agencies and universities. Others find work in pharmaceutical research and development. Usually, they work in laboratories and offices, although some will go out in the field to conduct sample collection. They also generally collaborate with a team of other scientists. It is important to understand that a virologist will always work with infectious viruses. Because of this, there is a chance that they may get infected themselves. However, they are trained to take preventative measures in order to minimize this risk.
How to Become a Virology
Becoming a virologist is a long educational journey. The following steps must be completed: earn a bachelor’s degree in a science field such as biology; earn a master’s degree in a scientific field; earn a Ph.D. or undergo medical training with many opting for the M.D./Ph.D dual degree; and complete post-doctoral research training.
Training & Certification Requirements
Once all educational requirements have been met, a prospective virologist also has to be properly licensed and certified. This means passing the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) test after medical school. States also often have additional requirements for virologists before they can be registered and be able to work. In addition, they must continue with their education, for instance, through the American Society for Virology (ASV) and the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology (PASCV).
Virology Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Virology.
| Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Associate Scientist Virology | $54,000 |
| Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor | $58,000 |
| Group Lead Medical Technologist | $60,000 |
| Biological Administrator | $74,000 |
| Postdoctoral Associate Posting | $41,000 |
Virology Earning Potential
The virologists have to hold an M.D. and therefore they are classed as physicians and surgeons by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Their median annual earning in May 2015 was $187,200 per year or more.
Virology Job Outlook
According to the BLS, all physicians and surgeons can expect to see a growth in demand of 19% between the years of 2014 and 2024. This rate is much higher when compared to the national average for most other professions.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Virology was $58,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide are 2% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Virology Salary by State
The following lists Virology salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $74,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $36,000.
| Alaska – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Alabama – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Auburn University Faculty and University of South Alabama. |
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| Arkansas – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Arizona – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Arizona, St Josephs Hospital & Med Center, State of Arizona, and Maricopa County Community College District. |
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| California – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Gladstone Institutes, City Of Hope, California State University, and Merck KGaA. |
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| Colorado – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Colorado, Warner Search Group, LLC, Colorado State University, and Quidel Corporation. |
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| Connecticut – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sacred Heart University and Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc.. |
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| DC – $74,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Merck KGaA, Children’s Hospital, EMD, and MRIGlobal. |
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| Delaware – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Liberty Healthcare Corporation. |
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| Florida – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Brammer, Miami Dade College, Holmes Regional Medical Center, and University of Miami. |
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| Georgia – $67,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Emory University, IHRC, Inc., and Battelle. |
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| Hawaii – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Hawaii. |
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| Iowa – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Oak Ridge Associated Universities. |
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| Idaho – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Illinois – $67,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Metabyte Inc, and AbbVie. |
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| Indiana – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Indiana University School of Medicine. |
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| Kansas – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kansas State University and CEVA Animal Health, LLC. |
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| Kentucky – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Greenview Regional Hospital and PPD. |
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| Louisiana – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Tulane University. |
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| Massachusetts – $71,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH), Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Pall. |
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| Maryland – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Laulima Government Solutions, LLC., Merck KGaA, EMD, and Leidos. |
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| Maine – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Zoetis. |
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| Michigan – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, University of Michigan, Botsford Hospital, and Beaumont Laboratory Services HR Location- RO. |
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| Minnesota – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Beckman Coulter, Inc., Fairview Health Services, State of Minnesota, and ProtaTek International. |
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| Missouri – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like EMD, Merck KGaA, CoxHealth, and Forrest Innovations USA. |
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| Mississippi – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Montana – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| North Carolina – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, North Carolina State University, and Alamance Community College. |
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| North Dakota – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Nebraska – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Merck, University of Nebraska, and University of Nebraska Medical Center. |
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| New Hampshire – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like D-H Lebanon DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic. |
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| New Jersey – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Medical Diagnostic Laboratories LLC, Bristol Myers Squibb, MDI Recruiters, and BMS. |
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| New Mexico – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Nevada – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Renown Regional Medical Center. |
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| New York – $71,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like DEPT OF HEALTH/MENTAL HYGIENE, Columbia University, PRIDE Health, LLC, and Liberty Personnel Services. |
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| Ohio – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Quidel Corporation, Ohio State University Medical Center, Battelle, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. |
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| Oklahoma – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like OU Medical Center and Edmond OUMC. |
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| Oregon – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Oregon State University, Mount Sinai Health System, and Oregon Health & Science University. |
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| Pennsylvania – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Eurofins, GlaxoSmithKline, Integral Molecular, and The Wistar Institute. |
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| Rhode Island – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| South Carolina – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Clemson University – in Columbia ,SC. |
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| South Dakota – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Tennessee – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Meharry Medical College and Meridian Life Science, Inc.. |
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| Texas – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Texas, LLC, The University of Texas Medical Branch, and University of Texas Medical Branch. |
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| Utah – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Premier Health Partners and BioFire Diagnostics, LLC.. |
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| Virginia – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like ATCC, PAE, Virginia Tech, and Carilion Clinic. |
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| Vermont – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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| Washington – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gilead Sciences. |
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| Wisconsin – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Wisconsin-Madison, Brown County, WI, Morgridge Institute for Research, and PPD. |
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| West Virginia – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. |
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| Wyoming – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
| Average Virology salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Virology salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were no current job openings from employers in this state. |
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