Highest-paying jobs in San Diego that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in San Diego that don't require a college degree
From the moment they arrive on campus, today’s high school students are inundated with messages about the importance of receiving a college education. They hear it from their guidance counselors, teachers, parents, family members, neighbors, and coaches. While graduation from a four-year college can certainly work wonders for students’ future careers, it’s not necessary for all fields — something admissions officers and guidance counselors sometimes fail to mention.
To find the highest paying jobs that don’t require a college degree, Stacker consulted the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook to compile a list of all jobs that don’t require higher education. All professions that listed a high school diploma, some college education (without a degree conferred), postsecondary nondegree award, or no formal education requirements for entry-level positions were considered. Jobs that didn’t list any entry-level education requirement were excluded, as were job titles that grouped several positions together. Jobs are ranked by 2021 annual mean wage.
Keep reading to discover the highest paying jobs in San Diego-Carlsbad, CA that don’t require a college degree.
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GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#50. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $68,330
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,560
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- Employment: 1,443,630
- 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: $68,330
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,560
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- Employment: 1,443,630
- 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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Canva
#49. Tool and die makers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $68,430
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,150
- Employment: 63,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,920)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($72,510)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($71,910)
- Annual mean salary: $68,430
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,150
- Employment: 63,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,920)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($72,510)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($71,910)
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Canva
#48. Transportation inspectors
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $68,490
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,620
- Employment: 25,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($112,260)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,930)
--- Anchorage, AK ($108,140)
- Annual mean salary: $68,490
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,620
- Employment: 25,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($112,260)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,930)
--- Anchorage, AK ($108,140)
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Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#46 (tie). Electricians
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $68,590
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,990
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- Employment: 650,580
- 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: $68,590
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,990
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- Employment: 650,580
- 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)
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Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#46 (tie). Telecommunications line installers and repairers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $68,590
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 850
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- Employment: 101,530
- 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: $68,590
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 850
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- Employment: 101,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
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John Leung // Shutterstock
#45. Brickmasons and blockmasons
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $68,600
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,430
- Employment: 55,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($95,980)
--- Decatur, IL ($92,670)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($89,340)
- Annual mean salary: $68,600
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,430
- Employment: 55,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($95,980)
--- Decatur, IL ($92,670)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($89,340)
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ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#44. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $68,620
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,230
- Employment: 50,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($87,890)
--- Fresno, CA ($86,230)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,640)
- Annual mean salary: $68,620
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,230
- Employment: 50,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($87,890)
--- Fresno, CA ($86,230)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,640)
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Pixabay
#43. Surveying and mapping technicians
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $69,150
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,810
- Employment: 56,070
- 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: $69,150
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,810
- Employment: 56,070
- 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)
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Canva
#42. Drywall and ceiling tile installers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $70,370
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,150
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,810
- Employment: 97,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,380)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($82,560)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($81,460)
- Annual mean salary: $70,370
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,150
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,810
- Employment: 97,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,380)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($82,560)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($81,460)
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Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#41. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $70,770
- #100 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,330
- Employment: 629,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($90,410)
- Annual mean salary: $70,770
- #100 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,330
- Employment: 629,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($90,410)
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#40. Advertising sales agents
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $70,990
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,540
- Employment: 96,660
- 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: $70,990
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,540
- Employment: 96,660
- 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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Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#39. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $71,390
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,730
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Employment: 1,026,390
- 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: $71,390
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,730
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Employment: 1,026,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
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Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#38. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $71,780
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,420
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,870
- Employment: 466,910
- 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: $71,780
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,420
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,870
- Employment: 466,910
- 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)
14 / 50
Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock
#37. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $71,920
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,330
- Employment: 33,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,420)
--- Anchorage, AK ($118,620)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($110,750)
- Annual mean salary: $71,920
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,330
- Employment: 33,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,420)
--- Anchorage, AK ($118,620)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($110,750)
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Unsplash
#36. Structural iron and steel workers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $72,500
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,270
- Employment: 68,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($83,340)
- Annual mean salary: $72,500
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,270
- Employment: 68,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($83,340)
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#35. Insurance sales agents
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $72,710
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,950
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,340
- Employment: 422,600
- 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: $72,710
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,950
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,340
- Employment: 422,600
- 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)
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Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#34. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $74,210
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,260
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,390
- Employment: 1,242,490
- 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: $74,210
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,260
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,390
- Employment: 1,242,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,280)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($92,660)
--- Napa, CA ($92,620)
18 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#33. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $74,530
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,610
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,470
- Employment: 125,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,470)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($86,370)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,860)
- Annual mean salary: $74,530
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,610
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,470
- Employment: 125,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,470)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($86,370)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,860)
19 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#32. Lodging managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $74,770
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,770
- Employment: 35,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
- Annual mean salary: $74,770
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,770
- Employment: 35,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
20 / 50
Canva
#31. Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $75,340
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,360
- Employment: 25,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,600)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($92,910)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($86,660)
- Annual mean salary: $75,340
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,360
- Employment: 25,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,600)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($92,910)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($86,660)
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kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#30. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $76,140
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,510
- Employment: 29,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($99,740)
- Annual mean salary: $76,140
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,510
- Employment: 29,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($99,740)
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Canva
#29. Traffic technicians
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $76,460
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 7,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,160)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($77,500)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($76,460)
- Annual mean salary: $76,460
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 7,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,160)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($77,500)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($76,460)
23 / 50
Canva
#28. Sound engineering technicians
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,360
- Employment: 10,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($96,070)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($84,930)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($84,620)
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,360
- Employment: 10,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($96,070)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($84,930)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($84,620)
24 / 50
Canva
