Highest paying jobs in Wilmington for high school graduates
Written by:
July 20, 2022
Prath // Shutterstock
Highest paying jobs in Wilmington 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 Wilmington, 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
Vera Larina // Shutterstock
#50. Sheet metal workers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $42,720
- #314 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- Employment: 128,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($101,150)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($94,930)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,840)
- Annual mean salary: $42,720
- #314 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- Employment: 128,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($101,150)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($94,930)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,840)
2 / 50
TASER // Shutterstock
#49. Fiberglass laminators and fabricators
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $42,770
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $38,280
- Employment: 18,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elkhart-Goshen, IN ($54,520)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($54,330)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($52,260)
- Annual mean salary: $42,770
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $38,280
- Employment: 18,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elkhart-Goshen, IN ($54,520)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($54,330)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($52,260)
3 / 50
Sabel Blanco // Pexels
#48. Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $43,550
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,650
- Employment: 248,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($69,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($68,140)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($64,980)
- Annual mean salary: $43,550
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,650
- Employment: 248,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($69,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($68,140)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($64,980)
4 / 50
Canva
#47. Automotive body and related repairers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $43,650
- #391 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,430
- Employment: 137,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($71,350)
--- Ames, IA ($68,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,060)
- Annual mean salary: $43,650
- #391 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,430
- Employment: 137,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($71,350)
--- Ames, IA ($68,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,060)
5 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#46. Payroll and timekeeping clerks
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $43,660
- #294 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,290
- Employment: 133,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($66,600)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,240)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($60,930)
- Annual mean salary: $43,660
- #294 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,290
- Employment: 133,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($66,600)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($66,240)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($60,930)
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6 / 50
Avatar_023 // Shutterstock
#45. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $43,690
- #356 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $43,690
- #356 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
7 / 50
Rido // Shutterstock
#44. Opticians, dispensing
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $43,920
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $41,380
- Employment: 68,180
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,300)
--- New Haven, CT ($69,460)
--- Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($66,670)
- Annual mean salary: $43,920
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $41,380
- Employment: 68,180
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,300)
--- New Haven, CT ($69,460)
--- Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($66,670)
8 / 50
Canva
#43. Cargo and freight agents
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $43,940
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $43,940
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
9 / 50
Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock
#42. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $44,390
- #383 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $44,390
- #383 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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)
10 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#41. Electricians
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,130
- #492 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- 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: $45,130
- #492 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,090)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($86,600)
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11 / 50
London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images
#40. Machinists
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,430
- #294 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,800
- Employment: 360,340
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($76,230)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($71,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,300)
- Annual mean salary: $45,430
- #294 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,800
- Employment: 360,340
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($76,230)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($71,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,300)
12 / 50
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#39. Production, planning, and expediting clerks
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,790
- #417 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,000
- Employment: 362,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($67,770)
- Annual mean salary: $45,790
- #417 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,000
- Employment: 362,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($67,770)
13 / 50
Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#38. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,910
- #155 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $44,580
- Employment: 549,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($88,150)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($80,420)
--- Odessa, TX ($70,950)
- Annual mean salary: $45,910
- #155 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $44,580
- Employment: 549,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($88,150)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($80,420)
--- Odessa, TX ($70,950)
14 / 50
Pixabay
#37. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $45,990
- #254 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,690
- Employment: 397,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($72,500)
--- Anchorage, AK ($71,840)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($71,250)
- Annual mean salary: $45,990
- #254 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,690
- Employment: 397,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($72,500)
--- Anchorage, AK ($71,840)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($71,250)
15 / 50
Rob Kim // Getty Images
#36. First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $46,560
- #158 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,410
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,300
- Employment: 1,063,110
- 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: $46,560
- #158 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,410
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,300
- Employment: 1,063,110
- 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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16 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#35. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $46,690
- #426 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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: $46,690
- #426 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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)
17 / 50
Zivica Kerkez // Shutterstock
#34. Loan interviewers and clerks
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $42,780
- Employment: 204,100
- 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: $46,850
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $42,780
- Employment: 204,100
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($59,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($58,140)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($56,710)
18 / 50
Pixabay
#33. Surveying and mapping technicians
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $47,740
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,770
- Employment: 53,370
- 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: $47,740
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,770
- Employment: 53,370
- 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)
19 / 50
PHILIPIMAGE // Shutterstock
#32. Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $47,840
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,490
- Employment: 20,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($66,390)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($59,690)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,930)
- Annual mean salary: $47,840
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,490
- Employment: 20,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($66,390)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($59,690)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,930)
20 / 50
GolF2532 // Shutterstock
#31. Security and fire alarm systems installers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $49,230
