Highest-paying jobs in Chicago that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Chicago 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI that don’t require a college degree.
You may also like: Highest-paying jobs in Chicago
1 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#50. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $69,620
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 36,430
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: $69,620
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 36,430
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)
2 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#49. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $69,630
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 20,350
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: $69,630
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 20,350
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)
3 / 50
Canva
#48. Pipelayers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $69,850
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,510
- Employment: 33,330
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,310)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($75,510)
--- Madison, WI ($70,810)
- Annual mean salary: $69,850
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,510
- Employment: 33,330
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,310)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($75,510)
--- Madison, WI ($70,810)
4 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#47. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $69,900
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 38,300
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: $69,900
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 38,300
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)
5 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#46. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $70,440
- #158 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 48,940
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: $70,440
- #158 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 48,940
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)
You may also like: Cities with the most expensive homes in Chicago metro area
6 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#45. Insurance sales agents
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $70,760
- #95 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,870
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: $70,760
- #95 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,870
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)
7 / 50
Wipas Rojjanakard // Shutterstock
#44. Occupational health and safety technicians
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $71,150
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 600
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: $71,150
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 600
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)
8 / 50
Canva
#43. Plasterers and stucco masons
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $71,290
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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: $71,290
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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)
9 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#42. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $71,630
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,340
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: $71,630
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,340
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)
10 / 50
Canva
#41. Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $71,950
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,880
- Employment: 18,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,100)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($78,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($77,540)
- Annual mean salary: $71,950
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,880
- Employment: 18,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,100)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($78,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($77,540)
You may also like: Highest-rated breakfast restaurants in Chicago, according to Tripadvisor
11 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#40. Private detectives and investigators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $72,300
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
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: $72,300
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
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)
12 / 50
Kzenon // Shutterstock
#39. Stonemasons
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $72,900
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,170
- Employment: 9,000
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($72,900)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($67,830)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($66,650)
- Annual mean salary: $72,900
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,170
- Employment: 9,000
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($72,900)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($67,830)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($66,650)
13 / 50
Canva
#38. Construction and building inspectors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $74,350
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,120
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: $74,350
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,120
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)
14 / 50
Canva
#37. Cement masons and concrete finishers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $74,840
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,900
- Employment: 186,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Bedford, MA ($90,980)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($82,820)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($79,650)
- Annual mean salary: $74,840
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,900
- Employment: 186,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Bedford, MA ($90,980)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($82,820)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($79,650)
15 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#36. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $76,490
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,110
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: $76,490
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,110
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)
You may also like: Highest-rated dessert shops in Chicago, according to Tripadvisor
16 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#35. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $77,930
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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: $77,930
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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)
17 / 50
Canva
#34. Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $78,200
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,740
- Employment: 15,880
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($78,200)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($69,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,320)
- Annual mean salary: $78,200
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,740
- Employment: 15,880
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($78,200)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($69,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,320)
18 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#33. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $78,790
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 800
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: $78,790
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 800
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)
19 / 50
Jat306 // Shutterstock
#32. Millwrights
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $80,780
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,260
- Employment: 39,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($91,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,580)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($80,780)
- Annual mean salary: $80,780
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,260
- Employment: 39,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($91,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,580)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($80,780)
20 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#31. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $80,860
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,480
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: $80,860
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,480
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)
You may also like: Highest-rated Mexican restaurants in Chicago, according to Tripadvisor
21 / 50
Canva
#30. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $80,980
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,580
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: $80,980
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,580
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)
22 / 50
Unsplash
#29. Structural iron and steel workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $82,510
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,010
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: $82,510
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,010
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)
23 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#28. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $82,930
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
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: $82,930
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
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)
24 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#27. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $84,000
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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: $84,000
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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)
25 / 50
John Leung // Shutterstock
#26. Brickmasons and blockmasons
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $85,250
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,760
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: $85,250
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,760
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)
You may also like: Highest-rated restaurants in Chicago, according to Tripadvisor
26 / 50
Canva
#25. Transportation inspectors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $86,300
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
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: $86,300
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
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)
27 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#24. Electricians
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $86,600
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 15,610
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: $86,600
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 15,610
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)
28 / 50
Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock
#23. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $87,610
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
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: $87,610
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
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)
29 / 50
Canva
#22. Tapers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $87,750
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,140
- Employment: 14,580
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($93,010)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($87,750)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($86,880)
- Annual mean salary: $87,750
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,140
- Employment: 14,580
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($93,010)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($87,750)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($86,880)
30 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#21. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $89,190
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,780
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: $89,190
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,780
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)
You may also like: Metros sending the most people to Chicago
31 / 50
Canva
#20. Fire inspectors and investigators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $89,270
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
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: $89,270
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
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)
32 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#19. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $89,760
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,240
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: $89,760
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,240
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)
33 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#18. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $90,200
- #93 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,180
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: $90,200
- #93 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,180
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
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#17. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $90,400
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,180
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: $90,400
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,180
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)
35 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#16. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $91,290
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $91,290
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
You may also like: Highest-earning zip codes in Chicago metro area
36 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#15. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $91,380
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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: $91,380
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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)
37 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#14. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $93,330
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,370
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: $93,330
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,370
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)
38 / 50
curraheeshutter // Shutterstock
#13. Ship engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $93,520
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $93,520
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
39 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#12. Power plant operators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $93,770
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
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: $93,770
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
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)
40 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#11. Commercial pilots
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $95,030
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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: $95,030
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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)
You may also like: Biggest sources of immigrants to Chicago
41 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#10. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $95,250
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,360
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: $95,250
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,360
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)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Boilermakers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $96,080
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,070
- Employment: 12,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,660)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($96,080)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($90,620)
- Annual mean salary: $96,080
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,070
- Employment: 12,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,660)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($96,080)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($90,620)
43 / 50
Onk-Q // Shutterstock
#8. Reinforcing iron and rebar workers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $97,000
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,960
- Employment: 16,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($97,000)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($88,350)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($75,440)
- Annual mean salary: $97,000
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,960
- Employment: 16,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($97,000)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($88,350)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($75,440)
44 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#7. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $97,520
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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: $97,520
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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)
45 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#6. Detectives and criminal investigators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $101,600
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,090
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: $101,600
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,090
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)
You may also like: Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Chicago
46 / 50
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
#5. Power distributors and dispatchers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $103,040
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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: $103,040
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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
Canva
#4. Pile driver operators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $106,340
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,950
- Employment: 3,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($106,620)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($106,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,880)
- Annual mean salary: $106,340
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,950
- Employment: 3,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($106,620)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($106,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,880)
48 / 50
Canva
#3. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $106,530
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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: $106,530
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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)
49 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $111,800
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,630
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: $111,800
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,630
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)
50 / 50
Canva
#1. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $126,270
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,610
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: $126,270
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,610
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)
You may also like: Highest-rated cheap eats in Chicago, according to Tripadvisor
