Nevada Salaries 2025
No income tax with entertainment and tech growth
Median Household Income
Nevada Salary Overview 2025
Nevada stands out as one of only seven states with no personal income tax, making it a magnet for high earners seeking to maximize take-home pay. The state's median household income of $66,500 approaches the national median, but the absence of state income tax means Nevada workers keep substantially more of their earnings than counterparts in taxed states.
The economy has diversified significantly beyond its gaming and entertainment foundation. While Las Vegas remains the global capital of casino entertainment, the Reno-Tahoe region has emerged as a legitimate tech hub with Tesla's Gigafactory, data centers, and California tech refugees. Las Vegas itself has attracted sports franchises (Raiders, Golden Knights, A's), major conventions, and a growing professional services sector.
Nevada's 2025 economy reflects pandemic recovery in hospitality, continued tech migration from California, and infrastructure investment ahead of potential Las Vegas hosting major events. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025 and average US salary.
Nevada Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Nevada | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $66,500 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $87,500 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $36,400 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $12.00/hr | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 (3% above avg) | 100 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | Varies by state |
Salaries by Nevada Metro Area
Las Vegas – Entertainment Capital
Median Household Income: $65,000
Las Vegas' economy centers on gaming, entertainment, hospitality, and conventions—plus rapidly growing healthcare and professional services. The gaming industry offers a unique career ladder: dealers earn $40,000-$80,000+ (heavily tip-dependent), slot technicians $45,000-$65,000, pit bosses $60,000-$100,000, and casino managers $100,000-$250,000+. Corporate positions at MGM, Caesars, and Wynn pay competitively: marketing managers $80,000-$140,000, finance roles $70,000-$150,000.
Healthcare has expanded dramatically, with Intermountain, HCA, and UMC offering physician salaries of $250,000-$450,000 and nursing wages of $70,000-$95,000—premium for the region. Construction trades benefit from ongoing development: electricians $55,000-$85,000, plumbers $50,000-$80,000, with union rates higher.
Reno-Sparks – Tech Hub & Outdoor Gateway
Median Household Income: $68,000
Reno has transformed from a smaller gaming destination into a legitimate tech and manufacturing hub. Tesla's Gigafactory, Panasonic, Switch data centers, and numerous California transplants have created a tech ecosystem. Software engineers earn $90,000-$140,000, manufacturing engineers $75,000-$115,000, and data center technicians $55,000-$85,000.
Proximity to Lake Tahoe attracts outdoor enthusiasts willing to accept somewhat lower salaries than Bay Area for skiing, mountain biking, and mountain lifestyle. Cost of living has increased but remains well below Bay Area.
Henderson – Las Vegas Suburb & Healthcare Hub
Median Household Income: $72,000
Henderson consistently ranks among America's safest cities and has attracted major employers including Barclays' operations center and numerous healthcare facilities. Household incomes exceed Las Vegas proper, reflecting the concentration of professional families. Healthcare, finance, and tech jobs pay competitively with Las Vegas, while quality of life metrics often exceed the city.
Lake Tahoe (Nevada side)
Median Household Income: $55,000
Tahoe's Nevada side (Incline Village, Stateline) offers stunning natural beauty with no state income tax—attracting wealthy Californians and remote workers. The economy centers on tourism, hospitality, and gaming. Seasonal workers earn modest wages, while real estate and service business owners can earn substantially more. Housing costs are extremely high; many workers commute from Carson City or Reno.
| Metro Area | Median Income | Cost of Living | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $65,000 | 102 | Gaming, Tourism, Healthcare |
| Henderson | $72,000 | 106 | Healthcare, Finance, Tech |
| Reno-Sparks | $68,000 | 108 | Tech, Manufacturing, Logistics |
| Carson City | $58,000 | 98 | Government, Healthcare |
| Lake Tahoe (NV) | $55,000 | 145 | Tourism, Gaming, Remote Work |
Top Paying Industries in Nevada
Gaming & Entertainment
Nevada's signature industry offers diverse opportunities. Tipped positions (dealers, servers) can earn $60,000-$100,000+ at premium properties. Management tracks lead to six figures: casino managers $100,000-$250,000, VP-level $200,000-$400,000+, C-suite $500,000-$2,000,000+ at major operators. Entertainment production, from Cirque du Soleil to residency shows, employs technicians ($50,000-$90,000), producers ($80,000-$200,000), and performers (highly variable).
Technology
Reno's tech sector and Las Vegas' growing professional services create competitive tech salaries. Software engineers $85,000-$145,000, data scientists $95,000-$140,000, IT managers $100,000-$160,000. Tesla Gigafactory positions range from production ($45,000-$65,000) to engineering ($90,000-$150,000) to management ($130,000-$220,000).
Healthcare
Nevada's growing population has driven healthcare expansion. Physicians earn $240,000-$450,000+, with specialists in undersupplied areas commanding premiums. RNs earn $70,000-$95,000—above national average. Travel nurses can earn $2,500-$4,000/week during high-demand periods.
