Highest paying jobs in Chicago that require a bachelor's degree
Written by:
June 2, 2022
Bureau of Land Management // Flickr
Highest paying jobs in Chicago that require a bachelor's degree
While college and university tuition costs may be skyrocketing, many still believe a bachelor’s degree is essential to landing a high-paying job in the United States. Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs that typically require a bachelors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2021 annual mean wage.
Whether highly technical, scientific, or based in finance or the arts, all the jobs require keeping up to date with the latest developments in culture, commerce, or tech.
Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs that require a bachelor degree in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI.
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rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#50. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $91,860
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 19,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- Employment: 426,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($154,880)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($141,290)
--- Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($121,180)
- Annual mean salary: $91,860
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 19,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- Employment: 426,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($154,880)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($141,290)
--- Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($121,180)
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Canva
#49. Computer systems analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $92,230
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,630
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,210
- Employment: 505,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,290)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($131,650)
--- Huntsville, AL ($118,690)
- Annual mean salary: $92,230
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,630
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,210
- Employment: 505,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,290)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($131,650)
--- Huntsville, AL ($118,690)
3 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#48. Industrial engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $93,940
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,140
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,200
- Employment: 293,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($142,770)
--- Midland, TX ($129,440)
--- Billings, MT ($126,170)
- Annual mean salary: $93,940
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,140
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,200
- Employment: 293,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($142,770)
--- Midland, TX ($129,440)
--- Billings, MT ($126,170)
4 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#47. Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $94,210
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,200
- Employment: 52,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($102,470)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($99,710)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($98,850)
- Annual mean salary: $94,210
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,200
- Employment: 52,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($102,470)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($99,710)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($98,850)
5 / 50
PR Image Factory // Shutterstock
#46. Operations research analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $95,540
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,740
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,830
- Employment: 98,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($164,730)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($127,330)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($118,710)
- Annual mean salary: $95,540
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,740
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,830
- Employment: 98,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($164,730)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($127,330)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($118,710)
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Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock
#45. Network and computer systems administrators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $95,640
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,250
- Employment: 316,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($135,440)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($116,370)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,930)
- Annual mean salary: $95,640
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,250
- Employment: 316,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($135,440)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($116,370)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,930)
7 / 50
Patrizio Martorana // Shutterstock
#44. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $95,820
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,240
- Employment: 76,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($116,630)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($109,190)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($107,710)
- Annual mean salary: $95,820
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,240
- Employment: 76,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($116,630)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($109,190)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($107,710)
8 / 50
Canva
#43. Mechanical engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $95,890
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,000
- Employment: 278,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($137,540)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($128,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,030)
- Annual mean salary: $95,890
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,000
- Employment: 278,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($137,540)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($128,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,030)
9 / 50
Canva
#42. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $96,140
- #69 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,700
- Employment: 22,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($127,700)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,690)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($122,770)
- Annual mean salary: $96,140
- #69 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,700
- Employment: 22,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($127,700)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,690)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($122,770)
10 / 50
Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy
#41. Chemical engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $96,440
- #89 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,840
- Employment: 24,180
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($173,640)
--- Anchorage, AK ($159,010)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($152,820)
- Annual mean salary: $96,440
- #89 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,840
- Employment: 24,180
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($173,640)
--- Anchorage, AK ($159,010)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($152,820)
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science photo // Shutterstock
#40. Food scientists and technologists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $96,850
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 860
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,150
- Employment: 13,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($138,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,970)
--- Wichita, KS ($102,100)
- Annual mean salary: $96,850
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 860
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,150
- Employment: 13,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($138,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,970)
--- Wichita, KS ($102,100)
12 / 50
Reeta Asmai // UC Davis
#39. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $97,290
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,020
- Employment: 17,190
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Flagstaff, AZ ($151,560)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($122,950)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($120,340)
- Annual mean salary: $97,290
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,020
- Employment: 17,190
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Flagstaff, AZ ($151,560)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($122,950)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($120,340)
13 / 50
Canva
#38. Civil engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $98,370
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,490
- Employment: 304,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($119,720)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($116,550)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($115,120)
- Annual mean salary: $98,370
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,490
- Employment: 304,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($119,720)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($116,550)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($115,120)
14 / 50
Canva
#37. Environmental engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $98,390
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,220
- Employment: 42,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($131,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,470)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($127,160)
- Annual mean salary: $98,390
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,220
- Employment: 42,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($131,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,470)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($127,160)
15 / 50
Canva
#36. Electrical engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $101,290
- #144 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,800
National
- Annual mean salary: $107,890
- Employment: 186,020
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($148,870)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($133,640)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($124,680)
- Annual mean salary: $101,290
- #144 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,800
National
- Annual mean salary: $107,890
- Employment: 186,020
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($148,870)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($133,640)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($124,680)
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IBM Research // Flickr
#35. Aerospace engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $104,260
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,970
- Employment: 56,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($166,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,490)
--- Boulder, CO ($148,990)
- Annual mean salary: $104,260
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,970
- Employment: 56,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($166,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,490)
--- Boulder, CO ($148,990)
17 / 50
PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#34. Computer programmers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $105,130
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,650
- Employment: 152,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($144,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,220)
--- Dalton, GA ($123,500)
- Annual mean salary: $105,130
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,650
- Employment: 152,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($144,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,220)
--- Dalton, GA ($123,500)
18 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#33. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $106,730
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,750
- Employment: 266,160
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,760)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($141,470)
--- Iowa City, IA ($138,870)
- Annual mean salary: $106,730
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,750
- Employment: 266,160
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,760)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($141,470)
--- Iowa City, IA ($138,870)
19 / 50
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#32. Financial examiners
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $107,690
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,710
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,180
- Employment: 60,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($128,280)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($125,590)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($124,070)
- Annual mean salary: $107,690
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,710
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,180
- Employment: 60,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($128,280)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($125,590)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($124,070)
20 / 50
Canva
#31. Materials scientists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $108,690
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,790
- Employment: 6,690
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($142,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($135,480)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($133,380)
- Annual mean salary: $108,690
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,790
- Employment: 6,690
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($142,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($135,480)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($133,380)
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21 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#30. Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $109,570
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $116,410
- Employment: 12,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($132,660)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($131,780)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($131,330)
- Annual mean salary: $109,570
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $116,410
- Employment: 12,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($132,660)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($131,780)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($131,330)
22 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#29. Information security analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $110,480
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $113,270
- Employment: 157,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,820)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,250)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($135,080)
- Annual mean salary: $110,480
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $113,270
- Employment: 157,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,820)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,250)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($135,080)
23 / 50
SeventyFour // Shutterstock
#28. Computer hardware engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $110,690
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,230
- Employment: 73,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($161,580)
- Annual mean salary: $110,690
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,230
- Employment: 73,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($161,580)
24 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#27. Construction managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $112,720
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,210
- Employment: 284,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($160,710)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($149,050)
--- Napa, CA ($145,430)
- Annual mean salary: $112,720
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,210
- Employment: 284,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($160,710)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($149,050)
--- Napa, CA ($145,430)
25 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#26. Software developers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $114,000
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 38,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,990
- Employment: 1,364,180
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($158,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($148,220)
- Annual mean salary: $114,000
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 38,110
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,990
- Employment: 1,364,180
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($158,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($148,220)
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26 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#25. Electronics engineers, except computer
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $114,260
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,490
- Employment: 107,170
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($152,060)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($138,480)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($136,310)
- Annual mean salary: $114,260
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,490
- Employment: 107,170
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($152,060)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($138,480)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($136,310)
27 / 50
Pixabay
#24. Advertising and promotions managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $114,680
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,860
- Employment: 22,520
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($193,980)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($182,520)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($166,620)
- Annual mean salary: $114,680
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,860
- Employment: 22,520
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($193,980)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($182,520)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($166,620)
28 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#23. Management analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $115,350
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40,340
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,530
- Employment: 768,450
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($135,020)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($127,320)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,250)
- Annual mean salary: $115,350
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40,340
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,530
- Employment: 768,450
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($135,020)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($127,320)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,250)
29 / 50
dokurose // Shutterstock
#22. Actuaries
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $116,110
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,300
- Employment: 23,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($245,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($144,550)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($144,320)
- Annual mean salary: $116,110
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,300
- Employment: 23,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($245,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($144,550)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($144,320)
30 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#21. Art directors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $118,340
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,430
- Employment: 42,080
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($157,310)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($146,040)
- Annual mean salary: $118,340
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,430
- Employment: 42,080
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($157,310)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($146,040)
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31 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#20. Personal financial advisors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $120,580
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,060
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,960
- Employment: 263,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($172,780)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($161,010)
--- East Stroudsburg, PA ($158,790)
- Annual mean salary: $120,580
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,060
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,960
- Employment: 263,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($172,780)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($161,010)
--- East Stroudsburg, PA ($158,790)
32 / 50
IAEA Imagebank // Flickr
#19. Nuclear engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $123,550
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,760
- Employment: 12,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($153,790)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($143,500)
--- Niles-Benton Harbor, MI ($141,090)
- Annual mean salary: $123,550
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,760
- Employment: 12,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($153,790)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($143,500)
--- Niles-Benton Harbor, MI ($141,090)
33 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#18. Industrial production managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $125,200
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,440
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,780
- Employment: 192,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($155,640)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($153,860)
--- Fort Collins, CO ($153,470)
- Annual mean salary: $125,200
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,440
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,780
- Employment: 192,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($155,640)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($153,860)
--- Fort Collins, CO ($153,470)
34 / 50
TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock
#17. Sales engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $125,940
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,130
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,630
- Employment: 59,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salisbury, MD-DE ($169,330)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($158,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($158,320)
