Highest-paying jobs in Santa Maria that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
Highest-paying jobs in Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA that don’t require a college degree.
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DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#50. Chefs and head cooks
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $60,110
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,920
- Employment: 129,810
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($79,430)
- Annual mean salary: $60,110
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,920
- Employment: 129,810
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($79,430)
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Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#49. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $60,150
- #209 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,030
- Employment: 234,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,610)
- Annual mean salary: $60,150
- #209 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,030
- Employment: 234,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,610)
3 / 50
Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#48. Computer user support specialists
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $60,260
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,650
- Employment: 654,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,920)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,510)
- Annual mean salary: $60,260
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,650
- Employment: 654,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,920)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,510)
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Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#47. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $60,660
- #69 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,500
- Employment: 34,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($96,520)
- Annual mean salary: $60,660
- #69 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,500
- Employment: 34,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($96,520)
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Kot500 // Shutterstock
#46. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $61,250
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 261,420
- 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: $61,250
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 261,420
- 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)
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Canva
#45. Plasterers and stucco masons
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $61,710
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,810
- Employment: 26,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($76,030)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($75,260)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,090)
- Annual mean salary: $61,710
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,810
- Employment: 26,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($76,030)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($75,260)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,090)
7 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#44. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $62,000
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,850
- Employment: 641,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($76,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,410)
- Annual mean salary: $62,000
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,850
- Employment: 641,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($76,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,410)
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Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#43. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $62,400
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,350
- Employment: 172,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($88,140)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($84,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,570)
- Annual mean salary: $62,400
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,350
- Employment: 172,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($88,140)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($84,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,570)
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Gerain0812 // Shutterstock
#42. Surgical technologists
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $63,670
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,590
- Employment: 109,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,450)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($80,170)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($77,460)
- Annual mean salary: $63,670
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,590
- Employment: 109,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,450)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($80,170)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($77,460)
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Canva
#41. Drywall and ceiling tile installers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $63,830
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
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: $63,830
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
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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Said M // Shutterstock
#40. Service unit operators, oil and gas
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $64,000
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,660
- Employment: 32,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($79,050)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($73,100)
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($65,030)
- Annual mean salary: $64,000
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,660
- Employment: 32,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($79,050)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($73,100)
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($65,030)
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Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
#39. Carpenters
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $64,070
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,080
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,190
- Employment: 668,060
- 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: $64,070
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,080
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,190
- Employment: 668,060
- 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)
13 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#38. Industrial machinery mechanics
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $64,690
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,780
- Employment: 373,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
- Annual mean salary: $64,690
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,780
- Employment: 373,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
14 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#37. Food service managers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $65,540
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,970
- Employment: 210,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
- Annual mean salary: $65,540
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,970
- Employment: 210,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
15 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#36. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $66,340
- #252 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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: $66,340
- #252 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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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Vera Larina // Shutterstock
#35. Sheet metal workers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $66,500
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,760
- Employment: 122,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($101,150)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($94,930)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,840)
- Annual mean salary: $66,500
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,760
- Employment: 122,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($101,150)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($94,930)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,840)
17 / 50
welcomia // Shutterstock
#33 (tie). Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $66,790
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,280
- Employment: 145,230
- 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: $66,790
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,280
- Employment: 145,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
18 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#33 (tie). First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $66,790
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,740
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: $66,790
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,740
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)
19 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#32. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $67,530
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
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: $67,530
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
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)
20 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#31. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $67,700
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,350
- Employment: 417,620
- 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: $67,700
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,350
- Employment: 417,620
- 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)
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Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#30. Electricians
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $67,810
- #95 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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: $67,810
- #95 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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)
22 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#29. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $68,110
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
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: $68,110
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
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)
23 / 50
ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#28. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $70,450
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $70,450
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
24 / 50
Avatar_023 // Shutterstock
#27. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $71,190
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,320
- Employment: 121,150
- 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: $71,190
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,320
- Employment: 121,150
- 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)
25 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#26. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $71,210
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $71,210
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
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26 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#25. Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $71,740
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,390
- Employment: 51,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,460)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($73,070)
- Annual mean salary: $71,740
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,390
- Employment: 51,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,460)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($73,070)
27 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#24. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $71,830
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,100
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: $71,830
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,100
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)
28 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#23. Advertising sales agents
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $71,990
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $71,990
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
29 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#22. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $72,630
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $72,630
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
30 / 50
Canva
#21. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $73,880
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
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: $73,880
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
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)
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31 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#20. Insurance sales agents
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $74,150
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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: $74,150
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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)
32 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#19. Public safety telecommunicators
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $74,740
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,030
- Employment: 97,050
- 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: $74,740
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,030
- Employment: 97,050
- 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)
33 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#18. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $74,830
- #316 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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: $74,830
- #316 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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)
34 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#17. Lodging managers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $75,520
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $75,520
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
35 / 50
Pixabay
#16. Surveying and mapping technicians
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $75,640
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $75,640
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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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36 / 50
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#15. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $76,060
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $76,060
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
37 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#14. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $76,410
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,110
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: $76,410
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,110
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)
38 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#13. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $76,420
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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: $76,420
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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)
39 / 50
Bigflick // Shutterstock
#12. Correctional officers and jailers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $79,020
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
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: $79,020
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
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)
40 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#11. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $80,280
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
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: $80,280
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
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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41 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#10. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $83,880
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $78,440
- Employment: 5,220
- 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: $83,880
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $78,440
- Employment: 5,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($104,810)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($101,650)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($101,610)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Construction and building inspectors
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $90,920
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $90,920
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
43 / 50
Daniel Tausis // Unsplash
#8. Firefighters
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $97,470
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,290
- Employment: 317,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($114,210)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($98,150)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($97,470)
- Annual mean salary: $97,470
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,290
- Employment: 317,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($114,210)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($98,150)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($97,470)
44 / 50
Canva
#7. Fire inspectors and investigators
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $100,770
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,680
- Employment: 14,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dayton, OH ($116,740)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($112,040)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($107,220)
- Annual mean salary: $100,770
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,680
- Employment: 14,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dayton, OH ($116,740)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($112,040)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($107,220)
45 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#6. Commercial pilots
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $105,160
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $105,160
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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)
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46 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#5. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $108,530
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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: $108,530
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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)
47 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#4. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $117,700
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $117,700
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
48 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#3. Detectives and criminal investigators
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $122,260
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $122,260
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
49 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#2. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $131,420
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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: $131,420
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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)
50 / 50
Canva
#1. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
- Annual mean salary: $164,600
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $164,600
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
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