Highest-paying jobs in New Orleans that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
curraheeshutter // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in New Orleans 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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA that don’t require a college degree.
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Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#50. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $54,720
- #255 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,030
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: $54,720
- #255 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,030
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)
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#49. Advertising sales agents
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $55,020
- #146 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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: $55,020
- #146 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,540
- Employment: 96,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($97,840)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($83,050)
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welcomia // Shutterstock
#47 (tie). Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $55,230
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
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: $55,230
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
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)
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Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#47 (tie). Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $55,230
- #414 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,840
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: $55,230
- #414 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,840
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)
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London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images
#46. Machinists
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $55,360
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 800
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,020
- Employment: 333,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($71,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,300)
--- Monroe, MI ($66,560)
- Annual mean salary: $55,360
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 800
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,020
- Employment: 333,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($71,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,300)
--- Monroe, MI ($66,560)
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Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#45. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $55,560
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- Employment: 101,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
- Annual mean salary: $55,560
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- Employment: 101,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
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Chok Chokchai // Shutterstock
#44. Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $55,810
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,060
- Employment: 48,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($92,800)
--- Napa, CA ($68,470)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($63,240)
- Annual mean salary: $55,810
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,060
- Employment: 48,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($92,800)
--- Napa, CA ($68,470)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($63,240)
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Canva
#43. Pile driver operators
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $56,570
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,950
- Employment: 3,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($106,620)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($106,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,880)
- Annual mean salary: $56,570
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,950
- Employment: 3,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($106,620)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($106,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,880)
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Canva
#42. Sound engineering technicians
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $56,630
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,360
- Employment: 10,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($96,070)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($84,930)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($84,620)
- Annual mean salary: $56,630
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,360
- Employment: 10,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($96,070)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($84,930)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($84,620)
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Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#41. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $56,700
- #176 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $56,700
- #176 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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)
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Canva
#40. Sailors and marine oilers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $56,830
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,610
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,800
- Employment: 26,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($73,580)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,930)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($67,820)
- Annual mean salary: $56,830
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,610
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,800
- Employment: 26,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($73,580)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,930)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($67,820)
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Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#39. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $56,990
- #214 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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: $56,990
- #214 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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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Unsplash
#38. Crane and tower operators
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $57,040
- #109 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 43,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
- Annual mean salary: $57,040
- #109 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 43,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
14 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#37. Electricians
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $58,260
- #227 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,250
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: $58,260
- #227 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,250
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)
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Canva
#36. Construction and building inspectors
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $58,600
- #221 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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: $58,600
- #221 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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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Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#35. Property, real estate, and community association managers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $58,820
- #233 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,090
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: $58,820
- #233 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,090
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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Canva
#34. Boilermakers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $61,490
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,070
- Employment: 12,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,660)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($96,080)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($90,620)
- Annual mean salary: $61,490
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,070
- Employment: 12,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,660)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($96,080)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($90,620)
18 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#33. Insurance sales agents
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $63,650
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,880
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: $63,650
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,880
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)
19 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#32. Industrial machinery mechanics
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $64,990
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,500
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: $64,990
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,500
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)
20 / 50
Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#31. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $65,000
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
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: $65,000
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,350
- Employment: 172,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($88,140)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($84,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,570)
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21 / 50
Jat306 // Shutterstock
#30. Millwrights
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $65,300
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $65,300
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)
22 / 50
Aniwat phromrungsee // Shutterstock
#29. Commercial divers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $65,850
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,010
- Employment: 2,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($155,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,130)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,100)
- Annual mean salary: $65,850
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,010
- Employment: 2,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($155,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,130)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,100)
23 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#28. Food service managers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $66,410
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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: $66,410
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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)
24 / 50
Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#27. Chemical equipment operators and tenders
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $66,570
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,450
- Employment: 106,170
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Billings, MT ($88,420)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($76,050)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($71,340)
- Annual mean salary: $66,570
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,450
- Employment: 106,170
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Billings, MT ($88,420)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($76,050)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($71,340)
25 / 50
Canva
#26. Chemical plant and system operators
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $66,670
