Highest-paying jobs in Pittsburgh that don't require a college degree
Written by:
October 21, 2021
Flamingo Images // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Pittsburgh that don't require a college degree
From the moment they first set foot on campus, today's high-school students are inundated with messages about the importance of receiving a college education. They hear it from their guidance counselors, teachers, parents, family members, neighbors, coaches—the list goes on and on. While graduation from a four-year college can certainly work wonders for students' future careers, it's not necessary for all fields—something admissions officers and guidance counselors sometimes fail to mention.
To find the highest-paying jobs that don't require a college degree, Stacker consulted the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook to compile a list of all jobs that don't require higher education. All professions that listed a high-school diploma, some college education (without a degree conferred), postsecondary non-degree award, or no formal education requirements for entry-level positions were considered. Jobs that didn't list any entry-level education requirement were excluded, as were job titles that grouped several positions together. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage. Job descriptions are from O*NET.
Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs in Pittsburgh that don’t require a college degree.
You may also like: 100 Highest paying jobs in America
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#50. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $60,910
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- Employment: 119,380
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($99,130)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($89,730)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,080)
- Job description: Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
- Annual mean salary: $60,910
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- Employment: 119,380
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($99,130)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($89,730)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,080)
- Job description: Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
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Bigflick // Shutterstock
#49. Correctional officers and jailers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $60,980
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,340
- Employment: 405,870
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bakersfield, CA ($85,850)
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($84,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($83,050)
- Job description: Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
- Annual mean salary: $60,980
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,340
- Employment: 405,870
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bakersfield, CA ($85,850)
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($84,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($83,050)
- Job description: Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
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#48. Plasterers and stucco masons
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $61,860
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,100
- Employment: 25,210
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($90,070)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($81,540)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($80,800)
- Job description: Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
- Annual mean salary: $61,860
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,100
- Employment: 25,210
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($90,070)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($81,540)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($80,800)
- Job description: Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.
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#47. Insurance sales agents
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- #175 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,720
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,540)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($105,840)
--- Fond du Lac, WI ($105,190)
- Job description: Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- #175 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,720
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,540)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($105,840)
--- Fond du Lac, WI ($105,190)
- Job description: Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.
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#46. Tax preparers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $62,920
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 590
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,710
- Employment: 62,600
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($99,160)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($80,580)
--- Anchorage, AK ($78,470)
- Job description: Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
- Annual mean salary: $62,920
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 590
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,710
- Employment: 62,600
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($99,160)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($80,580)
--- Anchorage, AK ($78,470)
- Job description: Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
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#45. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $63,690
- #201 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,410
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,980)
--- Waterbury, CT ($92,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,750)
- Job description: Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.
- Annual mean salary: $63,690
- #201 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,410
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,980)
--- Waterbury, CT ($92,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,750)
- Job description: Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.
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#44. Tank car, truck, and ship loaders
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $63,710
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,670
- Employment: 12,610
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($63,710)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($62,180)
--- Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($57,170)
- Job description: Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.
- Annual mean salary: $63,710
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,670
- Employment: 12,610
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($63,710)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($62,180)
--- Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($57,170)
- Job description: Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.
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#43. Structural iron and steel workers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $64,110
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,360)
--- Rockford, IL ($90,160)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,740)
- Job description: Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
- Annual mean salary: $64,110
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,650
- Employment: 71,490
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,360)
--- Rockford, IL ($90,160)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,740)
- Job description: Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.
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Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#42. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $64,960
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,980
- Employment: 190,510
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,280)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($92,920)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($87,940)
- Job description: Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
- Annual mean salary: $64,960
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,980
- Employment: 190,510
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,280)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($92,920)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($87,940)
- Job description: Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
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#41. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $65,320
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,100)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($94,280)
--- Kankakee, IL ($93,420)
- Job description: Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
- Annual mean salary: $65,320
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,100)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($94,280)
--- Kankakee, IL ($93,420)
- Job description: Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
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#40. Traffic technicians
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $65,580
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,140
- Employment: 7,430
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,490)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($76,870)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($65,580)
- Job description: Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.
- Annual mean salary: $65,580
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,140
- Employment: 7,430
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,490)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($76,870)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($65,580)
- Job description: Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.
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#39. Electricians
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $65,610
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,380
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,680)
--- Trenton, NJ ($90,210)
--- Kankakee, IL ($88,530)
- Job description: Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
- Annual mean salary: $65,610
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,380
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,680)
--- Trenton, NJ ($90,210)
--- Kankakee, IL ($88,530)
- Job description: Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
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#38. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $65,720
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,540
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($101,930)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($100,590)
--- Longview, WA ($99,590)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.
- Annual mean salary: $65,720
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,540
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($101,930)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($100,590)
--- Longview, WA ($99,590)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.
