Highest paying jobs in Topeka for high school graduates
Written by:
July 20, 2022
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
Highest paying jobs in Topeka for high school graduates
The average college graduate in 2020 earned $1,305 a week, while the average high school graduate takes home just $781, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Of course, college isn’t for everyone. There are many reasons high-school graduates may choose to not continue on to college, not the least of which being cost. Average tuition costs continue to rise each year, the exception being the 2020-2021 school year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Average tuition at a public, in-state university coming in at $9,687; tuition for out-of-state students at public schools, and for everyone at private universities, is significantly higher at $21,874 and $35,087, respectively.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs for high school graduates in Topeka, KS using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2021 annual mean wage.
Keep reading to see which jobs in your city pay the most for high school graduates.
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1 / 50
Avatar_023 // Shutterstock
#50. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $44,900
- #329 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- Employment: 119,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,370)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($87,990)
- Annual mean salary: $44,900
- #329 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- Employment: 119,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,370)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($87,990)
2 / 50
LuckView // Shutterstock
#49. Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $45,090
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $38,650
- Employment: 179,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($49,970)
--- Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($49,680)
--- La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($49,470)
- Annual mean salary: $45,090
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $38,650
- Employment: 179,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($49,970)
--- Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($49,680)
--- La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($49,470)
3 / 50
Brian S. Hagberg // Wikimedia Commons
#48. Self-enrichment teachers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $45,430
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,930
- Employment: 222,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($70,350)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($66,650)
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($63,470)
- Annual mean salary: $45,430
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,930
- Employment: 222,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($70,350)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($66,650)
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($63,470)
4 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#47. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $45,810
- #489 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
- Annual mean salary: $45,810
- #489 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
5 / 50
Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#46. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $46,170
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $44,580
- Employment: 549,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($88,150)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($80,420)
--- Odessa, TX ($70,950)
- Annual mean salary: $46,170
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $44,580
- Employment: 549,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($88,150)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($80,420)
--- Odessa, TX ($70,950)
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6 / 50
Pixabay
#45. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $46,490
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,690
- Employment: 397,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($72,500)
--- Anchorage, AK ($71,840)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($71,250)
- Annual mean salary: $46,490
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,690
- Employment: 397,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($72,500)
--- Anchorage, AK ($71,840)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($71,250)
7 / 50
Canva
#44. Computer numerically controlled tool operators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $47,040
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $44,300
- Employment: 149,120
- 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: $44,300
- Employment: 149,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($70,030)
--- Waco, TX ($63,080)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($57,930)
8 / 50
DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#43. Chefs and head cooks
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $47,150
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,740
- Employment: 101,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($79,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
- Annual mean salary: $47,150
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,740
- Employment: 101,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($79,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
9 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#42. 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: $45,070
- Employment: 240,740
- 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: $45,070
- Employment: 240,740
- 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)
10 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#41. 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: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($105,220)
- Annual mean salary: $47,370
- #395 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($105,220)
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11 / 50
Unsplash
#40. Structural iron and steel workers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $47,930
- #135 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($84,570)
- Annual mean salary: $47,930
- #135 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($84,570)
12 / 50
Pxhere
#39. Maintenance workers, machinery
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,310
- #203 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,960
- Employment: 65,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($77,890)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($77,690)
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
- Annual mean salary: $48,310
- #203 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,960
- Employment: 65,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($77,890)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($77,690)
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
13 / 50
Mirnes // Shutterstock
#38. 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: $38,440
- Employment: 63,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area ($55,580)
--- Roanoke, VA ($52,760)
--- Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($52,710)
- Annual mean salary: $48,390
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $38,440
- Employment: 63,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area ($55,580)
--- Roanoke, VA ($52,760)
--- Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($52,710)
14 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#37. Payroll and timekeeping clerks
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,430
- #138 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,290
- Employment: 133,870
- 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: $48,290
- Employment: 133,870
- 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)
15 / 50
Susan Law Cain // Shutterstock
#36. Tree trimmers and pruners
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,630
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $44,040
- Employment: 52,040
- 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: $44,040
- Employment: 52,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($66,120)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,000)
--- Anchorage, AK ($64,280)
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16 / 50
Canva
#35. 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: $55,280
- Employment: 402,870
- 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: $55,280
- Employment: 402,870
- 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)
17 / 50
rlat // Shutterstock
#34. Postal service clerks
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $48,980
- #416 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,200
- Employment: 86,950
- 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: $51,200
- Employment: 86,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
18 / 50
Canva
#33. Construction and building inspectors
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $49,020
- #393 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- 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: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- 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)
19 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#32. 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: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- 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: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
20 / 50
Vera Larina // Shutterstock
#31. Sheet metal workers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $49,920
- #202 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- Employment: 128,220
- 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: $55,320
- Employment: 128,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($101,150)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($94,930)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,840)
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21 / 50
Canva
#30. 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: $45,350
- Employment: 35,720
- 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: $45,350
- Employment: 35,720
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($61,910)
--- Bellingham, WA ($61,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($60,760)
22 / 50
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#29. Production, planning, and expediting clerks
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $50,990
- #198 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,000
- Employment: 362,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($67,770)
- Annual mean salary: $50,990
- #198 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,000
- Employment: 362,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($67,770)
23 / 50
welcomia // Shutterstock
#28. 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: $57,000
- Employment: 147,680
- 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: $57,000
- Employment: 147,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
24 / 50
Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock
#27. 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: $54,040
- Employment: 103,730
- 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: $54,040
- Employment: 103,730
- 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)
25 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#26. Detectives and criminal investigators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $53,260
- #330 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- 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: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- 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)
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26 / 50
Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#25. Postal service mail carriers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $53,760
- #239 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,180
- Employment: 333,570
- 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: $53,180
- Employment: 333,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
27 / 50
GolF2532 // Shutterstock
#24. 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: $52,150
- Employment: 68,920
- 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: $52,150
- Employment: 68,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eugene, OR ($70,940)
--- Salem, OR ($68,640)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($68,520)
28 / 50
Kot500 // Shutterstock
#23. 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: $52,090
- Employment: 253,010
- 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: $52,090
- Employment: 253,010
- 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)
29 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#22. 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: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- 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: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- 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)
30 / 50
Jat306 // Shutterstock
#21. Millwrights
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $54,760
- #125 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,080
- Employment: 44,400
- 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: $59,080
- Employment: 44,400
- 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)
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31 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#20. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $54,910
- #253 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- 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: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- 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)
32 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#19. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $55,600
- #363 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($92,500)
- Annual mean salary: $55,600
- #363 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($92,500)
33 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#18. Industrial machinery mechanics
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $55,700
- #298 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- 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: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
34 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#17. Electricians
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $55,760
- #277 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- 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: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- 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)
35 / 50
ITisha // Shutterstock
#16. Bailiffs
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $55,930
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,730
- Employment: 18,120
- 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: $51,730
- Employment: 18,120
- 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)
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36 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#15. Advertising sales agents
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $56,380
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- 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: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- 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)
37 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#14. Food service managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $56,810
- #310 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- 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: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
38 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#13. 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: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- 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: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- 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)
39 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#12. 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: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- 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: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
40 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#11. 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: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($96,900)
- Annual mean salary: $63,330
- #323 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($96,900)
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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: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- 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: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- 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: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- 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: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- 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: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- 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: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- 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: $58,420
- Employment: 59,940
- 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: $58,420
- Employment: 59,940
- 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: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- 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: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- 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: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- 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: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- 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: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- 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: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- 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: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($109,740)
- Annual mean salary: $78,080
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($109,740)
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: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- 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: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- 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: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- 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: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- 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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