Highest-paying jobs in Charleston, South Carolina that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
Prath // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Charleston, South Carolina that don't require a college degree
From the moment they arrive 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, and coaches. 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 nondegree 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 2021 annual mean wage.
Keep reading to discover the highest paying jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC that don’t require a college degree.
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Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#50. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $50,830
- #338 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,350
- Employment: 417,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,580)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,500)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($89,190)
- Annual mean salary: $50,830
- #338 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,350
- Employment: 417,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,580)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,500)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($89,190)
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Unsplash
#49. Structural iron and steel workers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $51,260
- #110 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,270
- Employment: 68,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($83,340)
- Annual mean salary: $51,260
- #110 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,270
- Employment: 68,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,020)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($88,250)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($83,340)
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goodluz // Shutterstock
#48. Real estate sales agents
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $51,530
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,480
- Employment: 175,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
- Annual mean salary: $51,530
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,480
- Employment: 175,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
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Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#47. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $52,250
- #367 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,350
- Employment: 172,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($88,140)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($84,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,570)
- Annual mean salary: $52,250
- #367 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,350
- Employment: 172,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($88,140)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($84,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,570)
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SritanaN // Shutterstock
#46. Industrial machinery mechanics
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $52,730
- #405 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,780
- Employment: 373,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
- Annual mean salary: $52,730
- #405 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,780
- Employment: 373,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
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Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#45. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $52,840
- #192 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- Employment: 101,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
- Annual mean salary: $52,840
- #192 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- Employment: 101,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
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Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#44. Postal service mail carriers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $53,650
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 760
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,370
- Employment: 335,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
- Annual mean salary: $53,650
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 760
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,370
- Employment: 335,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
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Canva
#43. Construction and building inspectors
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $53,880
- #324 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,480
- Employment: 117,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Haven, CT ($121,510)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,190)
- Annual mean salary: $53,880
- #324 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,480
- Employment: 117,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Haven, CT ($121,510)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,190)
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GolF2532 // Shutterstock
#42. Security and fire alarm systems installers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $53,940
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,170
- Employment: 77,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eugene, OR ($70,940)
--- Salem, OR ($68,640)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($68,520)
- Annual mean salary: $53,940
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,170
- Employment: 77,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eugene, OR ($70,940)
--- Salem, OR ($68,640)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($68,520)
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ALPA PROD // Shutterstock
#41. Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $54,200
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,520
- Employment: 59,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($54,200)
--- Spartanburg, SC ($51,910)
--- Albany, OR ($50,620)
- Annual mean salary: $54,200
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,520
- Employment: 59,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($54,200)
--- Spartanburg, SC ($51,910)
--- Albany, OR ($50,620)
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Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#40. Computer user support specialists
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $54,580
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,650
- Employment: 654,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,920)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,510)
- Annual mean salary: $54,580
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,650
- Employment: 654,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,920)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,510)
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Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#39. Chemical equipment operators and tenders
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,210
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,450
- Employment: 106,170
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Billings, MT ($88,420)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($76,050)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($71,340)
- Annual mean salary: $55,210
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,450
- Employment: 106,170
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Billings, MT ($88,420)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($76,050)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($71,340)
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#38. Advertising sales agents
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- #139 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,540
- Employment: 96,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($97,840)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($83,050)
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- #139 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,540
- Employment: 96,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($97,840)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($83,050)
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rlat // Shutterstock
#37. Postal service clerks
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,440
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 79,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
- Annual mean salary: $55,440
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 79,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
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G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#36. Production, planning, and expediting clerks
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,490
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 780
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,220
- Employment: 367,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($67,140)
- Annual mean salary: $55,490
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 780
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,220
- Employment: 367,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($67,140)
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Roman023_photography // Shutterstock
#35. Riggers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,930
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,100
- Employment: 17,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($89,080)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,310)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($73,160)
- Annual mean salary: $55,930
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,100
- Employment: 17,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($89,080)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,310)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($73,160)
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Jat306 // Shutterstock
#34. Millwrights
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $56,100
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,260
- Employment: 39,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($91,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,580)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($80,780)
- Annual mean salary: $56,100
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,260
- Employment: 39,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($91,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,580)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($80,780)
18 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#33. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $58,420
- #214 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 930
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,870
- Employment: 466,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
- Annual mean salary: $58,420
- #214 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 930
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,870
- Employment: 466,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
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welcomia // Shutterstock
#32. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $58,430
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,280
- Employment: 145,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
- Annual mean salary: $58,430
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,280
- Employment: 145,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
20 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#31. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $59,230
- #194 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,670
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- Employment: 1,443,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,050)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,520)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,430)
- Annual mean salary: $59,230
- #194 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,670
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- Employment: 1,443,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,050)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,520)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,430)
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21 / 50
Pxhere
#30. Maintenance workers, machinery
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $59,560
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,570
- Employment: 57,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
--- Cedar Rapids, IA ($70,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,980)
- Annual mean salary: $59,560
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,570
- Employment: 57,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
--- Cedar Rapids, IA ($70,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,980)
22 / 50
Marcin Wichary // Wikicommons
#29. Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $59,780