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Canva
#37. Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $66,900
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,010
- Employment: 25,530
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,330)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($95,140)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($85,480)
- Job description: Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
- Annual mean salary: $66,900
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,010
- Employment: 25,530
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,330)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($95,140)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($85,480)
- Job description: Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
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#36. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $67,180
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,040
- Employment: 128,300
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($95,680)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,710)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($87,830)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Annual mean salary: $67,180
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,040
- Employment: 128,300
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($95,680)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,710)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($87,830)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
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#34 (tie). Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $67,380
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($115,620)
--- Lawrence, KS ($97,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($94,870)
- Job description: Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
- Annual mean salary: $67,380
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,120
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($115,620)
--- Lawrence, KS ($97,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($94,870)
- Job description: Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
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curraheeshutter // Shutterstock
#34 (tie). Ship engineers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $67,380
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,110
- Employment: 7,480
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($100,170)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($95,620)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,380)
- Job description: Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
- Annual mean salary: $67,380
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,110
- Employment: 7,480
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($100,170)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($95,620)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,380)
- Job description: Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
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#33. Fire inspectors and investigators
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $67,590
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,680
- Employment: 14,010
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($123,610)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($102,370)
- Job description: Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
- Annual mean salary: $67,590
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,680
- Employment: 14,010
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,790)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($123,610)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($102,370)
- Job description: Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
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#32. Transportation inspectors
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $68,580
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,320
- Employment: 27,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($119,270)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($117,900)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($104,370)
- Job description: Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
- Annual mean salary: $68,580
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,320
- Employment: 27,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($119,270)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($117,900)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($104,370)
- Job description: Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
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#31. Cement masons and concrete finishers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $68,670
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,390
- Employment: 195,580
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($86,370)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($81,730)
--- Rockford, IL ($78,320)
- Job description: Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.
- Annual mean salary: $68,670
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,390
- Employment: 195,580
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($86,370)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($81,730)
--- Rockford, IL ($78,320)
- Job description: Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.
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#30. Gas plant operators
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $68,870
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,290
- Employment: 14,990
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($98,230)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($97,370)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($92,160)
- Job description: Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
- Annual mean salary: $68,870
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,290
- Employment: 14,990
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($98,230)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($97,370)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($92,160)
- Job description: Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
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#29. Millwrights
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $68,990
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,080
- Employment: 44,400
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,190)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($90,570)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,090)
- Job description: Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
- Annual mean salary: $68,990
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,080
- Employment: 44,400
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,190)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($90,570)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,090)
- Job description: Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
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Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#28. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $69,030
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,610
- Employment: 40,480
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($96,510)
--- Billings, MT ($95,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,800)
- Job description: Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
- Annual mean salary: $69,030
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,610
- Employment: 40,480
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($96,510)
--- Billings, MT ($95,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,800)
- Job description: Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
24 / 50
Canva
#27. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $69,240
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,770
- Employment: 3,800
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($77,930)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($77,520)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($72,560)
- Job description: Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
- Annual mean salary: $69,240
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,770
- Employment: 3,800
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($77,930)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($77,520)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($72,560)
- Job description: Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
25 / 50
DenisKlimov // Shutterstock
#26. Aircraft cargo handling supervisors
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $69,570
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,620
- Employment: 10,020
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($83,080)
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($77,290)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($71,970)
- Job description: Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.
- Annual mean salary: $69,570
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,620
- Employment: 10,020
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($83,080)
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($77,290)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($71,970)
- Job description: Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.
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Canva
#25. Pipelayers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $69,780
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,060
- Employment: 33,950
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($77,880)
--- Eugene, OR ($76,240)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($72,600)
- Job description: Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.
- Annual mean salary: $69,780
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $45,060
- Employment: 33,950
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($77,880)
--- Eugene, OR ($76,240)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($72,600)
- Job description: Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.
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sculpies // Shutterstock
#24. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $71,130
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,320
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,870)
--- Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($103,930)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($100,620)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
- Annual mean salary: $71,130
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,320
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,870)
--- Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($103,930)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($100,620)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.