Construction & Trades
Ongoing development in Las Vegas and Reno creates strong demand for construction trades. Union electricians $75,000-$100,000+, plumbers $65,000-$90,000, operating engineers $70,000-$110,000. Non-union rates are lower but still competitive. The Culinary Union has maintained strong hospitality wages.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Management | $55,000 | $100,000 | $200,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $75,000 | $110,000 | $145,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $240,000 | $320,000 | $450,000+ |
| Nursing (RN) | $65,000 | $80,000 | $95,000+ |
| Construction Trades | $45,000 | $70,000 | $100,000+ |
Nevada Tax Advantage
Nevada's zero state income tax provides substantial savings, particularly for high earners:
Income Tax Savings vs. California
| Annual Salary | NV Tax | CA Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $0 | $4,800 | $4,800 |
| $100,000 | $0 | $7,100 | $7,100 |
| $150,000 | $0 | $12,500 | $12,500 |
| $200,000 | $0 | $18,200 | $18,200 |
| $500,000 | $0 | $55,000 | $55,000 |
Other Tax Considerations
Sales Tax: Nevada's sales tax ranges from 6.85% to 8.375% depending on county—similar to many states.
Property Tax: Nevada has relatively low property taxes (0.53% average) with caps on annual increases, making homeownership tax-efficient.
Business Taxes: No corporate income tax, though Nevada does impose a commerce tax on businesses above $4 million in revenue.
California Refugee Math
A California worker earning $150,000 relocating to Nevada saves approximately:
• State income tax: $12,500/year
• Reduced housing costs (varies significantly by area)
• Comparable or lower property taxes
• Similar sales tax burden
Net savings can exceed $15,000-$30,000+ annually depending on housing choices.
Nevada Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense Category | Nevada | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 108 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $425,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,550 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 98 | 100 |
| Transportation Index | 105 | 100 |
| Healthcare Index | 98 | 100 |
Housing by Area
| Area | Median Home Price | Median Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas (average) | $420,000 | $1,500 |
| Henderson | $480,000 | $1,700 |
| Summerlin | $550,000 | $1,900 |
| Reno | $520,000 | $1,650 |
| Sparks | $450,000 | $1,500 |
| Carson City | $420,000 | $1,400 |
Nevada housing costs have increased significantly since 2020, particularly in Reno where tech migration from California drove rapid appreciation. Las Vegas remains more affordable than most Western metros but no longer qualifies as a low-cost market.
Highest Paying Jobs in Nevada 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $290,000 | $450,000+ |
| Casino Executives | $250,000 | $500,000+ |
| Dentists | $175,000 | $280,000+ |
| IT Directors | $140,000 | $190,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $125,000 | $150,000+ |
| Software Engineers | $110,000 | $150,000+ |
| Financial Managers | $125,000 | $180,000+ |
| Attorneys | $115,000 | $200,000+ |
| Construction Managers | $105,000 | $150,000+ |
| Registered Nurses | $82,000 | $100,000+ |
Gaming Industry Careers
Nevada's gaming industry offers unique career paths unavailable elsewhere in the U.S.:
Table Games
Dealers: Entry requires dealer school ($500-$1,000, 6-12 weeks). Starting base is minimum wage, but tips at Strip properties can push total compensation to $60,000-$100,000+. Top dealers at high-roller tables can exceed $100,000.
Pit Bosses/Floor Supervisors: $60,000-$90,000 base, typically promoted from dealing ranks.
Table Games Management: $100,000-$200,000+ for director-level positions.
Slots & Technology
Slot Technicians: $45,000-$65,000, maintaining and repairing machines.
Systems Administrators: $70,000-$110,000, managing gaming technology infrastructure.
Game Developers: $80,000-$140,000, creating new games and platforms.
Casino Management
Hospitality and business degrees plus gaming experience lead to management tracks. General managers at major Strip properties earn $200,000-$500,000+; regional VPs $300,000-$600,000+; C-suite at major operators $1M-$20M+ including bonuses and equity.
24/7 Lifestyle Consideration
Gaming careers often require night, weekend, and holiday work. This suits some personalities and creates schedule flexibility for others (students, parents with alternative childcare). Consider lifestyle fit before pursuing gaming careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I save with no state income tax?
Savings scale with income. At $75,000, you save approximately $4,800 vs. California; at $150,000, about $12,500; at $300,000, roughly $28,000. These savings can fund retirement accounts, home down payments, or lifestyle upgrades.
Is Las Vegas or Reno better for tech careers?
Reno has a more concentrated tech scene with Tesla, data centers, and California transplants. Las Vegas has growing tech employment but remains hospitality-dominated. Reno offers proximity to Bay Area (4 hours) for networking and meetings. Las Vegas offers lower housing costs and more entertainment.
Can I afford Las Vegas on a hospitality salary?
It depends on the role and property. Tipped positions at premium Strip properties can provide middle-class incomes ($60,000-$100,000). Management roles are comfortable. Entry-level non-tipped positions (housekeeping, security) are more challenging, requiring roommates or commutes from affordable suburbs.
What's quality of life like in Nevada?
Nevada offers abundant entertainment, outdoor recreation (Red Rock, Lake Mead, Tahoe access from Reno), and a libertarian culture. Summers are extremely hot in Las Vegas (100°F+); Reno has four seasons. Public education quality is below average nationally. The 24/7 culture suits some, feels jarring to others.
Is Nevada good for remote workers?
Excellent. No income tax means keeping coastal salaries while enjoying lower costs (especially vs. California). Both Las Vegas and Reno have good air connections. Fast internet is widely available. Consider Reno/Tahoe area for outdoor lifestyle, Las Vegas for entertainment and warmer winters.