Highest-paying jobs in Detroit that don't require a college degree
Written by:
October 21, 2021
Flamingo Images // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Detroit that don't require a college degree
From the moment they first set foot 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, coaches—the list goes on and on. 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 non-degree 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 2020 annual mean wage. Job descriptions are from O*NET.
Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs in Detroit that don’t require a college degree.
You may also like: 100 Highest paying jobs in America
1 / 50
welcomia // Shutterstock
#50. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $61,270
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,000
- Employment: 147,680
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($84,460)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($81,920)
--- Bismarck, ND ($78,350)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
- Annual mean salary: $61,270
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,000
- Employment: 147,680
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($84,460)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($81,920)
--- Bismarck, ND ($78,350)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
2 / 50
Nejron Photo // Shutterstock
#49. First-line supervisors of gambling services workers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $61,870
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,160
- Employment: 19,100
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($67,100)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($63,600)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($61,970)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers in assigned gambling areas. May circulate among tables, observe operations, and ensure that stations and games are covered for each shift. May verify and pay off jackpots. May reset slot machines after payoffs and make repairs or adjustments to slot machines or recommend removal of slot machines for repair. May plan and organize activities and services for guests in hotels/casinos.
- Annual mean salary: $61,870
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,160
- Employment: 19,100
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($67,100)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($63,600)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($61,970)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers in assigned gambling areas. May circulate among tables, observe operations, and ensure that stations and games are covered for each shift. May verify and pay off jackpots. May reset slot machines after payoffs and make repairs or adjustments to slot machines or recommend removal of slot machines for repair. May plan and organize activities and services for guests in hotels/casinos.
3 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#48. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $62,220
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 14,890
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($78,770)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($77,030)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($75,820)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
- Annual mean salary: $62,220
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 14,890
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($78,770)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($77,030)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($75,820)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
4 / 50
Canva
#47. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $62,630
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,280
- Employment: 402,870
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($96,440)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($93,620)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($93,320)
- Job description: Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
- Annual mean salary: $62,630
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,280
- Employment: 402,870
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($96,440)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($93,620)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($93,320)
- Job description: Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
5 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#46. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,700
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,040)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,100)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($86,180)
- Job description: Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,700
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,040)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,100)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($86,180)
- Job description: Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.
6 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#45. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $63,720
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,060
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($117,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,800)
--- Boulder, CO ($107,230)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
- Annual mean salary: $63,720
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,060
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($117,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,800)
--- Boulder, CO ($107,230)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
7 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#44. Real estate sales agents
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $63,860
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 850
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($106,280)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($101,300)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($98,580)
- Job description: Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
- Annual mean salary: $63,860
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 850
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($106,280)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($101,300)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($98,580)
- Job description: Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
8 / 50
Canva
#43. Tapers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $63,890
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,140
- Employment: 16,320
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($92,500)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($86,080)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($83,860)
- Job description: Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.
- Annual mean salary: $63,890
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,140
- Employment: 16,320
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($92,500)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($86,080)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($83,860)
- Job description: Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.
9 / 50
Unsplash
#42. Structural iron and steel workers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $64,530
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,360)
--- Rockford, IL ($90,160)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,740)
- Job description: Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
- Annual mean salary: $64,530
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,360)
--- Rockford, IL ($90,160)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,740)
- Job description: Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
10 / 50
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#41. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $64,710
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,170
- Employment: 29,550
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,910)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,970)
--- Springfield, IL ($102,660)
- Job description: Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
- Annual mean salary: $64,710
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,170
- Employment: 29,550
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,910)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,970)
--- Springfield, IL ($102,660)
- Job description: Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
11 / 50
Olena Yakobchuk // Shutterstock
#40. Airfield operations specialists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $65,000
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,360
- Employment: 10,590
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($80,910)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($77,920)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($77,840)
- Job description: Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
- Annual mean salary: $65,000
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,360
- Employment: 10,590
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($80,910)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($77,920)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($77,840)
- Job description: Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
12 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#39. Private detectives and investigators
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $65,110
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,100
- Employment: 32,200
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,550)
--- Fresno, CA ($79,220)
--- Anchorage, AK ($77,960)
- Job description: Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.
- Annual mean salary: $65,110
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,100
- Employment: 32,200
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,550)
--- Fresno, CA ($79,220)
--- Anchorage, AK ($77,960)
- Job description: Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.
13 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#38. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $67,360
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($115,020)
--- Trenton, NJ ($113,630)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,070)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
- Annual mean salary: $67,360
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($115,020)
--- Trenton, NJ ($113,630)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,070)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
14 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#37. Insurance sales agents
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $68,780
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,540)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($105,840)
--- Fond du Lac, WI ($105,190)
- Job description: Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.
- Annual mean salary: $68,780
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,540)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($105,840)
--- Fond du Lac, WI ($105,190)
- Job description: Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.