- Annual mean salary: $125,940
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,130
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,630
- Employment: 59,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salisbury, MD-DE ($169,330)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($158,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($158,320)
35 / 50
Pixabay
#16. General and operations managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $125,990
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 104,500
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,250
- Employment: 2,984,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($165,340)
--- Trenton, NJ ($165,030)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($159,210)
- Annual mean salary: $125,990
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 104,500
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,250
- Employment: 2,984,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($165,340)
--- Trenton, NJ ($165,030)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($159,210)
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36 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#15. Computer network architects
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $127,660
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,970
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,650
- Employment: 168,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($152,900)
--- Rapid City, SD ($145,810)
- Annual mean salary: $127,660
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,970
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,650
- Employment: 168,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($152,900)
--- Rapid City, SD ($145,810)
37 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#14. Medical and health services managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $130,450
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,840
- Employment: 436,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($162,110)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($157,340)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($156,370)
- Annual mean salary: $130,450
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,840
- Employment: 436,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($162,110)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($157,340)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($156,370)
38 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#13. Training and development managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $132,900
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,380
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,800
- Employment: 35,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($180,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,270)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,410)
- Annual mean salary: $132,900
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,380
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,800
- Employment: 35,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($180,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,270)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,410)
39 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#12. Human resources managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $134,890
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,590
- Employment: 166,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($190,020)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,410)
- Annual mean salary: $134,890
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,590
- Employment: 166,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($190,020)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,410)
40 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#11. Purchasing managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $135,270
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,590
- Employment: 69,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($181,030)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,010)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($174,760)
- Annual mean salary: $135,270
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,590
- Employment: 69,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($181,030)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,010)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($174,760)
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41 / 50
NTNU // Flickr
#10. Natural sciences managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $140,000
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,930
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,110
- Employment: 74,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($222,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($219,240)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($216,750)
- Annual mean salary: $140,000
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,930
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,110
- Employment: 74,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($222,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($219,240)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($216,750)
42 / 50
Pixabay
#9. Compensation and benefits managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $141,340
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550
National
- Annual mean salary: $139,470
- Employment: 15,330
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($190,560)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($187,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,130)
- Annual mean salary: $141,340
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550
National
- Annual mean salary: $139,470
- Employment: 15,330
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($190,560)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($187,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,130)
43 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#8. Marketing managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $142,720
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 18,600
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,440
- Employment: 278,690
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($210,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($198,870)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($191,310)
- Annual mean salary: $142,720
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 18,600
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,440
- Employment: 278,690
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($210,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($198,870)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($191,310)
44 / 50
Canva
#7. Sales managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $146,560
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 23,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,390
- Employment: 453,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($198,960)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($196,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($182,820)
- Annual mean salary: $146,560
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 23,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,390
- Employment: 453,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($198,960)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($196,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($182,820)
45 / 50
Canva
#6. Financial managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $149,950
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 32,150
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,460
- Employment: 681,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($209,100)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($201,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($188,900)
- Annual mean salary: $149,950
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 32,150
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,460
- Employment: 681,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($209,100)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($201,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($188,900)
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46 / 50
Bureau of Land Management // Flickr
#5. Petroleum engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $150,070
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $145,720
- Employment: 22,100
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($214,700)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($175,590)
--- Anchorage, AK ($169,650)
- Annual mean salary: $150,070
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $145,720
- Employment: 22,100
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($214,700)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($175,590)
--- Anchorage, AK ($169,650)
47 / 50
Pixabay
#4. Architectural and engineering managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $153,430
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,730
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,970
- Employment: 187,100
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($206,050)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,430)
- Annual mean salary: $153,430
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,730
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,970
- Employment: 187,100
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($206,050)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,430)
48 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#3. Computer and information systems managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $157,220
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 15,130
National
- Annual mean salary: $162,930
- Employment: 485,190
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($211,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,800)
- Annual mean salary: $157,220
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 15,130
National
- Annual mean salary: $162,930
- Employment: 485,190
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($211,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,800)
49 / 50
Canva
#2. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $195,020
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,540
National
- Annual mean salary: $198,190
- Employment: 81,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($255,250)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($243,380)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($242,540)
- Annual mean salary: $195,020
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,540
National
- Annual mean salary: $198,190
- Employment: 81,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($255,250)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($243,380)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($242,540)
50 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#1. Chief executives
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $250,860
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,860
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,020
- Employment: 200,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($313,440)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($298,960)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($296,480)
- Annual mean salary: $250,860
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,860
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,020
- Employment: 200,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($313,440)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($298,960)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($296,480)
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