28 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#23. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $71,820
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($95,240)
--- Madison, WI ($90,020)
--- Salinas, CA ($87,650)
- Job description: Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
- Annual mean salary: $71,820
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($95,240)
--- Madison, WI ($90,020)
--- Salinas, CA ($87,650)
- Job description: Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
29 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#22. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $72,360
- #112 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Danbury, CT ($112,810)
--- Napa, CA ($101,850)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($93,680)
- Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
- Annual mean salary: $72,360
- #112 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Danbury, CT ($112,810)
--- Napa, CA ($101,850)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($93,680)
- Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
30 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#21. Food service managers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $72,650
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 890
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,610)
--- Trenton, NJ ($95,640)
--- Waterbury, CT ($88,100)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
- Annual mean salary: $72,650
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 890
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,610)
--- Trenton, NJ ($95,640)
--- Waterbury, CT ($88,100)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
31 / 50
Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock
#20. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $73,550
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,740
- Employment: 27,590
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($122,730)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($111,530)
--- Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($111,140)
- Job description: Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
- Annual mean salary: $73,550
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,740
- Employment: 27,590
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($122,730)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($111,530)
--- Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($111,140)
- Job description: Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
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Canva
#19. Chemical plant and system operators
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $74,000
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,460
- Employment: 29,710
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Corpus Christi, TX ($86,970)
--- Lima, OH ($84,710)
--- Charleston, WV ($76,830)
- Job description: Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
- Annual mean salary: $74,000
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,460
- Employment: 29,710
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Corpus Christi, TX ($86,970)
--- Lima, OH ($84,710)
--- Charleston, WV ($76,830)
- Job description: Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
33 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#18. Real estate sales agents
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $74,130
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,670
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($106,280)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($101,300)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($98,580)
- Job description: Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
- Annual mean salary: $74,130
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,670
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($106,280)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($101,300)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($98,580)
- Job description: Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
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4 PM production // Shutterstock
#17. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $74,570
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,850
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($95,680)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,140)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,810)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
- Annual mean salary: $74,570
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,850
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($95,680)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,140)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,810)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
35 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#16. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $75,200
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,170
- Employment: 69,000
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($187,890)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($181,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,050)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
- Annual mean salary: $75,200
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,170
- Employment: 69,000
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($187,890)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($181,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,050)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
36 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#15. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $75,830
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,760
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,860
- Employment: 122,480
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($93,060)
--- Salinas, CA ($91,790)
--- Champaign-Urbana, IL ($89,000)
- Job description: Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
- Annual mean salary: $75,830
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,760
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,860
- Employment: 122,480
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($93,060)
--- Salinas, CA ($91,790)
--- Champaign-Urbana, IL ($89,000)
- Job description: Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
37 / 50
Canva
#14. Boilermakers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $75,910
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,430
- Employment: 14,020
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,050)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($87,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,050)
- Job description: Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.
- Annual mean salary: $75,910
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,430
- Employment: 14,020
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,050)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($87,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,050)
- Job description: Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.
38 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#13. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $78,510
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,150
- Employment: 23,070
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($113,410)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($111,660)
--- Anchorage, AK ($111,470)
- Job description: Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
- Annual mean salary: $78,510
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,150
- Employment: 23,070
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($113,410)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($111,660)
--- Anchorage, AK ($111,470)
- Job description: Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
39 / 50
Canva
#12. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $78,560
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,200
- Employment: 24,730
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($109,710)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,080)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($101,990)
- Job description: Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
- Annual mean salary: $78,560
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,200
- Employment: 24,730
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($109,710)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,080)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($101,990)
- Job description: Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
40 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#11. Power plant operators
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $79,310
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,420)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,830)
--- Redding, CA ($106,030)
- Job description: Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
- Annual mean salary: $79,310
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,420)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,830)
--- Redding, CA ($106,030)
- Job description: Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
41 / 50
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
#10. Power distributors and dispatchers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $80,220
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- Employment: 9,940
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($141,200)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($126,870)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,200)
- Job description: Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
- Annual mean salary: $80,220
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- Employment: 9,940
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($141,200)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($126,870)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,200)
- Job description: Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
42 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#9. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $80,770
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($114,820)
--- Redding, CA ($112,850)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($111,810)
- Job description: Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
- Annual mean salary: $80,770
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($114,820)
--- Redding, CA ($112,850)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($111,810)
- Job description: Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
43 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#8. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $83,890
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,660
- Employment: 13,880
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,130)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($95,920)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($92,630)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.
- Annual mean salary: $83,890
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,660
- Employment: 13,880
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,130)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($95,920)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($92,630)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.
44 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#7. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $88,930
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($115,020)
--- Trenton, NJ ($113,630)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,070)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
- Annual mean salary: $88,930
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($115,020)
--- Trenton, NJ ($113,630)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,070)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
45 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#6. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $91,270
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,260
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($124,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($122,460)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($119,130)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
- Annual mean salary: $91,270
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,260
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($124,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($122,460)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($119,130)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
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Prath // Shutterstock
#5. Detectives and criminal investigators
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $93,500
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,380)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,090)
--- Anchorage, AK ($126,530)
- Job description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
- Annual mean salary: $93,500
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,380)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,090)
--- Anchorage, AK ($126,530)
- Job description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
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Canva
#4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $93,600
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 670
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($200,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,810)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($182,720)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
- Annual mean salary: $93,600
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 670
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($200,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,810)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($182,720)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
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Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#3. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $95,360
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,280
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($117,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,800)
--- Boulder, CO ($107,230)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
- Annual mean salary: $95,360
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,280
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($117,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,800)
--- Boulder, CO ($107,230)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
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Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $100,140
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 810
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,680)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($136,410)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
- Annual mean salary: $100,140
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 810
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,680)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($136,410)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
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Skycolors // Shutterstock
#1. Commercial pilots
Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual mean salary: $104,020
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($153,990)
--- Medford, OR ($152,730)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,290)
- Job description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
- Annual mean salary: $104,020
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($153,990)
--- Medford, OR ($152,730)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,290)
- Job description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
