Highest-paying jobs in Charlotte that don't require a college degree
Written by:
February 7, 2022
Flamingo Images // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Charlotte 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 Charlotte that don’t require a college degree.
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Canva
#50. Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $54,790
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,250
- Employment: 15,380
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($79,090)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($70,180)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($66,910)
- Job description: Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
- Annual mean salary: $54,790
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,250
- Employment: 15,380
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($79,090)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($70,180)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($66,910)
- Job description: Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
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Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#49. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,070
- #205 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,980
- Employment: 190,510
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,280)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($92,920)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($87,940)
- Job description: Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
- Annual mean salary: $55,070
- #205 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,980
- Employment: 190,510
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,280)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($92,920)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($87,940)
- Job description: Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
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SritanaN // Shutterstock
#48. Industrial machinery mechanics
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,300
- #192 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,870
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($84,180)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($84,150)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,580)
- Job description: Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
- Annual mean salary: $55,300
- #192 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,870
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($84,180)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($84,150)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,580)
- Job description: Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
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Zephyris // Wikimedia Commons
#47. Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,770
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $43,100
- Employment: 23,710
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($69,980)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($55,770)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($55,150)
- Job description: Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
- Annual mean salary: $55,770
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $43,100
- Employment: 23,710
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($69,980)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($55,770)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($55,150)
- Job description: Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
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goodluz // Shutterstock
#46. Real estate sales agents
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,780
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,710
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: $55,780
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,710
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.
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Kot500 // Shutterstock
#45. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $56,240
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,480
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,090
- Employment: 253,010
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,320)
--- New Bedford, MA ($75,110)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,460)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
- Annual mean salary: $56,240
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,480
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,090
- Employment: 253,010
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,320)
--- New Bedford, MA ($75,110)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,460)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
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Peter Braakmann // Shutterstock
#44. First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $56,310
- #35 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: $56,310
- #35 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.
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LStockStudio // Shutterstock
#43. Brokerage clerks
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $56,820
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,460
- Employment: 44,720
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($75,240)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($73,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,860)
- Job description: Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.
- Annual mean salary: $56,820
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,460
- Employment: 44,720
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($75,240)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($73,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,860)
- Job description: Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.
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Canva
#42. Construction and building inspectors
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $57,060
- #184 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,920)
--- Salinas, CA ($98,360)
- Job description: Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
- Annual mean salary: $57,060
- #184 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,920)
--- Salinas, CA ($98,360)
- Job description: Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
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Canva
#41. Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $58,020
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,010
- Employment: 25,530
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,330)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($95,140)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($85,480)
- Job description: Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
- Annual mean salary: $58,020
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,010
- Employment: 25,530
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,330)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($95,140)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($85,480)
- Job description: Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
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kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#40. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $58,570
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $58,570
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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.
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Stoyan Yotov
#39. Coil winders, tapers, and finishers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $58,910
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,280
- Employment: 12,580
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($58,910)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($52,850)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($47,960)
- Job description: Wind wire coils used in electrical components, such as resistors and transformers, and in electrical equipment and instruments, such as field cores, bobbins, armature cores, electrical motors, generators, and control equipment.
- Annual mean salary: $58,910
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,280
- Employment: 12,580
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($58,910)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($52,850)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($47,960)
- Job description: Wind wire coils used in electrical components, such as resistors and transformers, and in electrical equipment and instruments, such as field cores, bobbins, armature cores, electrical motors, generators, and control equipment.
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U.S. Air Force
#38. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $59,170
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 850
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: $59,170
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 850
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.
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Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#37. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $59,330
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $59,330
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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.
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GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#36. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $59,780
- #123 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,810
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: $59,780
- #123 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,810
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.
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Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#35. Food service managers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $60,250
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $60,250
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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.
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ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#34. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $61,180
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,350
- Employment: 55,200
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($96,510)
--- Jackson, TN ($92,200)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,640)
- Job description: Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
- Annual mean salary: $61,180
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,350
- Employment: 55,200
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($96,510)
--- Jackson, TN ($92,200)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,640)
- Job description: Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
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Max Pixel
#33. Pourers and casters, metal
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $61,950
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $42,440
- Employment: 7,200
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($61,950)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($52,120)
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($51,310)
- Job description: Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.
