Highest paying jobs in Modesto for high school graduates
Written by:
July 20, 2022
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
Highest paying jobs in Modesto for high school graduates
The average college graduate in 2020 earned $1,305 a week, while the average high school graduate takes home just $781, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Of course, college isn’t for everyone. There are many reasons high-school graduates may choose to not continue on to college, not the least of which being cost. Average tuition costs continue to rise each year, the exception being the 2020-2021 school year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Average tuition at a public, in-state university coming in at $9,687; tuition for out-of-state students at public schools, and for everyone at private universities, is significantly higher at $21,874 and $35,087, respectively.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs for high school graduates in Modesto, CA using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2021 annual mean wage.
Keep reading to see which jobs in your city pay the most for high school graduates.
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1 / 50
Chok Chokchai // Shutterstock
#50. Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $51,970
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Employment: 47,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($92,800)
--- Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($83,130)
--- Napa, CA ($68,470)
- Annual mean salary: $51,970
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Employment: 47,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($92,800)
--- Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($83,130)
--- Napa, CA ($68,470)
2 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#49. Payroll and timekeeping clerks
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $52,060
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,290
- Employment: 133,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($66,600)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,240)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($60,930)
- Annual mean salary: $52,060
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,290
- Employment: 133,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($66,600)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,240)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($60,930)
3 / 50
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#48. Production, planning, and expediting clerks
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $52,140
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,000
- Employment: 362,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($67,770)
- Annual mean salary: $52,140
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,000
- Employment: 362,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($67,770)
4 / 50
Canva
#47. Automotive body and related repairers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $52,950
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,430
- Employment: 137,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($71,350)
--- Ames, IA ($68,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,060)
- Annual mean salary: $52,950
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,430
- Employment: 137,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($71,350)
--- Ames, IA ($68,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,060)
5 / 50
Sabel Blanco // Pexels
#46. Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $54,070
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,650
- Employment: 248,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($69,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($68,140)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($64,980)
- Annual mean salary: $54,070
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,650
- Employment: 248,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($69,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($68,140)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($64,980)
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rlat // Shutterstock
#45. Postal service clerks
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $54,170
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,200
- Employment: 86,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
- Annual mean salary: $54,170
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,200
- Employment: 86,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
7 / 50
Brian S. Hagberg // Wikimedia Commons
#44. Self-enrichment teachers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $54,820
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,930
- Employment: 222,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($70,350)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($66,650)
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($63,470)
- Annual mean salary: $54,820
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,930
- Employment: 222,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($70,350)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($66,650)
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($63,470)
8 / 50
Dragana Gordic // Shutterstock
#43. Community health workers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $54,880
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,000
- Employment: 58,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,110)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($65,530)
--- Bend-Redmond, OR ($61,820)
- Annual mean salary: $54,880
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,000
- Employment: 58,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,110)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($65,530)
--- Bend-Redmond, OR ($61,820)
9 / 50
Pxhere
#42. Maintenance workers, machinery
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $55,680
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,960
- Employment: 65,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($77,890)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($77,690)
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
- Annual mean salary: $55,680
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,960
- Employment: 65,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($77,890)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($77,690)
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
10 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#41. Advertising sales agents
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $55,960
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($97,840)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($83,050)
- Annual mean salary: $55,960
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($97,840)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($83,050)
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Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#40. Postal service mail carriers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $57,160
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,180
- Employment: 333,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
- Annual mean salary: $57,160
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,180
- Employment: 333,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
12 / 50
Kot500 // Shutterstock
#39. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $57,570
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,090
- Employment: 253,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,400)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,480)
- Annual mean salary: $57,570
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,090
- Employment: 253,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,400)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,480)
13 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#38. Food service managers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $58,430
- #259 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 370
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
- Annual mean salary: $58,430
- #259 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 370
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
14 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#37. Lodging managers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $59,370
- #137 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 31,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area ($122,290)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
- Annual mean salary: $59,370
- #137 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 31,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area ($122,290)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
15 / 50
Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock
#36. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $59,550
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,040
- Employment: 103,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
- Annual mean salary: $59,550
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,040
- Employment: 103,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
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16 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#35. Industrial machinery mechanics
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $59,810
- #143 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
- Annual mean salary: $59,810
- #143 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
17 / 50
Canva
#34. Medical equipment preparers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $60,630
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $41,070
- Employment: 56,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($67,170)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($66,150)
- Annual mean salary: $60,630
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $41,070
- Employment: 56,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($67,170)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($66,150)
18 / 50
Vera Larina // Shutterstock
#33. Sheet metal workers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $61,020
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- Employment: 128,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($101,150)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($94,930)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,840)
- Annual mean salary: $61,020
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- Employment: 128,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($101,150)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($94,930)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,840)
19 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#32. Public safety telecommunicators
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $61,250
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,800
- Employment: 93,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($97,380)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,790)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($76,950)
- Annual mean salary: $61,250
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,800
- Employment: 93,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($97,380)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,790)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($76,950)
20 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#31. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $61,900
- #118 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,050)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,520)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,430)
- Annual mean salary: $61,900
- #118 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,050)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,520)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,430)
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21 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#30. Private detectives and investigators
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $62,460
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,100
- Employment: 32,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($93,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,080)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($87,760)
- Annual mean salary: $62,460
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,100
- Employment: 32,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($93,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,080)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($87,760)
