Highest-paying jobs in Topeka that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Topeka 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 Topeka, KS that don’t require a college degree.
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1 / 50
Pixabay
#50. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $46,490
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,290
- Employment: 397,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($72,500)
--- Anchorage, AK ($71,840)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($66,920)
- Annual mean salary: $46,490
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,290
- Employment: 397,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($72,500)
--- Anchorage, AK ($71,840)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($66,920)
2 / 50
Canva
#49. Computer numerically controlled tool operators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $47,040
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,240
- Employment: 157,840
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($70,030)
--- Waco, TX ($63,080)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($57,930)
- Annual mean salary: $47,040
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,240
- Employment: 157,840
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($70,030)
--- Waco, TX ($63,080)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($57,930)
3 / 50
DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#48. Chefs and head cooks
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $47,150
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,920
- Employment: 129,810
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($79,430)
- Annual mean salary: $47,150
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,920
- Employment: 129,810
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($79,430)
4 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#47. Insurance claims and policy processing clerks
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $47,190
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,790
- Employment: 218,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($60,830)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($59,120)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($58,380)
- Annual mean salary: $47,190
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,790
- Employment: 218,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($60,830)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($59,120)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($58,380)
5 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#46. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $47,370
- #395 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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: $47,370
- #395 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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)
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6 / 50
Unsplash
#45. Structural iron and steel workers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $47,930
- #135 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $47,930
- #135 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
7 / 50
Pxhere
#44. Maintenance workers, machinery
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,310
- #203 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,570
- Employment: 57,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
--- Cedar Rapids, IA ($70,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,980)
- Annual mean salary: $48,310
- #203 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,570
- Employment: 57,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
--- Cedar Rapids, IA ($70,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,980)
8 / 50
Mirnes // Shutterstock
#43. Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,390
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,050
- Employment: 56,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Roanoke, VA ($52,760)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($49,570)
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($49,260)
- Annual mean salary: $48,390
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,050
- Employment: 56,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Roanoke, VA ($52,760)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($49,570)
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($49,260)
9 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#42. Payroll and timekeeping clerks
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,430
- #138 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,560
- Employment: 149,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($66,600)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,240)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($60,930)
- Annual mean salary: $48,430
- #138 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,560
- Employment: 149,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($66,600)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,240)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($60,930)
10 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#41. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,520
- #252 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 810
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,850
- Employment: 641,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($76,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,410)
- Annual mean salary: $48,520
- #252 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 810
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,850
- Employment: 641,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($76,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,410)
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11 / 50
Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#40. Computer user support specialists
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,540
- #357 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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: $48,540
- #357 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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)
12 / 50
Susan Law Cain // Shutterstock
#39. Tree trimmers and pruners
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,630
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,450
- Employment: 41,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($66,120)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,000)
--- Anchorage, AK ($64,280)
- Annual mean salary: $48,630
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,450
- Employment: 41,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($66,120)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,000)
--- Anchorage, AK ($64,280)
13 / 50
Canva
#38. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,840
- #289 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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: $48,840
- #289 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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)
14 / 50
rlat // Shutterstock
#37. Postal service clerks
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,980
- #416 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 79,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
- Annual mean salary: $48,980
- #416 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 79,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
15 / 50
Canva
#36. Construction and building inspectors
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $49,020
- #393 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $49,020
- #393 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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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16 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#35. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $49,120
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $49,120
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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
David Spates // Shutterstock
#34. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $49,740
- #273 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,690
- Employment: 356,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,020)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($76,750)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($71,710)
- Annual mean salary: $49,740
- #273 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,690
- Employment: 356,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,020)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($76,750)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($71,710)
18 / 50
Vera Larina // Shutterstock
#33. Sheet metal workers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $49,920
- #202 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,760
- Employment: 122,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($101,150)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($94,930)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,840)
- Annual mean salary: $49,920
- #202 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,760
- Employment: 122,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($101,150)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($94,930)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,840)
19 / 50
Canva
#32. Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $50,270
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,250
- Employment: 35,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($61,910)
--- Bellingham, WA ($61,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($60,760)
- Annual mean salary: $50,270
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,250
- Employment: 35,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($61,910)
--- Bellingham, WA ($61,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($60,760)
20 / 50
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#31. Production, planning, and expediting clerks
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $50,990
- #198 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,220
- Employment: 367,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($67,140)
- Annual mean salary: $50,990
- #198 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,220
- Employment: 367,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($67,140)
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21 / 50
welcomia // Shutterstock
#30. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $51,170
- #330 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,280
- Employment: 145,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
- Annual mean salary: $51,170
- #330 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,280
- Employment: 145,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
22 / 50
Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock
#29. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $52,270
