Highest-paying jobs in Denver that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Denver 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 Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO that don’t require a college degree.
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Nicola Forenza // Shutterstock
#50. Legal secretaries and administrative assistants
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $65,430
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,540
- Employment: 155,250
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,320)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,210)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($72,760)
- Annual mean salary: $65,430
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,540
- Employment: 155,250
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,320)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,210)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($72,760)
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Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#49. Computer user support specialists
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $65,970
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,180
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: $65,970
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,180
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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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#48. Advertising sales agents
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $66,320
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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: $66,320
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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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PHILIPIMAGE // Shutterstock
#47. Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $66,390
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,660
- Employment: 23,080
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($66,390)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,930)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($57,210)
- Annual mean salary: $66,390
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,660
- Employment: 23,080
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($66,390)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,930)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($57,210)
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Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#46. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $66,520
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,600
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: $66,520
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,600
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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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#45. Insurance sales agents
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $68,410
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,910
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: $68,410
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,910
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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GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#44. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $69,730
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,620
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: $69,730
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,620
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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kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#43. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $69,790
- #40 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: $69,790
- #40 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)
9 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#42. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $71,650
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,060
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: $71,650
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,060
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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Canva
#41. Construction and building inspectors
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $72,590
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,030
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: $72,590
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,030
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)
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Unsplash
#40. Tax preparers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $73,170
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,080
- Employment: 83,190
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($81,880)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,470)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($73,170)
- Annual mean salary: $73,170
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,080
- Employment: 83,190
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($81,880)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,470)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($73,170)
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Olena Yakobchuk // Shutterstock
#39. Airfield operations specialists
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $74,830
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,360
- Employment: 12,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($88,510)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($80,230)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,230)
- Annual mean salary: $74,830
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,360
- Employment: 12,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($88,510)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($80,230)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,230)
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goodluz // Shutterstock
#38. Real estate sales agents
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $75,090
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,480
- Employment: 175,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
- Annual mean salary: $75,090
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,480
- Employment: 175,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
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Canva
#37. Court reporters and simultaneous captioners
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $75,610
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,240
- Employment: 12,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,910)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($100,060)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($99,120)
- Annual mean salary: $75,610
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,240
- Employment: 12,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,910)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($100,060)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($99,120)
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Canva
#36. Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $75,750
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,840
- Employment: 11,170
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($84,210)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($75,750)
--- Lafayette, LA ($75,710)
- Annual mean salary: $75,750
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,840
- Employment: 11,170
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($84,210)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($75,750)
--- Lafayette, LA ($75,710)
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Wipas Rojjanakard // Shutterstock
#35. Occupational health and safety technicians
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $75,800
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,560
- Employment: 21,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($77,880)
--- Anchorage, AK ($77,690)
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($77,100)
- Annual mean salary: $75,800
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,560
- Employment: 21,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($77,880)
--- Anchorage, AK ($77,690)
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($77,100)
17 / 50
Guiderom // Shutterstock
#34. Rail car repairers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $76,530
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,400
- Employment: 22,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,690)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($76,530)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($74,740)
- Annual mean salary: $76,530
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,400
- Employment: 22,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,690)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($76,530)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($74,740)
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Unsplash
#33. Crane and tower operators
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $76,700
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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: $76,700
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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)
19 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#32. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $77,080
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,320
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: $77,080
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,320
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)
20 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#31. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $77,890
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,470
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: $77,890
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,470
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)
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Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#30. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $77,900
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 19,090
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: $77,900
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 19,090
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)
22 / 50
Daniel Tausis // Unsplash
#29. Firefighters
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $77,940
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,540
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: $77,940
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,540
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)
23 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#28. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $79,230
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,920
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: $79,230
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,920
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)
24 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#27. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $79,960
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,290
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: $79,960
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,290
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)
25 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#26. Real estate brokers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $80,020
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,490
- Employment: 48,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($152,460)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($133,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,320)
- Annual mean salary: $80,020
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,490
- Employment: 48,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($152,460)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($133,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,320)
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26 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#25. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $80,200
- #82 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: $80,200
- #82 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)
27 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#24. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $80,240
- #163 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,430
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: $80,240
- #163 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,430
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)
28 / 50
Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock
#23. Gas plant operators
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $80,250
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $80,250
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
29 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#22. Food service managers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $81,430
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
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: $81,430
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
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)
30 / 50
Canva
#21. Transportation inspectors
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $81,860
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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: $81,860
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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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31 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#20. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $83,310
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 22,440
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: $83,310
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 22,440
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)
32 / 50
Canva
#19. Fire inspectors and investigators
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $83,760
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $83,760
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
33 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#18. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $83,830
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
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: $83,830
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
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)
34 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#17. Private detectives and investigators
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $87,020
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,970
- Employment: 28,860
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($93,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,080)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($87,760)
- Annual mean salary: $87,020
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,970
- Employment: 28,860
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($93,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,080)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($87,760)
35 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#16. Lodging managers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $90,500
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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: $90,500
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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)
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36 / 50
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
#15. Power distributors and dispatchers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $91,430
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $91,430
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
37 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#14. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $92,210
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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: $92,210
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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)
38 / 50
Canva
#13. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $92,260
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,130
- Employment: 2,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($92,260)
--- Charleston, WV ($67,600)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($63,110)
- Annual mean salary: $92,260
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,130
- Employment: 2,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($92,260)
--- Charleston, WV ($67,600)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($63,110)
39 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#12. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $94,570
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $94,570
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
40 / 50
Pixabay
#11. Gambling managers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $95,440
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $95,440
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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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41 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#10. Power plant operators
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $96,950
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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: $96,950
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $97,360
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
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: $97,360
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
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
Prath // Shutterstock
#8. Detectives and criminal investigators
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $101,330
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,120
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: $101,330
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,120
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)
44 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#7. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $101,900
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
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: $101,900
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
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)
45 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#6. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $102,550
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,600
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: $102,550
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,600
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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46 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#5. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $106,420
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,350
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: $106,420
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,350
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)
47 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#4. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $115,860
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 810
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: $115,860
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 810
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)
48 / 50
Canva
#3. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $120,540
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
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: $120,540
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
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)
49 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#2. Commercial pilots
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $130,160
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 710
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: $130,160
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 710
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)
50 / 50
Unsplash
#1. Athletes and sports competitors
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Annual mean salary: $186,990
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $116,930
- Employment: 12,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($212,500)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($210,210)
--- Columbus, OH ($201,290)
- Annual mean salary: $186,990
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $116,930
- Employment: 12,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($212,500)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($210,210)
--- Columbus, OH ($201,290)
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