Highest paying jobs in Portland, Oregon that require a bachelor's degree
Highest paying jobs in Portland, Oregon that require a bachelor's degree
While college and university tuition costs may be skyrocketing, many still believe a bachelor’s degree is essential to landing a high-paying job in the United States. Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs that typically require a bachelors in Portland using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage.
Whether highly technical, scientific, or based in finance or the arts, all the jobs require keeping up to date with the latest developments in culture, commerce, or tech.
Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs that require a bachelor degree in Portland.
#50. Hydrologists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $92,440
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,150
- Employment: 6,170
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($123,620)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($115,380)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($115,020)
- Job description: Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

#49. Special education teachers, preschool
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $92,550
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,110
- Employment: 20,300
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($94,860)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($94,370)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($92,550)
- Job description: Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
#48. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $93,190
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,340
- Employment: 18,660
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($130,220)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($124,770)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($122,900)
- Job description: Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
#47. Marine engineers and naval architects
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,590
- Employment: 8,700
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($129,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($129,280)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($125,400)
- Job description: Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
#46. Computer programmers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $93,980
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,270
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,640
- Employment: 178,140
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,420)
--- Midland, TX ($119,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,530)
- Job description: Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
#45. Civil engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $94,530
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,440
- Employment: 300,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($125,910)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($121,970)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($119,860)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
#44. Industrial engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $94,680
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,170
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,610
- Employment: 290,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Billings, MT ($125,760)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($123,710)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,510)
- Job description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
#43. Mechanical engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $94,760
- #92 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,170
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Employment: 293,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($123,700)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
#42. Electronics engineers, except computer
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $95,320
- #120 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,320
- Employment: 122,320
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($148,210)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($134,110)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($131,740)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
#41. Electrical engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $95,850
- #162 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,760
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,990
- Employment: 185,220
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,480)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($130,150)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($125,700)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

#40. Legislators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $96,790
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,560
- Employment: 51,290
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($147,730)
--- Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($135,640)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($114,980)
- Job description: Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

#39. Management analysts
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $97,220
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,720
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,580
- Employment: 734,000
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($163,720)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($157,490)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($135,250)
- Job description: Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
#38. Registered nurses
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $98,700
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 22,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,010
- Employment: 2,986,500
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,200)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($146,870)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($142,140)
- Job description: Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

#37. Materials engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $98,930
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,550
- Employment: 24,740
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($134,530)
--- Boulder, CO ($131,510)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($130,470)
- Job description: Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
#36. Special effects artists and animators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $99,750
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $88,080
- Employment: 26,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($110,370)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($102,560)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($100,510)
- Job description: Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

#35. Soil and plant scientists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $100,290
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,040
- Employment: 13,950
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($102,060)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($100,290)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($96,100)
- Job description: Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

#34. Computer systems analysts
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $100,340
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,420
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,020
- Employment: 574,450
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,970)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,350)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($124,070)
- Job description: Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
#33. Chemical engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $101,240
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,820
- Employment: 25,770
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($158,110)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($147,310)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($140,750)
- Job description: Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
#32. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $101,280
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,330
- Employment: 23,780
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($123,730)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,700)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($121,330)
- Job description: Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.

#31. Database administrators and architects
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $102,120
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,340
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,090
- Employment: 133,630
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,340)
--- Trenton, NJ ($126,540)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($120,430)
- Job description: Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
#30. Environmental engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $103,170
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,890
- Employment: 50,260
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($128,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,210)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($114,890)
- Job description: Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

#29. Labor relations specialists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $103,990
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 790
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,870
- Employment: 70,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($113,270)
--- Spartanburg, SC ($111,380)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($103,990)
- Job description: Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
#28. Advertising and promotions managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $106,400
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,560
- Employment: 22,490
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boulder, CO ($220,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($185,490)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($181,540)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

#27. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $107,120
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,690
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,680
- Employment: 288,150
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, NY ($150,650)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,850)
--- Battle Creek, MI ($141,310)
- Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.
#26. Information security analysts
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $107,990
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,030
National
- Annual mean salary: $107,580
- Employment: 138,000
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($147,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($136,910)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($130,620)
- Job description: Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

