Highest-paying jobs in Hickory that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
4 PM production // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Hickory 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC that don’t require a college degree.
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Canva
#50. Cutters and trimmers, hand
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $44,360
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,330
- Employment: 7,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($44,360)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($44,160)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($41,880)
- Annual mean salary: $44,360
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,330
- Employment: 7,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($44,360)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($44,160)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($41,880)
2 / 50
Zivica Kerkez // Shutterstock
#49. Loan interviewers and clerks
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $44,860
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $44,910
- Employment: 238,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($59,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($58,140)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($56,710)
- Annual mean salary: $44,860
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $44,910
- Employment: 238,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($59,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($58,140)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($56,710)
3 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#48. Automotive service technicians and mechanics
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,100
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 740
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,990
- Employment: 629,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($62,810)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($62,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($61,350)
- Annual mean salary: $45,100
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 740
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,990
- Employment: 629,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($62,810)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($62,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($61,350)
4 / 50
Kot500 // Shutterstock
#47. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,270
- #419 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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: $45,270
- #419 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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)
5 / 50
Rob Kim // Getty Images
#46. First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,320
- #202 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,890
- Employment: 1,143,260
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($57,830)
--- Boulder, CO ($56,520)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($55,930)
- Annual mean salary: $45,320
- #202 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,890
- Employment: 1,143,260
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($57,830)
--- Boulder, CO ($56,520)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($55,930)
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Canva
#45. Upholsterers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,340
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,850
National
- Annual mean salary: $38,220
- Employment: 28,020
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($61,810)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($54,790)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($51,300)
- Annual mean salary: $45,340
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,850
National
- Annual mean salary: $38,220
- Employment: 28,020
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($61,810)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($54,790)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($51,300)
7 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#44. Electricians
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,590
- #484 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390
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: $45,590
- #484 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390
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)
8 / 50
London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images
#43. Machinists
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,800
- #281 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,020
- Employment: 333,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($71,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,300)
--- Monroe, MI ($66,560)
- Annual mean salary: $45,800
- #281 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,020
- Employment: 333,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($71,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,300)
--- Monroe, MI ($66,560)
9 / 50
PHILIPIMAGE // Shutterstock
#42. Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $46,030
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,660
- Employment: 23,080
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($66,390)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,930)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($57,210)
- Annual mean salary: $46,030
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,660
- Employment: 23,080
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($66,390)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,930)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($57,210)
10 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#41. Advertising sales agents
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $46,690
- #247 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $46,690
- #247 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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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Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#40. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $47,100
- #420 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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: $47,100
- #420 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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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Pixabay
#39. Surveying and mapping technicians
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $47,500
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,810
- Employment: 56,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($84,710)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($77,840)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,960)
- Annual mean salary: $47,500
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,810
- Employment: 56,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($84,710)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($77,840)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,960)
13 / 50
Rido // Shutterstock
#38. Opticians, dispensing
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $47,850
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $43,060
- Employment: 73,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,300)
--- New Haven, CT ($69,460)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($65,010)
- Annual mean salary: $47,850
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $43,060
- Employment: 73,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,300)
--- New Haven, CT ($69,460)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($65,010)
14 / 50
kelly // Flickr
#37. Fabric and apparel patternmakers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $47,880
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,070
- Employment: 3,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($84,960)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($83,260)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($74,480)
- Annual mean salary: $47,880
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,070
- Employment: 3,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($84,960)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($83,260)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($74,480)
15 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#36. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $47,920
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 680
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: $47,920
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 680
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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NDAB Creativity // Shutterstock
#35. Massage therapists
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $48,200
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,260
- Employment: 81,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($96,260)
--- Kalamazoo-Portage, MI ($74,980)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($74,850)
- Annual mean salary: $48,200
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,260
- Employment: 81,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($96,260)
--- Kalamazoo-Portage, MI ($74,980)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($74,850)
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welcomia // Shutterstock
#34. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $48,900
- #391 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $48,900
- #391 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
18 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#33. Industrial machinery mechanics
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $49,070
- #485 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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: $49,070
- #485 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
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)
19 / 50
Pxhere
#32. Maintenance workers, machinery
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $49,880
- #178 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
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: $49,880
- #178 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
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
Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#31. Computer user support specialists
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,180
- #294 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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: $50,180
- #294 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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)
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Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#30. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,370
- #396 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $50,370
- #396 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
22 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#29. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,800
- #195 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $50,800
- #195 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
23 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#28. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $51,020
- #335 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $51,020
- #335 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
24 / 50
Pixabay
#27. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $51,240
- #118 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,340
- Employment: 1,903,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($62,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($62,290)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($61,540)
- Annual mean salary: $51,240
- #118 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,340
- Employment: 1,903,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($62,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($62,290)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($61,540)
25 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#26. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $51,280
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $51,280
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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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26 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#25. Detectives and criminal investigators
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $52,280
- #334 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $52,280
- #334 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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)
27 / 50
Canva
#24. Cargo and freight agents
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,110
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,420
- Employment: 85,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($80,300)
--- Yakima, WA ($68,030)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($64,030)
- Annual mean salary: $53,110
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,420
- Employment: 85,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($80,300)
--- Yakima, WA ($68,030)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($64,030)
28 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#23. Food service managers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,230
- #402 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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: $53,230
- #402 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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)
29 / 50
ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#22. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,250
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $53,250
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
30 / 50
Canva
#21. Tool and die makers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,590
- #122 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $53,590
- #122 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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)
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GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#20. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $54,880
- #319 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,340
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: $54,880
- #319 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,340
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)
32 / 50
Canva
#19. Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,420
- #113 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: $55,420
- #113 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)
33 / 50
Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#18. Postal service mail carriers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,610
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390
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: $55,610
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390
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)
34 / 50
DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#17. Chefs and head cooks
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,840
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $55,840
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
35 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#15 (tie). First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,100
- #486 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,680
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: $57,100
- #486 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,680
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)
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36 / 50
Canva
#15 (tie). Construction and building inspectors
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,100
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $57,100
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
37 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#14. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,460
- #241 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $57,460
- #241 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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)
38 / 50
rlat // Shutterstock
#13. Postal service clerks
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,470
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $57,470
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
39 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#12. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $60,180
- #453 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
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: $60,180
- #453 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
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)
40 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#11. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $60,460
- #290 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 680
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: $60,460
- #290 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 680
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Employment: 1,026,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
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41 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#10. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $61,720
- #153 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: $61,720
- #153 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)
42 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#9. Power plant operators
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,510
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
- Annual mean salary: $63,510
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
43 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#8. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $65,280
- #277 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $65,280
- #277 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
44 / 50
Canva
#7. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $65,450
- #396 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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: $65,450
- #396 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#6. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $66,060
- #275 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
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: $66,060
- #275 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
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)
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46 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#5. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $68,970
- #284 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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: $68,970
- #284 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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)
47 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#4. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $69,430
- #287 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $69,430
- #287 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
48 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#3. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $92,480
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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: $92,480
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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
Suwin // Shutterstock
#2. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $92,690
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $92,690
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
50 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Annual mean salary: $97,520
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,580
- Employment: 144,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
- Annual mean salary: $97,520
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
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