book-midwest-salary-handbook-v2

Midwest Salary & Cost of Living Handbook

Competitive tech salaries, affordable cost of living, and a great work life balance... we break it all down in this guide, created in partnership with the content team at Optimist. Discover why people are leaving tech jobs on the coast for a life in the Midwest.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Moving to the Midwest: Why People are Migrating

It’s not just flyover country. And we’re not surprised that tech workers are leaving the coasts for jobs in Midwestern states instead.

Learn why a Midwest move is worth it
Chapter 2

Most Affordable Places to Live: Comparing Cost of Living in the Midwest

You really can have it all in the Midwest—and for a lot cheaper than on the coasts.

See the comparison
Chapter 3

Silicon Prairie: Analyzing Tech Jobs Across the Midwest

Midwest startups are recruiting plenty of new talent. See what tech jobs are most in demand in the Midwest’s fastest growing cities.

Learn what’s in demand
Chapter 4

10 Best Cities for Tech Jobs

The entire Midwest is booming, but these are the region’s top 10 cities for employment by the numbers.

Discover the best cities for tech jobs
Chapter 5

Tech Salaries in the Midwest

If the cost of living is more affordable in the Midwest than on the coasts, does that mean that salaries are lower, too? Not necessarily. We breakdown tech salaries and compare them in the top Midwest cities.

Find out what you would make
Chapter 6

The Best Places to Live: Comparing Midwest Standard of Living to Coastal Cities

On the coasts, your dollars only go so far. With great salaries and a better cost of living, your Midwest salary becomes a lot more valuable. We compared the standards of living on Midwest salaries to what you would make (and how you would live) on the coast.

Discover the best places to live