Highest paying jobs in Raleigh for high school graduates
Written by:
April 25, 2022
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Highest paying jobs in Raleigh for high school graduates
The average college graduate in 2020 earned $1,305 a week, while the average high school graduate takes home just $781, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Of course, college isn’t for everyone. There are many reasons high-school graduates may choose to not continue on to college, not the least of which being cost. Average tuition costs continue to rise each year, the exception being the 2020-2021 school year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Average tuition at a public, in-state university coming in at $9,687; tuition for out-of-state students at public schools, and for everyone at private universities, is significantly higher at $21,874 and $35,087, respectively.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs for high school graduates in Raleigh, NC using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2021 annual mean wage.
Keep reading to see which jobs in your city pay the most for high school graduates.
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1 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#50. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,320
- #244 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 740
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,860
- Employment: 122,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
- Annual mean salary: $50,320
- #244 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 740
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,860
- Employment: 122,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
2 / 50
Indypendenz // Shutterstock
#49. Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,330
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,440
- Employment: 105,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Huntsville, AL ($55,830)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($55,260)
--- Wausau, WI ($55,060)
- Annual mean salary: $50,330
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,440
- Employment: 105,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Huntsville, AL ($55,830)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($55,260)
--- Wausau, WI ($55,060)
3 / 50
Pixabay
#48. Meter readers, utilities
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,560
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,160
- Employment: 26,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($74,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($69,530)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($67,510)
- Annual mean salary: $50,560
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,160
- Employment: 26,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($74,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($69,530)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($67,510)
4 / 50
Canva
#47. Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,690
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,250
- Employment: 15,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($78,200)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($69,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,320)
- Annual mean salary: $50,690
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,250
- Employment: 15,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($78,200)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($69,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,320)
5 / 50
Jat306 // Shutterstock
#46. Millwrights
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,770
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,080
- Employment: 44,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($91,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,580)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($80,780)
- Annual mean salary: $50,770
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,080
- Employment: 44,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($91,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,580)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($80,780)
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6 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#45. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $51,230
- #332 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,360
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- 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: $51,230
- #332 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,360
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- 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)
7 / 50
Kot500 // Shutterstock
#44. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $51,470
- #177 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 880
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,090
- Employment: 253,010
- 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: $51,470
- #177 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 880
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,090
- Employment: 253,010
- 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)
8 / 50
Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock
#43. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $52,210
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,040
- Employment: 103,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
- Annual mean salary: $52,210
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,040
- Employment: 103,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
9 / 50
welcomia // Shutterstock
#42. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,570
- #245 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 920
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,000
- Employment: 147,680
- 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: $53,570
- #245 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 920
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,000
- Employment: 147,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
10 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#41. Real estate sales agents
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,640
- #197 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
- Annual mean salary: $53,640
- #197 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
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11 / 50
Canva
#40. Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $54,410
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,350
- Employment: 35,720
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($61,910)
--- Bellingham, WA ($61,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($60,760)
- Annual mean salary: $54,410
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,350
- Employment: 35,720
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($61,910)
--- Bellingham, WA ($61,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($60,760)
12 / 50
Avatar_023 // Shutterstock
#39. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $54,810
- #137 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- Employment: 119,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,370)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($87,990)
- Annual mean salary: $54,810
- #137 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- Employment: 119,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,370)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($87,990)
13 / 50
Canva
#38. Dental laboratory technicians
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,020
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,230
- Employment: 30,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($67,730)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($59,560)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($55,140)
- Annual mean salary: $55,020
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,230
- Employment: 30,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($67,730)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($59,560)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($55,140)
14 / 50
Chok Chokchai // Shutterstock
#37. Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,100
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Employment: 47,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($92,800)
--- Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($83,130)
--- Napa, CA ($68,470)
- Annual mean salary: $55,100
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Employment: 47,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($92,800)
--- Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area ($83,130)
--- Napa, CA ($68,470)
15 / 50
wavebreakmedia // Shutterstock
#36. Hearing aid specialists
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,300
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,630
- Employment: 7,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($75,130)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($73,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,300)
- Annual mean salary: $55,300
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,630
- Employment: 7,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($75,130)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($73,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,300)
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16 / 50
Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#35. Postal service mail carriers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,390
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,180
- Employment: 333,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
- Annual mean salary: $55,390
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,180
- Employment: 333,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
17 / 50
LStockStudio // Shutterstock
#34. Brokerage clerks
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $56,320
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,460
- Employment: 44,720
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,310)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($69,330)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,970)
- Annual mean salary: $56,320
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,460
- Employment: 44,720
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,310)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($69,330)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,970)
18 / 50
Peter Braakmann // Shutterstock
#33. First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $56,330
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,420
- Employment: 22,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($85,480)
--- Northwestern Idaho nonmetropolitan area ($77,330)
--- Longview, WA ($74,500)
- Annual mean salary: $56,330
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,420
- Employment: 22,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($85,480)
--- Northwestern Idaho nonmetropolitan area ($77,330)
--- Longview, WA ($74,500)
19 / 50
Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#32. Chemical equipment operators and tenders
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $56,490
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,330
- Employment: 93,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($91,300)
--- Billings, MT ($88,420)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($76,050)
- Annual mean salary: $56,490
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,330
- Employment: 93,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($91,300)
--- Billings, MT ($88,420)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($76,050)
20 / 50
rlat // Shutterstock
#31. Postal service clerks
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,160
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,200
- Employment: 86,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
- Annual mean salary: $57,160
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,200
- Employment: 86,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
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21 / 50
DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#30. Chefs and head cooks
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,500
- #84 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,740
- Employment: 101,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($79,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
- Annual mean salary: $58,500