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,020
- Employment: 21,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lima, OH ($92,450)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($91,210)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($90,170)
- Annual mean salary: $66,670
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,020
- Employment: 21,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lima, OH ($92,450)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($91,210)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($90,170)
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26 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#25. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $69,890
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,890
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,500
- Employment: 34,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($96,520)
- Annual mean salary: $69,890
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,890
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,500
- Employment: 34,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($96,520)
27 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#24. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $70,410
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,510
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,390
- Employment: 1,242,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,280)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($92,660)
--- Napa, CA ($92,620)
- Annual mean salary: $70,410
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,510
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)
28 / 50
Canva
#23. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $70,440
- #357 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 950
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: $70,440
- #357 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 950
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)
29 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#22. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $70,710
- #155 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 840
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: $70,710
- #155 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 840
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)
30 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#21. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $71,560
- #104 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,640
- Employment: 22,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,210)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,510)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($114,280)
- Annual mean salary: $71,560
- #104 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,640
- Employment: 22,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,210)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,510)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($114,280)
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31 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#20. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $72,120
- #176 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,360
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: $72,120
- #176 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,360
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)
32 / 50
Canva
#19. Fire inspectors and investigators
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $72,450
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,680
- Employment: 14,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dayton, OH ($116,740)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($112,040)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($107,220)
- Annual mean salary: $72,450
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,680
- Employment: 14,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dayton, OH ($116,740)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($112,040)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($107,220)
33 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#18. Real estate sales agents
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $72,880
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
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: $72,880
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
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)
34 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#17. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $72,900
- #174 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,300
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: $72,900
- #174 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,300
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)
35 / 50
Said M // Shutterstock
#16. Service unit operators, oil and gas
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,660
- Employment: 32,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($79,050)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($73,100)
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($65,030)
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,660
- Employment: 32,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($79,050)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($73,100)
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($65,030)
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36 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#15. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $75,490
- #307 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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: $75,490
- #307 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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)
37 / 50
ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#14. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $76,240
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,230
- Employment: 50,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($87,890)
--- Fresno, CA ($86,230)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,640)
- Annual mean salary: $76,240
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,230
- Employment: 50,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($87,890)
--- Fresno, CA ($86,230)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,640)
38 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#13. Lodging managers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $77,890
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,770
- Employment: 35,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
- Annual mean salary: $77,890
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,770
- Employment: 35,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
39 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#12. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $79,610
- #168 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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: $79,610
- #168 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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)
40 / 50
Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock
#11. Gas plant operators
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $81,500
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- Employment: 15,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($98,750)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($97,080)
- Annual mean salary: $81,500
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- Employment: 15,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($98,750)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($97,080)
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41 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#10. Detectives and criminal investigators
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $81,560
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
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: $81,560
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
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)
42 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#9. Power plant operators
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $83,110
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
- Annual mean salary: $83,110
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
43 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#8. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $83,520
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,050
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: $83,520
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,050
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)
44 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#7. Postmasters and mail superintendents
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $83,920
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,820
- Employment: 12,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($97,930)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($94,460)
- Annual mean salary: $83,920
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,820
- Employment: 12,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($97,930)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($94,460)
45 / 50
Canva
#6. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $86,970
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,320
- Employment: 22,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
- Annual mean salary: $86,970
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,320
- Employment: 22,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
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46 / 50
curraheeshutter // Shutterstock
#5. Ship engineers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $95,690
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,910
- Employment: 7,650
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lafayette, LA ($108,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($100,970)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($99,670)
- Annual mean salary: $95,690
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,910
- Employment: 7,650
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lafayette, LA ($108,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($100,970)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($99,670)
47 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#4. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $97,700
- #182 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
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: $97,700
- #182 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,580
- Employment: 144,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
48 / 50
Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock
#3. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $110,750
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,330
- Employment: 33,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,420)
--- Anchorage, AK ($118,620)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($110,750)
- Annual mean salary: $110,750
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,330
- Employment: 33,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,420)
--- Anchorage, AK ($118,620)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($110,750)
49 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#2. Commercial pilots
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $119,460
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
- Annual mean salary: $119,460
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
50 / 50
Unsplash
#1. Athletes and sports competitors
New Orleans-Metairie, LA
- Annual mean salary: $126,040
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $116,930
- Employment: 12,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($212,500)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($210,210)
--- Columbus, OH ($201,290)
- Annual mean salary: $126,040
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $116,930
- Employment: 12,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($212,500)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($210,210)
--- Columbus, OH ($201,290)
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