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,150
- Employment: 68,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eugene, OR ($70,940)
--- Salem, OR ($68,640)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($68,520)
- Annual mean salary: $49,230
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,150
- Employment: 68,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eugene, OR ($70,940)
--- Salem, OR ($68,640)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($68,520)
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21 / 50
Kot500 // Shutterstock
#30. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $49,330
- #252 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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: $49,330
- #252 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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)
22 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#29. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,070
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $50,070
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)
23 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#28. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,330
- #243 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $50,330
- #243 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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)
24 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#27. Insurance claims and policy processing clerks
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $50,400
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,070
- Employment: 240,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($60,830)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($59,120)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($58,380)
- Annual mean salary: $50,400
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,070
- Employment: 240,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($60,830)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($59,120)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($58,380)
25 / 50
welcomia // Shutterstock
#26. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $51,530
- #321 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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: $51,530
- #321 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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)
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26 / 50
Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#25. Postal service mail carriers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $52,960
- #367 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 370
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: $52,960
- #367 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 370
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)
27 / 50
rlat // Shutterstock
#24. Postal service clerks
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,170
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $53,170
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
28 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#23. Real estate sales agents
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $53,460
- #201 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $53,460
- #201 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
29 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#22. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $54,550
- #331 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,240
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: $54,550
- #331 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,240
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)
30 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#21. Industrial machinery mechanics
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $56,810
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $56,810
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)
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31 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#20. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,360
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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: $57,360
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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)
32 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#19. Insurance sales agents
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,870
- #298 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
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: $57,870
- #298 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
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)
33 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#18. Food service managers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,140
- #269 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $58,140
- #269 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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)
34 / 50
DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#17. Chefs and head cooks
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,620
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $58,620
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
35 / 50
Unsplash
#16. Crane and tower operators
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,710
- #100 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $58,710
- #100 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
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36 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#15. Advertising sales agents
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $59,090
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $59,090
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
37 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#14. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $61,770
- #381 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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: $61,770
- #381 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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)
38 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#13. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- #385 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,280
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: $63,380
- #385 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,280
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)
39 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#12. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $65,110
- #311 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,140
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: $65,110
- #311 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,140
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)
40 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#11. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $65,640
- #379 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 590
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: $65,640
- #379 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 590
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)
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41 / 50
Canva
#10. Construction and building inspectors
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $67,800
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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: $67,800
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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)
42 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#9. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $67,900
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 840
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: $67,900
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 840
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)
43 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#8. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $68,340
- #296 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
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: $68,340
- #296 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
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)
44 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#7. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $68,820
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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: $68,820
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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)
45 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#6. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $69,400
- #187 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $69,400
- #187 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
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46 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#5. Detectives and criminal investigators
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $76,820
- #190 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $76,820
- #190 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
47 / 50
Canva
#4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $83,380
- #247 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $83,380
- #247 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
48 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#3. Real estate brokers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $95,500
- #21 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: $95,500
- #21 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)
49 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#2. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $98,080
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $98,080
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)
50 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Wilmington, NC
- Annual mean salary: $106,570
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $106,570
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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)
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