Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, escape the hustle and bustle of city life, or aspire for a better work/life balance, moving can be an excellent solution to your problems.
But do you know that you can get paid to move and work?
That’s right! Many communities and municipalities out there are offering incentives for movers and new residents to prevent depopulation and boost their economy!
In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common questions that you might have before moving to a new place, along with various places and jobs that would pay you to move and work!
Can You Get Paid to Move and Work?
You can definitely get paid to move and work, as many states and companies out there offer paid relocation benefits. These programs are usually to prevent depopulation in certain communities or boost the economy there.
A paid relocation incentive program can take various forms, ranging from a simple relocation bonus to a full-on paid relocation package.
Companies may also use paid relocation benefits to attract top talents, especially for high-demand jobs. The relocation package may cover various aspects like improved salary, relocation expenses, or temporary housing.
Some relocation programs allow you to work as a digital nomad. This means finding work online and working from anywhere in the world.
You can also get paid to move and start a new business, especially if you have marketable skills and experience. In that case, the state helps you cover the costs by providing you with some of the funds necessary.
How Much Can You Make by Moving and Working?
The money you earn by moving and working can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and goals.
For instance, if you’re working for a company that offers relocation packages. In that case, you could potentially receive a lump sum payment to cover your moving expenses.
If your skills are in demand, you can also get a relatively high salary (up to six figures). This is especially true if you move to a high-cost area, such as New York City or San Francisco.
Of course, the opposite is true for low-cost areas like New Hampshire and West Virginia.
On the other hand, legit work-at-home jobs and freelance jobs don’t necessarily depend on where you live. Instead, they’re mainly reliant on your skill, experience level, and the amount of work you’re able to find.
That being said, you should also note that what you make doesn’t necessarily reflect various essential aspects.
For instance, a medium salary in a low-cost area may end up providing you with a higher quality of life than if you opt for a relatively high salary in a high-cost area, so you have to keep such aspects in mind while making up your mind about leaving for a new place.
Are There Tax Benefits to Moving and Working?
The short answer to this question is yes, but this heavily depends on the laws of where you live. In other words, it can work to your advantage or against it.
For example, some states have a remarkably high-income tax, such as California (13.3%) and Hawaii (11%). On the other hand, states like Alaska and Florida don’t have any.
Some states have no income tax but still have a very high sales tax, such as Tennessee (9.55%).
If you’re looking for a new haven with the best tax benefits, you should go consider Alaska. The Last Frontier has no income tax and the lowest sales tax (1.76%) nationwide.
Some might also consider tax deductions that include relocation costs, rent, and paying for new household goods. However, most new tax laws don’t offer this advantage anymore.
Places That Pay You To Move and Work
There are plenty of states out there that offer attractive benefits to new residents, and some even cover remote workers. In this section, we’ll discuss three of the top spots to consider.
1. West Virginia
The Mountain State is known for having one of the most unique relocation programs out there, known as (Ascend West Virginia). This program is
The Ascend WV program is funded by a $25 million grant. This one allows remote workers with legit work-at-home jobs to move to the state and enjoy a huge variety of benefits.
Those who apply for the Ascend WV program must live within certain assigned communities, such as Eastern Panhandle, Lincoln County, and the New River Gorge area.
How Much You Can Make
The relocation bonus in this program is among the highest in the US. After relocation, you’ll get a reward of $12,000 in addition to extra benefits that add extra value to the relocation package.
According to the program’s website, movers will also get a free welcome trip valued at around $2,500. You also get one-year free access to many places and resources that would’ve otherwise cost you thousands of dollars.
What Makes This Option Great
One of the main reasons many consider this program excellent is that it offers a lot of value. Besides the huge bonus, it also offers incredible advantages, such as:
- West Virginia is one of the most affordable states with remarkably low housing prices.
- You get dedicated working space in the state’s mountain towns.
- You can earn remote work certifications through West Virginia University.
- West Virginia has tons of amazing parks and landmarks that you get free access to for a whole year.
2. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is another state that offers a remarkable package for remote workers willing to move to the state.
This program is dedicated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as Tulsa Remote. The best thing about this program is that it’s fuss-free.
Besides being above 18, eligible to work in the US, and willing to relocate within a year, you only need to have a full-time job outside the state to qualify for the program.
How Much You Can Make
Tulsa Remote program also offers a fairly large relocation bonus to those who make the move to the city.