22 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#29. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $63,910
- #193 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
- Annual mean salary: $63,910
- #193 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
23 / 50
welcomia // Shutterstock
#28. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $64,670
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,000
- Employment: 147,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
- Annual mean salary: $64,670
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,000
- Employment: 147,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
24 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#26 (tie). Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $64,800
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
- Annual mean salary: $64,800
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
25 / 50
Canva
#26 (tie). Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $64,800
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,400
- Employment: 44,560
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,510)
--- Nevada nonmetropolitan area ($81,690)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($78,180)
- Annual mean salary: $64,800
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,400
- Employment: 44,560
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,510)
--- Nevada nonmetropolitan area ($81,690)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($78,180)
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26 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#25. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $64,900
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 370
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,580)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,500)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($89,190)
- Annual mean salary: $64,900
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 370
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,580)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,500)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($89,190)
27 / 50
Unsplash
#24. Structural iron and steel workers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $64,920
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($84,570)
- Annual mean salary: $64,920
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($84,570)
28 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#23. Real estate sales agents
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
29 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#22. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $65,440
- #139 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($105,220)
- Annual mean salary: $65,440
- #139 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($105,220)
30 / 50
Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
#21. Carpenters
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $65,710
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,140
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,200
- Employment: 699,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($81,730)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,280)
- Annual mean salary: $65,710
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,140
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,200
- Employment: 699,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($81,730)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,280)
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31 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#20. Electricians
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $66,260
- #114 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,090)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($86,600)
- Annual mean salary: $66,260
- #114 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,090)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($86,600)
32 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#19. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $66,990
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 780
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($96,900)
- Annual mean salary: $66,990
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 780
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($96,900)
33 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#18. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $70,190
- #391 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($129,860)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($121,360)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($121,250)
- Annual mean salary: $70,190
- #391 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($129,860)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($121,360)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($121,250)
34 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#17. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $70,530
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($92,500)
- Annual mean salary: $70,530
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($92,500)
35 / 50
Avatar_023 // Shutterstock
#16. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $71,240
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- Employment: 119,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,370)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($87,990)
- Annual mean salary: $71,240
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- Employment: 119,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,370)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($87,990)
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36 / 50
Pixabay
#15. Surveying and mapping technicians
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $72,380
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,770
- Employment: 53,370
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($84,710)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($77,840)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,960)
- Annual mean salary: $72,380
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,770
- Employment: 53,370
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($84,710)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($77,840)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,960)
37 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#14. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $73,680
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,280)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($92,660)
--- Napa, CA ($92,620)
- Annual mean salary: $73,680
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,280)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($92,660)
--- Napa, CA ($92,620)
38 / 50
Canva
#13. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $74,290
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,280
- Employment: 402,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,910)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($91,860)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,120)
- Annual mean salary: $74,290
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,280
- Employment: 402,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,910)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($91,860)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,120)
39 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#12. Insurance sales agents
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $74,590
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
- Annual mean salary: $74,590
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
40 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#11. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $76,080
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 720
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,830)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,870)
- Annual mean salary: $76,080
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 720
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,830)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,870)
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41 / 50
Canva
#10. Construction and building inspectors
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $80,620
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Haven, CT ($121,510)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,190)
- Annual mean salary: $80,620
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Haven, CT ($121,510)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,190)
42 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#9. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $81,160
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,020)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($101,210)
- Annual mean salary: $81,160
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,020)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($101,210)
43 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#8. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $81,280
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,810
- Employment: 5,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($104,810)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($101,650)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($101,610)
- Annual mean salary: $81,280
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,810
- Employment: 5,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($104,810)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($101,650)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($101,610)
44 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#7. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $83,460
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,860
- Employment: 122,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
- Annual mean salary: $83,460
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,860
- Employment: 122,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
45 / 50
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#6. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $87,930
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,170
- Employment: 29,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- South Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($101,630)
- Annual mean salary: $87,930
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,170
- Employment: 29,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- South Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($101,630)
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46 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#5. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $102,690
- #115 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
- Annual mean salary: $102,690
- #115 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
47 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#4. Commercial pilots
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $104,170
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
- Annual mean salary: $104,170
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
48 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#3. Power plant operators
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $105,410
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
- Annual mean salary: $105,410
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
49 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#2. Detectives and criminal investigators
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $106,370
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($132,210)
--- Anchorage, AK ($127,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($123,460)
- Annual mean salary: $106,370
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($132,210)
--- Anchorage, AK ($127,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($123,460)
50 / 50
Canva
#1. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Modesto, CA
- Annual mean salary: $147,090
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($182,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($170,740)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($164,600)
- Annual mean salary: $147,090
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($182,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($170,740)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($164,600)
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