Median salaries in the US

It was interesting to note the distribution of median salaries in the US.  This story provided by CNN Money reports Maryland as the top-earning state for the third year in a row.  I would never have guessed that.  I might have gone with Texas for its oil wealth or California for its hi-tech gazzilions.  Why, even New York might have been a top pick until the markets tanked.  But what am I?  An economist?  Nope.  Just a practical realist that wonders what these numbers mean for our wellbeing as a nation.
 
After all, the story goes on to say what really matters is the cost of living.  Well, yeah!  After becoming desensitized to $3.47 gas and expecting a $3.60 coffee to taste better than a $0.99 cup of joes ... no wonder then that cost of living becomes the secondary topic of such a story.  How about finding a state with a top-earning status and low cost of living?  Let us all move there.
 
But, since that is not a practical reality, how about we Ikembu our way to find the right opportunity?  What is that worth to you?