According to the program, moving residents get a $10,000 cash bonus, in addition to extra benefits that will add more value to the program.
This includes advantages like a desk space at one of the city’s top coworking communities and access to the program’s dedicated apartments in the heart of the city.
What Makes This Option Great
Oklahoma is an excellent location that strikes an excellent balance between the cost of living and quality of life.
In other words, moving to the state means better financial arrangements for many people, especially if you have to pay a remarkable sum for rent where you live.
This is because Tulsa has a fairly affordable housing market compared to nearby states like Texas. For instance, housing in Tulsa is around 42% cheaper than in Dallas, Texas.
3. New York
A lot of people aspire to live in New York, and surprisingly, you can get paid to live there! This is through the Greater ROC Remote initiative, which covers relocating to the city of Rochester.
This program is specifically designed to remote workers and offers one of the most attractive packages out there!
How Much You Can Make
According to the program’s website, applicants who move to the Greater Rochester area can get a $10,000 relocation incentive.
Additionally, you may also get up to $9,000 in incentives to help you buy a house there!
Keep in mind that you’ll need to qualify for certain criteria before getting your cash reward, such as:
- Being at least 18 years old and eligible to work in the US
- Have full-time work
- Willing to relocate within six months
- Live at least 300 miles away from Downtown Rochester
What Makes This Option Great
A lot of people would simply love to live near New York, which unlocks tons of employment opportunities in the future. However, there are additional advantages to this program, such as:
- Getting invited to various events with travel expenses reimbursements (up to $750)
- Getting help from a realtor while locating a house in the city
- Supporting family members while looking for jobs in Rochester
Jobs That Pay You to Move and Work
Besides places that offer relocation incentives, some jobs can also pay you to move and work in a new place.
These are typically with improved pay and extended benefits, such as covering relocation costs. Let’s check them out:
1. Registered Nurse
According to a report published in Times, there’s a massive nurse shortage across the nation. In fact, within the next two years alone, there would be a shortage of bedside nurses of as high as 450,000 individuals.
For that reason, there’s a huge demand for practicing nurses in many places across the US, with many locations offering paid relocation bonuses and extra benefits to attract workers to move and live there.
How Much You Can Make
According to the BLS, the average median salary of a registered nurse in the US is around $77,600 per year. This means a rate of around $37.31 per hour.
That being said, the salary of a registered nurse heavily depends on the location of work and experience level.
For instance, the average salary of a nurse in Massachusetts is around $92,140 while in Iowa it can be as little as $59,130.
Of course, this doesn’t include benefits and bonuses, such as 401(k) plans or paid relocation incentives, which can dramatically improve your offer.
What Makes This Option Great
The high demand for nurses means a wider range of job offers and opportunities in a variety of places. This also means more competitive packages that can include exclusive benefits.
This also means fairly high job security as well as chances to advance your career, especially by becoming licensed and gaining more experience.
2. Software Developer
The meteoric rise in the tech industry in the last few years caused a huge demand for software developers.
In fact, many cities are trying to become tech hubs to boost their economy. One way to achieve this is by offering huge incentives to tech occupations to move and work there.
If you have experience as a software developer, you can boost your chances of qualifying for a paid relocation program. This applies whether you’re employed full-time or work independently.
How Much You Can Make
The average software developer in the US makes around $109,020 per year or $52.41 per hour.
However, the salary can vary greatly depending on the developer’s location. For example, software developers in California make the most, with an average salary of $115,477. Software developers in Hawaii make the least, with an average salary of $66,259.
Of course, there are also software developers who make much more than the average, which depends on skills and experience.
What Makes This Option Great
While many software developers work from offices, remote work is quite common in that field. This makes it perfect for relocation programs designed for remote workers, which can greatly reduce your cost of living and help you save more money.
Additionally, since software development is a constantly evolving field, there’ll always be something new to learn and chances to advance your career.
3. Technical Support
Technical support is one of the most versatile jobs out there, as it can take a variety of forms.
For instance, some technical support agents work directly with customers while others work through the phone or via the Internet.
How Much You Can Make
The average salary for technical support is around $21.28 per hour. However, this can greatly vary depending on various aspects, mainly your industry and experience level. In fact, it can go as little as $12.76 and as high as $35.49.
What Makes This Option Great
The great aspect of technical support jobs is that they’re always in demand in various regions.
