22. Kentucky
Annual median wage: $40,450
Cost of living index: 90.8
Employment: 750
Kentucky has wages that are just a few dollars shy of the national average. While the salary is not much, the fact that you do not have to spend too much on your basic living expenses make it a really good state for chefs and head cooks, as well as other professionals. They have an employment rate that looks promising as well, since Kentucky also has tons of restaurants and hotels around the area.