- #151 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,270
- Employment: 116,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
- Annual mean salary: $52,270
- #151 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,270
- Employment: 116,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
23 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#28. Detectives and criminal investigators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $53,260
- #330 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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: $53,260
- #330 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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)
24 / 50
Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#27. Postal service mail carriers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $53,760
- #239 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,370
- Employment: 335,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
- Annual mean salary: $53,760
- #239 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,370
- Employment: 335,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
25 / 50
GolF2532 // Shutterstock
#26. Security and fire alarm systems installers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $54,250
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,170
- Employment: 77,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eugene, OR ($70,940)
--- Salem, OR ($68,640)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($68,520)
- Annual mean salary: $54,250
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,170
- Employment: 77,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eugene, OR ($70,940)
--- Salem, OR ($68,640)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($68,520)
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26 / 50
Kot500 // Shutterstock
#25. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $54,390
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 261,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,400)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,480)
- Annual mean salary: $54,390
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 261,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,400)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,480)
27 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#24. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $54,610
- #329 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,190
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: $54,610
- #329 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,190
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)
28 / 50
Jat306 // Shutterstock
#23. Millwrights
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $54,760
- #125 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $54,760
- #125 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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)
29 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#22. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $54,910
- #253 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390
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: $54,910
- #253 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390
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)
30 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#21. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $55,600
- #363 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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: $55,600
- #363 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- Employment: 278,140
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Salinas, CA ($90,800)
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31 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#20. Industrial machinery mechanics
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $55,700
- #298 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,780
- Employment: 373,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
- Annual mean salary: $55,700
- #298 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,780
- Employment: 373,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
32 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#19. Electricians
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $55,760
- #277 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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: $55,760
- #277 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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)
33 / 50
ITisha // Shutterstock
#18. Bailiffs
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $55,930
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,340
- Employment: 16,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($69,600)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($69,050)
--- Glens Falls, NY ($66,980)
- Annual mean salary: $55,930
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,340
- Employment: 16,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($69,600)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($69,050)
--- Glens Falls, NY ($66,980)
34 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#17. Advertising sales agents
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $56,380
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $56,380
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
35 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#16. Food service managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $56,810
- #310 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $56,810
- #310 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
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36 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#15. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $58,020
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $58,020
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
37 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#14. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $60,480
- #288 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
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: $60,480
- #288 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
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)
38 / 50
Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#13. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- #139 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,350
- Employment: 172,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($88,140)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($84,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,570)
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- #139 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,350
- Employment: 172,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($88,140)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($84,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,570)
39 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#12. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $63,330
- #323 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
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: $63,330
- #323 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
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)
40 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#11. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $63,990
- #125 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $63,990
- #125 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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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41 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#10. Real estate sales agents
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $65,130
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $65,130
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
42 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#9. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $66,420
- #360 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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: $66,420
- #360 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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)
43 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#8. Insurance sales agents
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $66,850
- #143 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,340
- Employment: 422,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
- Annual mean salary: $66,850
- #143 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,340
- Employment: 422,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
44 / 50
John Leung // Shutterstock
#7. Brickmasons and blockmasons
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $67,200
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $67,200
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
45 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#6. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $69,750
- #218 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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: $69,750
- #218 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,060
- Employment: 665,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,020)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($101,210)
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46 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#5. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $72,540
- #110 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
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: $72,540
- #110 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
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)
47 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#4. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $73,750
- #336 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $73,750
- #336 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
48 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#3. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $78,080
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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: $78,080
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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)
49 / 50
Canva
#2. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $84,940
- #237 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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: $84,940
- #237 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,760
- Employment: 128,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($182,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($170,740)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($164,600)
50 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $92,720
- #248 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $92,720
- #248 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
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