- #84 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,740
- Employment: 101,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($79,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
22 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#29. Industrial machinery mechanics
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,680
- #187 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
- Annual mean salary: $58,680
- #187 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
23 / 50
Canva
#28. Cargo and freight agents
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $60,400
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,170
- Employment: 96,510
- 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: $60,400
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,170
- Employment: 96,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($80,300)
--- Yakima, WA ($68,030)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($64,030)
24 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#27. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $61,540
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,210
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- 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: $61,540
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,210
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- 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)
25 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#26. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $61,790
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- 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: $61,790
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($114,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,220)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($112,950)
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26 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#25. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $62,230
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- 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: $62,230
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- 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)
27 / 50
Unsplash
#24. Crane and tower operators
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $62,880
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,010
- Employment: 44,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
- Annual mean salary: $62,880
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,010
- Employment: 44,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
28 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#23. Food service managers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,970
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 900
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
- Annual mean salary: $63,970
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 900
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
29 / 50
Canva
#22. Construction and building inspectors
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $64,350
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- 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: $64,350
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- 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)
30 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#21. Advertising sales agents
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $66,190
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- 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: $66,190
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- 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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31 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#20. Insurance sales agents
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $66,660
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,490
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
- Annual mean salary: $66,660
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,490
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
32 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#19. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $68,390
- #141 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,730
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($96,900)
- Annual mean salary: $68,390
- #141 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,730
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($96,900)
33 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#18. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $69,060
- #193 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 910
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($92,500)
- Annual mean salary: $69,060
- #193 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 910
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($92,500)
34 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#17. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $69,720
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- 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: $69,720
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
35 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#16. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $69,900
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($109,740)
- Annual mean salary: $69,900
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($109,740)
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36 / 50
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#15. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $70,010
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,170
- Employment: 29,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- South Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($101,630)
- Annual mean salary: $70,010
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,170
- Employment: 29,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- South Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($101,630)
37 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#14. Private detectives and investigators
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $70,130
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,100
- Employment: 32,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($93,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,080)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($87,760)
- Annual mean salary: $70,130
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,100
- Employment: 32,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($93,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,080)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($87,760)
38 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#13. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- #95 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 910
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($105,220)
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- #95 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 910
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($105,220)
39 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#12. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $71,760
- #181 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- 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: $71,760
- #181 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- 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
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#11. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $72,330
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,020
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- 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: $72,330
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,020
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- 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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41 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#10. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $72,540
- #181 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,830)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,870)
- Annual mean salary: $72,540
- #181 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- 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)
42 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#9. Detectives and criminal investigators
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $73,710
- #212 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 600
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- 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: $73,710
- #212 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 600
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- 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)
43 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#8. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $79,530
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- 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: $79,530
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
44 / 50
Canva
#7. Transportation inspectors
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $82,470
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,320
- Employment: 27,360
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($112,260)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,930)
--- Anchorage, AK ($108,140)
- Annual mean salary: $82,470
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,320
- Employment: 27,360
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($112,260)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,930)
--- Anchorage, AK ($108,140)
45 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#6. Real estate brokers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $84,010
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,630
- Employment: 44,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($152,460)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($133,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,320)
- Annual mean salary: $84,010
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,630
- Employment: 44,610
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($152,460)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($133,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,320)
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46 / 50
Canva
#5. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $90,160
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- 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: $90,160
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- 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)
47 / 50
IAEA Imagebank // Flickr
#4. Nuclear power reactor operators
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $108,100
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,470
- Employment: 5,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($121,770)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($111,440)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($110,750)
- Annual mean salary: $108,100
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,470
- Employment: 5,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($121,770)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($111,440)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($110,750)
48 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#3. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $108,110
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,850
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- 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: $108,110
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,850
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($129,860)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($121,360)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($121,250)
49 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $110,030
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- 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: $110,030
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
50 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#1. Commercial pilots
Raleigh, NC
- Annual mean salary: $121,720
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
- Annual mean salary: $121,720
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
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