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This city has the most competition for a ‘highly paid' job—it's not New York or San Francisco

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What qualifies as a high paying gig depends on the cost of living in your job market — and you may face stiffer competition depending on your location, too.

Job candidates hoping to inch closer to the six-figure salary mark will have the hardest time in inland cities. According to a new analysis, inland cities like Salt Lake City, St. Louis, and Denver have the highest rates of people applying for highly paid jobs. The analysis considered in-person jobs in the most populated U.S. cities.

Here are the cities with the toughest competition for highly paid jobs:

  • Salt Lake City, Utah: 34.9 daily applicants per job paying $94,515 or more
  • St. Louis, Missouri: 33.4 daily applicants per job paying $91,978 or more
  • Denver, Colorado: 31.9 daily applicants per job paying $109,202 or more
  • San Jose, California: 29.6 daily applicants per job paying $153,462 or more
  • Kansas City, Kansas: 27.4 daily applicants per job paying $92,810 or more
  • San Francisco, California: 24.1 daily applicants per job paying $131,040 or more
  • Santa Ana, California: 22.3 daily applicants per job paying $96,928 or more
  • Los Angeles, California: 21.8 daily applicants per job paying $96,928 or more
  • Jersey City, New Jersey: 21.2 daily applicants per job paying $114,774 or more
  • New York City, New York: 10.2 daily applicants per job paying $114,774 or more

Most of the high-paid and competitive jobs in these cities are C-suite and managerial roles.

Rapid population growth could play a role in the fierce job market competition in places like Salt Lake City. Average education levels can also be a factor, with Denver having a high percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree.

When trying to land a high-paying job in a competitive market, timing is key. Apply to jobs within the first 48 hours they’re posted. Networking with people and recruiters at companies you’re interested in can also give you an advantage. Make sure to highlight your specialized skills, key experiences, notable achievements, or industry knowledge in your application materials. Additionally, consider sending a personalized email or LinkedIn message to the hiring manager or recruiter to stand out.