This means that you can always find job opportunities out there with a paid relocation package available.
Why You Should Consider Moving to Work
People might consider moving to work in a new city or state for a wide range of reasons. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the most popular ones:
1. You Can Get a Massively Improved Job Offer Plus a Cash Incentive
Many relocation packages will offer more than relocation assistance and cover moving expenses. Some may even offer a fairly higher salary or improved benefits to attract more workers.
2. Can Help You Advance Your Career
If chances for career advancement where you live are quite hard to come by, moving to a new place can help you get the promotion you’re aspiring for, especially in new communities.
3. Excellent Change of Pace and Scenery
Another advantage of getting paid to move is enjoying a fresh beginning. This can be a great way to leave the past behind or simply enjoy the new, beautiful scenery and avoid harsh weather conditions.
4. Meet New People and Make Friends
While moving to a new location, remember to check information about the locals. A welcoming spot with friendly locals can be a great way to meet new people and make lifetime friendships, business connections, and much more!
5. Opens You Up to New Business Opportunities
Last but not least, moving to a new location means access to a whole new economy where you can achieve your dreams of going big!
For instance, if you want to work for yourself instead of being an employee, going to a new location that offers support to small business owners and entrepreneurs can be an excellent move, especially when the relocation bonus offers the push you need to start a new business.
Is it Cheap to Move to Work?
It’s not necessarily cheaper to move to work in a new location, even if it includes a paid relocation bonus.
This is because the cost of living can vary greatly depending on the place you’re going to live. This typically includes aspects like housing, groceries, food, utilities, etc.
For example, if you live in a place where it’s fairly cheap to rent or buy a house, it can be cheaper to move to work there than another location with a high cost of living, even if the latter offers a remarkably higher relocation bonus and other benefits.
That’s why you should always consider aspects like purchasing power and cost of living rather than opting for the highest bonus.
What is a Livable Salary to Move and Work?
Of course, it’s fairly difficult to set a specific salary that applies to any location out there, as the cost of living can vary significantly, even within the same state. The livable salary also depends on your lifestyle choices and the size of your family.
Ideally, a livable salary should cover all your basic expenses, which can be easy to calculate from websites like Nerd Wallet.
A good rule of thumb is to only move and work in a new location if it gives you at least 50% to 80% higher purchasing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re interested in moving to a new home and getting paid to live and work there, you probably have additional questions that you’re wondering about. Let’s answer some of the most common ones:
What is the Best State to Move to for Work?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. These include the paid relocation offer that the state has and the demand for your profession. It may also rely on the cost of living compared to what you get.
However, if we’re only talking about paid relocation bonuses, states like West Virginia (Ascend WV program) and Shawnee County, Topeka, Kansas (Choose Topeka). Both these programs offer $12,000 to $15,000 respectively, besides having a relatively low cost of living.
What is the Average Salary Needed to Move and Work?
The average salary needed to move and work will vary depending on the city or state you are moving to. Additionally, it depends on individual factors like your desired lifestyle and expenses.
However, a good offer here (including annual salary + benefits) should be around 2 to 3 times your current offer, and make sure that it covers the basic living expenses. This includes housing, utilities, food, and transportation where you’re moving.
Similar Locations to Consider
We’ve previously discussed some of the most popular locations to go to if you’re considering a paid relocation move.
However, there are plenty of similar locations to consider whether inside the United States or outside. Here’s a quick look at some of them.
- Get Paid to Move Overseas: Working as an expat can be an excellent way to upgrade your job status, try out new cultures, and earn more money in the process. You can consider European countries like southern Italy and France as well as English-speaking countries like New Zealand.
- Get Paid to Move to Texas: Texas is one of the financial hubs of America, which makes it always in demand for new workers in hundreds of fields. If you have managerial experience, you can find plenty of paid relocation jobs with improved salaries and benefits.
- Get Paid to Move to Hawaii: Due to its remote location, paid relocations and moving assistance in Hawaii are quite common among many jobs and professions, especially in guest hospitality and medical sectors.
Final Thoughts
This wraps it up for today’s guide that shows you how to get paid to move and work. As you can see, there are plenty of places out there that offer lucrative relocation plans to new residents, from small towns to big cities!
Moving to a new place doesn’t only come with a financial incentive, but also with a change of pace and scenery. You can also save on your expenses significantly by opting for a location known for its low cost of living, such as West Virginia