15 / 50
DenisKlimov // Shutterstock
#36. Aircraft cargo handling supervisors
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $68,870
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,620
- Employment: 10,020
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($83,080)
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($77,290)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($71,970)
- Job description: Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.
- Annual mean salary: $68,870
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,620
- Employment: 10,020
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($83,080)
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($77,290)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($71,970)
- Job description: Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.
16 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#35. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $69,130
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,100)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($94,280)
--- Kankakee, IL ($93,420)
- Job description: Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
- Annual mean salary: $69,130
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,100)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($94,280)
--- Kankakee, IL ($93,420)
- Job description: Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
17 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#34. Electricians
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $69,220
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,680)
--- Trenton, NJ ($90,210)
--- Kankakee, IL ($88,530)
- Job description: Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
- Annual mean salary: $69,220
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,680)
--- Trenton, NJ ($90,210)
--- Kankakee, IL ($88,530)
- Job description: Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
18 / 50
Jat306 // Shutterstock
#33. Millwrights
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $71,000
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,080
- Employment: 44,400
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,190)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($90,570)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,090)
- Job description: Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
- Annual mean salary: $71,000
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,080
- Employment: 44,400
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,190)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($90,570)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,090)
- Job description: Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
19 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#32. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $71,690
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($115,620)
--- Lawrence, KS ($97,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($94,870)
- Job description: Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
- Annual mean salary: $71,690
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($115,620)
--- Lawrence, KS ($97,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($94,870)
- Job description: Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
20 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#31. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $72,370
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,630
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($101,930)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($100,590)
--- Longview, WA ($99,590)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.
- Annual mean salary: $72,370
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,630
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($101,930)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($100,590)
--- Longview, WA ($99,590)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.
21 / 50
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#30. Model makers, metal and plastic
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $72,620
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,180
- Employment: 3,400
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($73,480)
--- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($72,620)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($71,390)
- Job description: Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
- Annual mean salary: $72,620
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,180
- Employment: 3,400
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($73,480)
--- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($72,620)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($71,390)
- Job description: Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
22 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#29. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $73,190
- #114 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,280
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($114,820)
--- Redding, CA ($112,850)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($111,810)
- Job description: Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
- Annual mean salary: $73,190
- #114 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,280
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($114,820)
--- Redding, CA ($112,850)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($111,810)
- Job description: Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
23 / 50
Canva
#28. Court reporters and simultaneous captioners
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $73,330
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,710
- Employment: 13,880
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($118,300)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($109,600)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($92,150)
- Job description: Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.
- Annual mean salary: $73,330
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,710
- Employment: 13,880
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($118,300)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($109,600)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($92,150)
- Job description: Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.
24 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#27. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $73,400
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,610
- Employment: 40,480
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($96,510)
--- Billings, MT ($95,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,800)
- Job description: Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
- Annual mean salary: $73,400
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,610
- Employment: 40,480
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($96,510)
--- Billings, MT ($95,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,800)
- Job description: Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
25 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#26. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $74,440
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,980)
--- Waterbury, CT ($92,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,750)
- Job description: Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.
- Annual mean salary: $74,440
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,980)
--- Waterbury, CT ($92,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,750)
- Job description: Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.
26 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#25. Insurance appraisers, auto damage
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $74,750
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,540
- Employment: 13,220
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($85,150)
--- Richmond, VA ($80,870)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($79,510)
- Job description: Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
- Annual mean salary: $74,750
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,540
- Employment: 13,220
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($85,150)
--- Richmond, VA ($80,870)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($79,510)
- Job description: Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
27 / 50
Peter Braakmann // Shutterstock
#23 (tie). First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $75,500
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,420
- Employment: 22,640
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($76,240)
--- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($75,500)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($75,140)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.
- Annual mean salary: $75,500
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,420
- Employment: 22,640
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($76,240)
--- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($75,500)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($75,140)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.
28 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#23 (tie). Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $75,500
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 880
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($95,240)
--- Madison, WI ($90,020)
--- Salinas, CA ($87,650)
- Job description: Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
- Annual mean salary: $75,500
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 880
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($95,240)
--- Madison, WI ($90,020)
--- Salinas, CA ($87,650)
- Job description: Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
29 / 50
Canva
#22. Fire inspectors and investigators
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $76,020
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,680
- Employment: 14,010
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($123,610)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($102,370)
- Job description: Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
- Annual mean salary: $76,020
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,680
- Employment: 14,010
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($123,610)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($102,370)
- Job description: Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
30 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#21. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $76,250
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,080
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,040
- Employment: 128,300
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($95,680)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,710)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($87,830)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Annual mean salary: $76,250
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,080
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,040
- Employment: 128,300
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($95,680)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,710)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($87,830)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
31 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#20. Lodging managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $76,650
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 31,790
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY ($108,990)
--- Reno, NV ($106,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,560)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations.
- Annual mean salary: $76,650
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 31,790
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY ($108,990)
--- Reno, NV ($106,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,560)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations.
