Highest paying jobs in Portland, Oregon for high school graduates
Written by:
April 25, 2022
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
Highest paying jobs in Portland, Oregon 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 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
Canva
#50. Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $64,730
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $64,730
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
2 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#49. Advertising sales agents
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $65,010
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 760
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: $65,010
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 760
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)
3 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#48. Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $65,620
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,950
- Employment: 54,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,460)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($73,070)
- Annual mean salary: $65,620
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,950
- Employment: 54,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,460)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($73,070)
4 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#47. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $65,630
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,880
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: $65,630
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,880
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)
5 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#46. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $66,670
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,170
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: $66,670
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,170
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)
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6 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#44 (tie). First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $66,830
- #192 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,320
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: $66,830
- #192 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,320
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)
7 / 50
Jat306 // Shutterstock
#44 (tie). Millwrights
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $66,830
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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: $66,830
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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)
8 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#43. Public safety telecommunicators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $66,930
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,800
- Employment: 93,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($97,380)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,790)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($76,950)
- Annual mean salary: $66,930
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,800
- Employment: 93,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($97,380)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,790)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($76,950)
9 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#42. Flight attendants
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $66,950
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 560
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,150
- Employment: 116,260
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($94,320)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($72,130)
--- Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL ($67,620)
- Annual mean salary: $66,950
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 560
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,150
- Employment: 116,260
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($94,320)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($72,130)
--- Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL ($67,620)
10 / 50
GolF2532 // Shutterstock
#41. Security and fire alarm systems installers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $67,490
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 720
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: $67,490
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 720
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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11 / 50
Canva
#40. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $67,530
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,400
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,280
- Employment: 402,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,910)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($91,860)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,120)
- Annual mean salary: $67,530
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,400
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,280
- Employment: 402,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,910)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($91,860)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,120)
12 / 50
Wipas Rojjanakard // Shutterstock
#39. Occupational health and safety technicians
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $67,800
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,870
- Employment: 20,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($77,880)
--- Anchorage, AK ($77,690)
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($77,100)
- Annual mean salary: $67,800
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,870
- Employment: 20,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($77,880)
--- Anchorage, AK ($77,690)
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($77,100)
13 / 50
Avatar_023 // Shutterstock
#38. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $69,190
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
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: $69,190
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
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)
14 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#37. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $69,990
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,520
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: $69,990
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,520
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)
15 / 50
Vera Larina // Shutterstock
#36. Sheet metal workers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $70,850
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,320
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: $70,850
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,320
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)
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16 / 50
Unsplash
#35. Crane and tower operators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $71,400
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $71,400
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
17 / 50
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#34. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $71,700
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $71,700
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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)
18 / 50
Bigflick // Shutterstock
#33. Correctional officers and jailers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $72,270
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,920
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,340
- Employment: 405,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($96,580)
--- Salinas, CA ($89,100)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,260)
- Annual mean salary: $72,270
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,920
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,340
- Employment: 405,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($96,580)
--- Salinas, CA ($89,100)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,260)
19 / 50
John Leung // Shutterstock
#32. Brickmasons and blockmasons
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $74,040
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,420
- Employment: 59,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($95,980)
--- Decatur, IL ($92,670)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($89,340)
- Annual mean salary: $74,040
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,420
- Employment: 59,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($95,980)
--- Decatur, IL ($92,670)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($89,340)
20 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#31. Insurance sales agents
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $74,270
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,080
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: $74,270
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,080
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)
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21 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#30. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $74,300
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,420
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: $74,300
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,420
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)
22 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#29. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $74,830
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,340
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: $74,830
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,340
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)
23 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#28. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $75,290
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,810
- Employment: 5,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($104,810)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($101,650)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($101,610)
- Annual mean salary: $75,290
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,810
- Employment: 5,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($104,810)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($101,650)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($101,610)
24 / 50
Unsplash
#27. Structural iron and steel workers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $76,930
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($84,570)
- Annual mean salary: $76,930
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($84,570)
25 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#26. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $77,170
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,930
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: $77,170
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,930
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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26 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#25. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $77,680
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,120
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: $77,680
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,120
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)
27 / 50
Canva
#24. Pile driver operators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $78,120
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,880
- Employment: 3,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($106,620)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($106,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,880)
- Annual mean salary: $78,120
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,880
- Employment: 3,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($106,620)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($106,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,880)
28 / 50
Canva
#23. Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $78,180
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,400
- Employment: 44,560
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,510)
--- Nevada nonmetropolitan area ($81,690)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($78,180)
- Annual mean salary: $78,180
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,400
- Employment: 44,560
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,510)
--- Nevada nonmetropolitan area ($81,690)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($78,180)
29 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#22. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $78,550
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $78,550
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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)
30 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#21. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $78,850
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,610
- Employment: 40,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($101,900)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
- Annual mean salary: $78,850
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,610
- Employment: 40,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($101,900)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
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31 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#20. Private detectives and investigators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $78,860
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $78,860
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
32 / 50
Canva
#19. Construction and building inspectors
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $79,870
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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: $79,870
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
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)
33 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#18. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $80,820
- #211 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,490
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: $80,820
- #211 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,490
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)
34 / 50
Yulyazolotko // Shutterstock
#17. Fallers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $82,250
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,520
- Employment: 4,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Redding, CA ($91,830)
--- Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($88,620)
--- North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($87,800)
- Annual mean salary: $82,250
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,520
- Employment: 4,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Redding, CA ($91,830)
--- Western Washington nonmetropolitan area ($88,620)
--- North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($87,800)
35 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#16. Electricians
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $83,310
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,930
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: $83,310
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,930
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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36 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#15. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $83,880
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,660
- Employment: 13,880
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($97,930)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($94,460)
- Annual mean salary: $83,880
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,660
- Employment: 13,880
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($97,930)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($94,460)
37 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#14. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $84,860
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,870
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: $84,860
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,870
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)
38 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#13. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $86,860
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,100
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: $86,860
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,100
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
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#12. Commercial pilots
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $87,570
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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: $87,570
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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)
40 / 50
Roman023_photography // Shutterstock
#11. Riggers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $89,080
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 21,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($89,080)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,310)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($73,160)
- Annual mean salary: $89,080
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 21,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($89,080)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,310)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($73,160)
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41 / 50
Nagy-Bagoly Arpad // Shutterstock
#10. Insulation workers, mechanical
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $89,330
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,470
- Employment: 27,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($109,380)
--- Syracuse, NY ($97,670)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,740)
- Annual mean salary: $89,330
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $55,470
- Employment: 27,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($109,380)
--- Syracuse, NY ($97,670)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($93,740)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Transportation inspectors
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $92,870
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $92,870
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
43 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#8. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $96,700
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
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: $96,700
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
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
Canva
#7. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $99,010
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,200
- Employment: 24,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
- Annual mean salary: $99,010
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,200
- Employment: 24,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
45 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#6. Power plant operators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $99,720
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
- Annual mean salary: $99,720
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
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46 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#5. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $100,380
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
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: $100,380
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
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)
47 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#4. Detectives and criminal investigators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $101,120
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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: $101,120
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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)
48 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#3. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $105,640
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $105,640
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)
49 / 50
Canva
#2. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $121,960
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
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: $121,960
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
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)
50 / 50
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
#1. Power distributors and dispatchers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $129,570
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- Employment: 9,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($131,560)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($129,570)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($123,540)
- Annual mean salary: $129,570
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- Employment: 9,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($131,560)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($129,570)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($123,540)
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