#27. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $76,990
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,350
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,280
- Employment: 404,820
- 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: $76,990
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,350
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,280
- Employment: 404,820
- 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)
25 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#26. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $77,600
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,760
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- Employment: 278,140
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Salinas, CA ($90,800)
- Annual mean salary: $77,600
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,760
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- Employment: 278,140
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Salinas, CA ($90,800)
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26 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#25. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $77,980
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,810
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,590
- Employment: 526,240
- 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: $77,980
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,810
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,590
- Employment: 526,240
- 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)
27 / 50
Nagy-Bagoly Arpad // Shutterstock
#24. Insulation workers, mechanical
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $78,030
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,260
- Employment: 28,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($109,380)
--- Syracuse, NY ($97,670)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,740)
- Annual mean salary: $78,030
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,260
- Employment: 28,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($109,380)
--- Syracuse, NY ($97,670)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,740)
28 / 50
Unsplash
#23. Crane and tower operators
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $78,500
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 43,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
- Annual mean salary: $78,500
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 43,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
29 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#22. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $78,630
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 590
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,310
- Employment: 44,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
- Annual mean salary: $78,630
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 590
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,310
- Employment: 44,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
30 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#21. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $79,370
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,320
- Employment: 243,920
- 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: $79,370
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,320
- Employment: 243,920
- 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)
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31 / 50
Canva
#20. Construction and building inspectors
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $79,810
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 990
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,480
- Employment: 117,830
- 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: $79,810
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 990
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,480
- Employment: 117,830
- 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)
32 / 50
Bigflick // Shutterstock
#19. Correctional officers and jailers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $80,560
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,040
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,420
- Employment: 392,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($96,580)
--- Salinas, CA ($89,100)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,260)
- Annual mean salary: $80,560
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,040
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,420
- Employment: 392,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($96,580)
--- Salinas, CA ($89,100)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,260)
33 / 50
curraheeshutter // Shutterstock
#18. Ship engineers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $80,610
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,910
- Employment: 7,650
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lafayette, LA ($108,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($100,970)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($99,670)
- Annual mean salary: $80,610
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,910
- Employment: 7,650
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lafayette, LA ($108,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($100,970)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($99,670)
34 / 50
NancyS // Shutterstock
#17. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $83,070
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,340
- Employment: 2,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($134,990)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($104,060)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($84,900)
- Annual mean salary: $83,070
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,340
- Employment: 2,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($134,990)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($104,060)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($84,900)
35 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#16. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $87,420
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,470
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,060
- Employment: 665,870
- 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: $87,420
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,470
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,060
- Employment: 665,870
- 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)
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36 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#15. Power plant operators
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $88,480
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
- Annual mean salary: $88,480
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
37 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#14. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $94,140
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,640
- Employment: 22,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,210)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,510)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($114,280)
- Annual mean salary: $94,140
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,640
- Employment: 22,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,210)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,510)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($114,280)
38 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#13. Postmasters and mail superintendents
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $94,460
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,820
- Employment: 12,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($97,930)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($94,460)
- Annual mean salary: $94,460
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,820
- Employment: 12,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($97,930)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($94,460)
39 / 50
Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock
#12. Gas plant operators
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $95,170
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- Employment: 15,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($98,750)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($97,080)
- Annual mean salary: $95,170
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- Employment: 15,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($98,750)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($97,080)
40 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#11. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $103,960
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,060
- Employment: 123,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,490)
- Annual mean salary: $103,960
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,060
- Employment: 123,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,490)
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41 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#10. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $105,240
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,310
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,580
- Employment: 144,640
- 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: $105,240
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,310
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,580
- Employment: 144,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $106,150
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,320
- Employment: 22,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
- Annual mean salary: $106,150
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,320
- Employment: 22,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
43 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#8. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $106,350
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,750
- Employment: 54,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($114,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,220)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($112,950)
- Annual mean salary: $106,350
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,750
- Employment: 54,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($114,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,220)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($112,950)
44 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#7. Detectives and criminal investigators
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $106,620
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,950
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,370
- Employment: 107,890
- 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: $106,620
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,950
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,370
- Employment: 107,890
- 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)
45 / 50
Pixabay
#6. Gambling managers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $106,830
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,190
- Employment: 3,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($106,830)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($104,140)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($103,210)
- Annual mean salary: $106,830
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,190
- Employment: 3,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($106,830)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($104,140)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($103,210)
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46 / 50
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
#5. Power distributors and dispatchers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $109,750
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,520
- Employment: 9,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($131,560)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($129,570)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($123,540)
- Annual mean salary: $109,750
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,520
- Employment: 9,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($131,560)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($129,570)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($123,540)
47 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#4. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $115,830
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,270
- Employment: 80,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($171,060)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($145,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,860)
- Annual mean salary: $115,830
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,270
- Employment: 80,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($171,060)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($145,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,860)
48 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#3. Commercial pilots
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $116,440
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- 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: $116,440
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
49 / 50
Canva
#2. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $143,690
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,760
- Employment: 128,230
- 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: $143,690
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,760
- Employment: 128,230
- 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)
50 / 50
Aniwat phromrungsee // Shutterstock
#1. Commercial divers
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
- Annual mean salary: $155,470
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,010
- Employment: 2,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($155,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,130)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,100)
- Annual mean salary: $155,470
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,010
- Employment: 2,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($155,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,130)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,100)
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