Choosing the right state to practice rheumatology can influence career satisfaction, earning potential, and work–life balance. Whether you’re an early-career rheumatology specialist building a patient base or an experienced provider looking to relocate, location matters.

The list below features the top 10 states that offer the most favorable conditions for rheumatologists—blending salary potential, growth opportunities (clinical, stewardship, and public-health roles), and supportive health care and public-health infrastructure.

1. North Dakota — With an average rheumatologist salary of about $224,000, a cost-of-living index near 91, and 9 available positions, North Dakota ranks #1 nationally for rheumatologists. Its location quotient of roughly 1.77 reflects a higher-than-expected concentration of rheumatology jobs.

2. Wisconsin — With an average salary of roughly $210,000, a cost-of-living index of about 98, and 69 available positions, Wisconsin ranks #2 nationally for rheumatologists. Its location quotient of approximately 2.28 reflects a higher-than-expected concentration of rheumatology jobs across academic and community practice settings.

3. Alaska — With an average salary of roughly $224,000, 7 available positions, and a cost-of-living index of about 125, Alaska ranks #3 nationally for rheumatologists. It also appears in multiple datasets as one of the highest-paying states for the specialty.

4. Montana — With an average rheumatologist salary of about $216,000, 6 available positions, and a cost-of-living index near 96, Montana ranks #4 nationally for rheumatologists. Studies on rheumatology access note workforce shortages in rural and micropolitan areas.

5. South Dakota — With an average salary of about $211,000, 5 available positions, and a cost-of-living index near 92, South Dakota ranks #5 nationally for rheumatologists.

6. Nebraska — With an average salary of about $204,000, a cost-of-living index near 93, and 23 available positions, Nebraska ranks #6 nationally for rheumatologists. Its location quotient of approximately 1.89 reflects a higher-than-expected concentration of rheumatology jobs, supported by the presence of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

7. Minnesota —With an average rheumatologist salary of about $213,000, a cost-of-living index near 95, and 39 available positions, Minnesota ranks #7 nationally for rheumatologists. The state is also home to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, a major center for rheumatology care and research.

8. Washington — With an average salary of about $209,000, a cost-of-living index near 114, and 68 available positions, Washington ranks #8 nationally for rheumatologists. It is also listed among the top 10 states to practice medicine overall.

9. Utah — With an average salary of about $207,000, a cost-of-living index near 102, and 15 available positions, Utah ranks #9 nationally for rheumatologists. Job availability is supported in part by the University of Utah, which appears in international rheumatology research rankings.

10. Maine — With an average rheumatologist salary of about $196,000, a cost-of-living index near 113, and roughly 30 available positions, Maine ranks in the top 10 for rheumatologists. Its location quotient of approximately 4.14—the highest among the listed states—indicates a higher-than-expected concentration of rheumatology roles.

Sources: Arthritis Care & Research, Becker’s ASC Review, Physicians Thrive, RheumNow, Scimago, World Population Review, Zippia