Highest-paying jobs in Asheville that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Asheville 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 Asheville, NC that don’t require a college degree.
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Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#50. Electricians
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $47,870
- #449 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 800
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: $47,870
- #449 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 800
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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Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock
#49. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $48,640
- #259 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,270
- Employment: 116,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
- Annual mean salary: $48,640
- #259 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,270
- Employment: 116,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
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Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#48. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $48,750
- #389 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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: $48,750
- #389 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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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G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#47. Production, planning, and expediting clerks
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $48,830
- #292 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,220
- Employment: 367,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($67,140)
- Annual mean salary: $48,830
- #292 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,220
- Employment: 367,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($67,140)
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goodluz // Shutterstock
#46. Real estate sales agents
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $48,900
- #265 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $48,900
- #265 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
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Kot500 // Shutterstock
#45. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $48,970
- #265 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 261,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,400)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,480)
- Annual mean salary: $48,970
- #265 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 261,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,400)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,480)
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Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#44. Computer user support specialists
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $49,630
- #313 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,650
- Employment: 654,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,920)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,510)
- Annual mean salary: $49,630
- #313 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,650
- Employment: 654,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,920)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,510)
8 / 50
Peter Braakmann // Shutterstock
#43. First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,670
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,450
- Employment: 25,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Longview, WA ($74,500)
--- Redding, CA ($72,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($71,740)
- Annual mean salary: $50,670
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,450
- Employment: 25,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Longview, WA ($74,500)
--- Redding, CA ($72,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($71,740)
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#42. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,710
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,850
- Employment: 641,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($76,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,410)
- Annual mean salary: $50,710
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,850
- Employment: 641,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($76,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,410)
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Gerain0812 // Shutterstock
#41. Surgical technologists
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,780
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,590
- Employment: 109,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,450)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($80,170)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($77,460)
- Annual mean salary: $50,780
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,590
- Employment: 109,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,450)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($80,170)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($77,460)
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Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#40. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,870
- #231 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $50,870
- #231 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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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Canva
#39. Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $51,800
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,850
- Employment: 35,720
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($83,090)
- Annual mean salary: $51,800
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,850
- Employment: 35,720
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($83,090)
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Canva
#38. Tool and die makers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- #151 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,150
- Employment: 63,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,920)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($72,510)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($71,910)
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- #151 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,150
- Employment: 63,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,920)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($72,510)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($71,910)
14 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#37. Advertising sales agents
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $52,120
- #182 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $52,120
- #182 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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
#36. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $52,820
- #273 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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: $52,820
- #273 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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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Canva
#35. Dental laboratory technicians
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $52,940
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,320
- Employment: 34,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($67,730)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($59,560)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($55,140)
- Annual mean salary: $52,940
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,320
- Employment: 34,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($67,730)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($59,560)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($55,140)
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Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#34. Postal service mail carriers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,600
- #269 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,370
- Employment: 335,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
- Annual mean salary: $53,600
- #269 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,370
- Employment: 335,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
18 / 50
Indypendenz // Shutterstock
#33. Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,940
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,010
- Employment: 112,130
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Huntsville, AL ($55,830)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($55,260)
--- Wausau, WI ($55,060)
- Annual mean salary: $53,940
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,010
- Employment: 112,130
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Huntsville, AL ($55,830)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($55,260)
--- Wausau, WI ($55,060)
19 / 50
Pxhere
#32. Maintenance workers, machinery
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $54,310
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,570
- Employment: 57,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
--- Cedar Rapids, IA ($70,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,980)
- Annual mean salary: $54,310
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,570
- Employment: 57,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
--- Cedar Rapids, IA ($70,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,980)
20 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#31. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,180
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,750
- Employment: 54,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($114,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,220)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($112,950)
- Annual mean salary: $55,180
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,750
- Employment: 54,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($114,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,220)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($112,950)
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GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#30. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,190
- #311 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- Employment: 1,443,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,050)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,520)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,430)
- Annual mean salary: $55,190
- #311 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- Employment: 1,443,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,050)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,520)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,430)
22 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#29. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,640
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $55,640
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
23 / 50
DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#28. Chefs and head cooks
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $56,600
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,920
- Employment: 129,810
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($79,430)
- Annual mean salary: $56,600
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,920
- Employment: 129,810
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($79,430)
24 / 50
rlat // Shutterstock
#26 (tie). Postal service clerks
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,200
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 79,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
- Annual mean salary: $57,200
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 79,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
25 / 50
ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#26 (tie). Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,200
- #198 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $57,200
- #198 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
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26 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#25. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,660
- #306 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,270
- Employment: 80,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($171,060)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($145,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,860)
- Annual mean salary: $57,660
- #306 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,270
- Employment: 80,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($171,060)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($145,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,860)
27 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#24. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,200
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,870
- Employment: 466,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
- Annual mean salary: $58,200
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,870
- Employment: 466,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
28 / 50
Canva
#23. Construction and building inspectors
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,560
- #222 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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: $58,560
- #222 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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)
29 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#22. Industrial machinery mechanics
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,670
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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: $58,670
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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)
30 / 50
Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#21. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $59,160
- #199 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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: $59,160
- #199 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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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31 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#20. Insurance sales agents
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $60,010
- #253 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
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: $60,010
- #253 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
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)
32 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#19. Food service managers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $60,900
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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: $60,900
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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)
33 / 50
Canva
#18. Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $61,130
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,360
- Employment: 25,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,600)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($92,910)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($86,660)
- Annual mean salary: $61,130
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,360
- Employment: 25,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,600)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($92,910)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($86,660)
34 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#17. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $62,770
- #401 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
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: $62,770
- #401 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
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)
35 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#16. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $62,820
- #308 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $62,820
- #308 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- Employment: 278,140
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Salinas, CA ($90,800)
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36 / 50
Canva
#15. Fire inspectors and investigators
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $62,950
- #56 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: $62,950
- #56 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)
37 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#14. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,170
- #364 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,550
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: $63,170
- #364 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,550
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)
38 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#13. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- #311 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,330
- Employment: 629,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($90,410)
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- #311 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
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)
39 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#12. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $64,140
- #431 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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: $64,140
- #431 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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)
40 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#11. Detectives and criminal investigators
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $67,310
- #260 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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: $67,310
- #260 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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)
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41 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#10. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $67,810
- #107 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,000
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: $67,810
- #107 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,000
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)
42 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#9. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $68,260
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $68,260
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
43 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#8. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $74,190
- #226 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $74,190
- #226 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
44 / 50
Canva
#7. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $75,160
- #314 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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: $75,160
- #314 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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)
45 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#6. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $77,010
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $77,010
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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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46 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#5. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $83,010
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $83,010
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)
47 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#4. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $89,440
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $89,440
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
48 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#3. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $93,470
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $93,470
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)
49 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $94,440
- #224 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $94,440
- #224 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
50 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#1. Commercial pilots
Asheville, NC
- Annual mean salary: $109,440
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $109,440
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)
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