#25. Training and development managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $110,340
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,920
- Employment: 38,710
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($178,590)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,570)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,750)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
#24. Atmospheric and space scientists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $110,680
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,550
- Employment: 10,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($128,100)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($123,080)
--- Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($121,200)
- Job description: Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

#23. Industrial production managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $110,750
- #200 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,760
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,190
- Employment: 179,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($171,890)
--- Florence, SC ($167,660)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($155,320)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

#22. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $111,300
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 15,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,270
- Employment: 1,476,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($157,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($144,740)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($140,930)
- Job description: Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
#21. Construction managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $115,910
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,540
National
- Annual mean salary: $107,260
- Employment: 285,640
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($161,780)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($154,800)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($153,490)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

#20. Computer hardware engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $117,230
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
National
- Annual mean salary: $126,140
- Employment: 64,710
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($179,570)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($171,540)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($153,780)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

#19. Art directors
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $118,090
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 900
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,490
- Employment: 40,950
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($147,070)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($144,660)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($142,260)
- Job description: Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
#18. Aerospace engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $118,240
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,110
- Employment: 60,630
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($151,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($142,260)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($135,490)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

#17. Actuaries
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $119,580
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,180
- Employment: 22,480
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($156,910)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($148,230)
--- San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX ($142,550)
- Job description: Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
#16. Computer network architects
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $120,260
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,140
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,230
- Employment: 159,350
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($161,950)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($152,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($148,250)
- Job description: Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

#15. Purchasing managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $121,420
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,080
National
- Annual mean salary: $132,660
- Employment: 70,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($181,240)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,300)
--- Morgantown, WV ($167,740)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.

#14. Human resources managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $122,120
- #108 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,750
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,580
- Employment: 156,600
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($194,040)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,890)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($179,870)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

#13. Sales engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $123,470
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,270
- Employment: 63,780
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($163,860)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($158,140)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($155,490)
- Job description: Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.
#12. Compensation and benefits managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $126,620
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $137,160
- Employment: 16,340
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($194,810)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($184,050)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($180,840)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
#11. General and operations managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $127,240
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 21,310
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,740
- Employment: 2,347,420
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($183,170)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($175,990)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,370)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
#10. Personal financial advisors
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $127,980
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,750
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,490
- Employment: 218,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Gainesville, FL ($206,120)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($169,850)
--- Tyler, TX ($169,690)
- Job description: Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

#9. Sales managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $134,500
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,580
- Employment: 390,170
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($207,070)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,700)
--- Trenton, NJ ($186,960)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

#8. Financial managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $135,790
- #112 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,130
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,510
- Employment: 653,080
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($214,670)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($210,180)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($192,310)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
#7. Marketing managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $137,080
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,410
National
- Annual mean salary: $154,470
- Employment: 270,200
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($213,180)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($211,210)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($196,260)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

#6. Medical and health services managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $137,600
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,800
- Employment: 402,540
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($174,010)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($171,430)
--- Madera, CA ($168,090)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
#5. Natural sciences managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $137,960
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 840
National
- Annual mean salary: $154,930
- Employment: 75,870
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($221,460)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($214,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($205,120)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
#4. Computer and information systems managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $142,630
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $161,730
- Employment: 457,290
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($235,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($212,480)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($201,320)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
#3. Architectural and engineering managers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $143,340
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,100
- Employment: 195,900
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($226,920)
--- Amarillo, TX ($199,940)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,610)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

#2. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $161,900
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
National
- Annual mean salary: $186,870
- Employment: 83,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($259,010)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($254,640)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($252,430)
- Job description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
#1. Chief executives
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Annual mean salary: $252,770
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 680
National
- Annual mean salary: $197,840
- Employment: 202,360
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($293,000)
--- Midland, TX ($269,360)
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($263,770)
- Job description: Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.