- Annual mean salary: $61,950
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $42,440
- Employment: 7,200
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($61,950)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($52,120)
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($51,310)
- Job description: Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.
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Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#32. Private detectives and investigators
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $62,730
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $62,730
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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.
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4 PM production // Shutterstock
#31. Flight attendants
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $63,110
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,910
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,150
- Employment: 116,260
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($72,460)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($64,930)
--- Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL ($63,830)
- Job description: Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.
- Annual mean salary: $63,110
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,910
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,150
- Employment: 116,260
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($72,460)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($64,930)
--- Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL ($63,830)
- Job description: Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.
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Canva
#30. Automotive body and related repairers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,690
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,430
- Employment: 137,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($81,730)
--- Midland, TX ($76,760)
--- Raleigh, NC ($75,460)
- Job description: Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,690
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,430
- Employment: 137,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($81,730)
--- Midland, TX ($76,760)
--- Raleigh, NC ($75,460)
- Job description: Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
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Canva
#29. Fire inspectors and investigators
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $63,600
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $63,600
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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.
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Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#28. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $63,610
- #228 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,210
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: $63,610
- #228 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,210
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.
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Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#27. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $63,790
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,650
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: $63,790
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,650
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.
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Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#26. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $64,450
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,520
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: $64,450
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,520
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.
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Canva
#25. Carpet installers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $64,730
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,150
- Employment: 23,020
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($70,920)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($66,990)
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($65,110)
- Job description: Lay and install carpet from rolls or blocks on floors. Install padding and trim flooring materials.
- Annual mean salary: $64,730
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,150
- Employment: 23,020
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($70,920)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($66,990)
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($65,110)
- Job description: Lay and install carpet from rolls or blocks on floors. Install padding and trim flooring materials.
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Canva
#24. Boilermakers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $65,310
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $65,310
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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.
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sculpies // Shutterstock
#23. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $65,690
- #225 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,510
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: $65,690
- #225 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,510
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.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#22. Insurance sales agents
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $66,300
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,790
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: $66,300
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,790
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.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#21. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $69,150
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,030
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: $69,150
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,030
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.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#20. Insurance appraisers, auto damage
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $70,510
- #18 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: $70,510
- #18 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.
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Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#19. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $70,820
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
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: $70,820
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
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.
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Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#18. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $70,990
- #47 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: $70,990
- #47 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.
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Canva
#17. Transportation inspectors
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $71,590
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $71,590
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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.
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Prath // Shutterstock
#16. Detectives and criminal investigators
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $72,210
- #187 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 590
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: $72,210
- #187 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 590
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.
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Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#15. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $72,610
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,890
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: $72,610
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,890
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).
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Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock
#14. Gas plant operators
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $73,090
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $73,090
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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.
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4 PM production // Shutterstock
#13. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $73,930
- #117 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,500
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: $73,930
- #117 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,500
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.
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#12. Advertising sales agents
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $74,360
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($112,850)
--- Winston-Salem, NC ($104,930)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($92,370)
- Job description: Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
- Annual mean salary: $74,360
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($112,850)
--- Winston-Salem, NC ($104,930)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($92,370)
- Job description: Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
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Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#11. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $78,870
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
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: $78,870
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
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.
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Canva
#10. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $79,290
- #226 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,060
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: $79,290
- #226 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,060
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.
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Suwin // Shutterstock
#9. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $79,800
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $79,800
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#8. Lodging managers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $80,700
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $80,700
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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.
44 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#7. Power plant operators
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $83,050
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $83,050
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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.
45 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#6. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $85,090
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $85,090
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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.
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46 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#5. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $88,910
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,190
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: $88,910
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,190
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.
47 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#4. Real estate brokers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $106,290
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 980
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: $106,290
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 980
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.
48 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#3. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $106,780
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,790
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: $106,780
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,790
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.
49 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $110,660
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 870
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: $110,660
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 870
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.
50 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#1. Commercial pilots
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Annual mean salary: $133,050
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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: $133,050
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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.
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