32 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#19. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $77,270
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($95,680)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,140)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,810)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
- Annual mean salary: $77,270
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($95,680)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,140)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,810)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
33 / 50
Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock
#18. Gas plant operators
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $77,560
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,290
- Employment: 14,990
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($98,230)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($97,370)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($92,160)
- Job description: Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
- Annual mean salary: $77,560
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,290
- Employment: 14,990
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($98,230)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($97,370)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($92,160)
- Job description: Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
34 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#17. Food service managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $78,480
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,700
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,610)
--- Trenton, NJ ($95,640)
--- Waterbury, CT ($88,100)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
- Annual mean salary: $78,480
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,700
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,610)
--- Trenton, NJ ($95,640)
--- Waterbury, CT ($88,100)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
35 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#16. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $78,970
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,170
- Employment: 69,000
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($187,890)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($181,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,050)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
- Annual mean salary: $78,970
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,170
- Employment: 69,000
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($187,890)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($181,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,050)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
36 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#15. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $79,200
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,700
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,870)
--- Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($103,930)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($100,620)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
- Annual mean salary: $79,200
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,700
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,870)
--- Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($103,930)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($100,620)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
37 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#14. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $79,870
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 22,500
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Danbury, CT ($112,810)
--- Napa, CA ($101,850)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($93,680)
- Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
- Annual mean salary: $79,870
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 22,500
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Danbury, CT ($112,810)
--- Napa, CA ($101,850)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($93,680)
- Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
38 / 50
Pixabay
#13. Gambling managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $79,940
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,440
- Employment: 3,240
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($102,700)
--- Reno, NV ($102,190)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($101,990)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate gambling operations in a casino. May formulate house rules.
- Annual mean salary: $79,940
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,440
- Employment: 3,240
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($102,700)
--- Reno, NV ($102,190)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($101,990)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate gambling operations in a casino. May formulate house rules.
39 / 50
Canva
#12. Boilermakers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $80,540
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,430
- Employment: 14,020
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,050)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($87,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,050)
- Job description: Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.
- Annual mean salary: $80,540
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,430
- Employment: 14,020
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,050)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($87,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,050)
- Job description: Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.
40 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#11. Real estate brokers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $82,310
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,630
- Employment: 44,610
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($134,770)
--- Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ ($129,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($116,510)
- Job description: Operate real estate office, or work for commercial real estate firm, overseeing real estate transactions. Other duties usually include selling real estate or renting properties and arranging loans.
- Annual mean salary: $82,310
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,630
- Employment: 44,610
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($134,770)
--- Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ ($129,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($116,510)
- Job description: Operate real estate office, or work for commercial real estate firm, overseeing real estate transactions. Other duties usually include selling real estate or renting properties and arranging loans.
41 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#10. Power plant operators
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $83,500
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 600
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,420)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,830)
--- Redding, CA ($106,030)
- Job description: Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
- Annual mean salary: $83,500
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 600
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,420)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,830)
--- Redding, CA ($106,030)
- Job description: Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
42 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#9. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $84,760
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,660
- Employment: 13,880
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,130)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($95,920)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($92,630)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.
- Annual mean salary: $84,760
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,660
- Employment: 13,880
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,130)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($95,920)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($92,630)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.
43 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#8. Commercial pilots
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $85,240
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($153,990)
--- Medford, OR ($152,730)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,290)
- Job description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
- Annual mean salary: $85,240
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($153,990)
--- Medford, OR ($152,730)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,290)
- Job description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
44 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#7. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $88,810
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,150
- Employment: 23,070
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($113,410)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($111,660)
--- Anchorage, AK ($111,470)
- Job description: Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
- Annual mean salary: $88,810
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,150
- Employment: 23,070
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($113,410)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($111,660)
--- Anchorage, AK ($111,470)
- Job description: Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
45 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#6. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $90,280
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($124,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($122,460)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($119,130)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
- Annual mean salary: $90,280
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($124,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($122,460)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($119,130)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
46 / 50
Canva
#5. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $92,910
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($200,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,810)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($182,720)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
- Annual mean salary: $92,910
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($200,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,810)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($182,720)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
47 / 50
Canva
#4. Transportation inspectors
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $93,460
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,320
- Employment: 27,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($119,270)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($117,900)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($104,370)
- Job description: Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
- Annual mean salary: $93,460
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,320
- Employment: 27,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($119,270)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($117,900)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($104,370)
- Job description: Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
48 / 50
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
#3. Power distributors and dispatchers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $98,910
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- Employment: 9,940
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($141,200)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($126,870)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,200)
- Job description: Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
- Annual mean salary: $98,910
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- Employment: 9,940
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($141,200)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($126,870)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,200)
- Job description: Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
49 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#2. Detectives and criminal investigators
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $99,310
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,380)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,090)
--- Anchorage, AK ($126,530)
- Job description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
- Annual mean salary: $99,310
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,380)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,090)
--- Anchorage, AK ($126,530)
- Job description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
50 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $104,840
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,680)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($136,410)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
- Annual mean salary: $104,840
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,680)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($136,410)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