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,030
- Employment: 67,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($59,780)
--- Syracuse, NY ($51,600)
--- Albany, OR ($50,470)
- Annual mean salary: $59,780
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,030
- Employment: 67,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($59,780)
--- Syracuse, NY ($51,600)
--- Albany, OR ($50,470)
23 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#28. Food service managers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $61,470
- #177 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,970
- Employment: 210,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
- Annual mean salary: $61,470
- #177 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,970
- Employment: 210,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
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Canva
#27. Tool and die makers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $61,540
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,150
- Employment: 63,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,920)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($72,510)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($71,910)
- Annual mean salary: $61,540
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,150
- Employment: 63,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,920)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($72,510)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($71,910)
25 / 50
Canva
#26. Chemical plant and system operators
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $63,080
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,020
- Employment: 21,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lima, OH ($92,450)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($91,210)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($90,170)
- Annual mean salary: $63,080
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,020
- Employment: 21,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lima, OH ($92,450)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($91,210)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($90,170)
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26 / 50
ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#25. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $64,490
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,230
- Employment: 50,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($87,890)
--- Fresno, CA ($86,230)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,640)
- Annual mean salary: $64,490
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,230
- Employment: 50,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($87,890)
--- Fresno, CA ($86,230)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,640)
27 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#24. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $64,580
- #347 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,060
- Employment: 123,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,490)
- Annual mean salary: $64,580
- #347 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,060
- Employment: 123,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,490)
28 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#23. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $65,180
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Employment: 1,026,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
- Annual mean salary: $65,180
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Employment: 1,026,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
29 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#22. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $65,780
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,470
- Employment: 125,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,470)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($86,370)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,860)
- Annual mean salary: $65,780
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,470
- Employment: 125,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,470)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($86,370)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,860)
30 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#21. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $65,910
- #282 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,390
- Employment: 1,242,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,280)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($92,660)
--- Napa, CA ($92,620)
- Annual mean salary: $65,910
- #282 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,390
- Employment: 1,242,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,280)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($92,660)
--- Napa, CA ($92,620)
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31 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#20. Lodging managers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $66,450
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,770
- Employment: 35,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
- Annual mean salary: $66,450
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,770
- Employment: 35,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
32 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#19. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $66,950
- #343 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,590
- Employment: 526,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,830)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,870)
- Annual mean salary: $66,950
- #343 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,590
- Employment: 526,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,830)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,870)
33 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#18. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $67,300
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,270
- Employment: 80,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($171,060)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($145,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,860)
- Annual mean salary: $67,300
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,270
- Employment: 80,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($171,060)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($145,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,860)
34 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#17. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $68,070
- #258 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,000
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,060
- Employment: 665,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,020)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($101,210)
- Annual mean salary: $68,070
- #258 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,000
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,060
- Employment: 665,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,020)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($101,210)
35 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#16. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $68,760
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,750
- Employment: 54,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($114,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,220)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($112,950)
- Annual mean salary: $68,760
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,750
- Employment: 54,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($114,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,220)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($112,950)
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36 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#15. Insurance sales agents
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- #118 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,340
- Employment: 422,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- #118 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,340
- Employment: 422,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
37 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#14. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $70,500
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,030
- Employment: 234,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,610)
- Annual mean salary: $70,500
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,030
- Employment: 234,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,610)
38 / 50
Unsplash
#13. Crane and tower operators
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $70,830
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 43,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
- Annual mean salary: $70,830
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 43,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
39 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#12. Power plant operators
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $71,830
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
- Annual mean salary: $71,830
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
40 / 50
Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock
#11. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $71,970
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 710
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,330
- Employment: 33,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,420)
--- Anchorage, AK ($118,620)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($110,750)
- Annual mean salary: $71,970
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 710
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,330
- Employment: 33,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,420)
--- Anchorage, AK ($118,620)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($110,750)
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41 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#10. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $72,770
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,710
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,330
- Employment: 629,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($90,410)
- Annual mean salary: $72,770
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,710
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,330
- Employment: 629,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($90,410)
42 / 50
Pxhere
#9. Metal-refining furnace operators and tenders
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $73,990
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,440
- Employment: 15,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($73,990)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($61,150)
--- Duluth, MN-WI ($58,790)
- Annual mean salary: $73,990
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,440
- Employment: 15,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($73,990)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($61,150)
--- Duluth, MN-WI ($58,790)
43 / 50
Canva
#8. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $77,650
- #293 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,760
- Employment: 128,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($182,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($170,740)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($164,600)
- Annual mean salary: $77,650
- #293 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,760
- Employment: 128,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($182,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($170,740)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($164,600)
44 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#7. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $78,110
- #256 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,320
- Employment: 243,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($129,860)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($121,360)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($121,250)
- Annual mean salary: $78,110
- #256 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,320
- Employment: 243,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($129,860)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($121,360)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($121,250)
45 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#6. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $85,530
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- Employment: 278,140
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Salinas, CA ($90,800)
- Annual mean salary: $85,530
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- Employment: 278,140
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Salinas, CA ($90,800)
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46 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#5. Detectives and criminal investigators
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $89,450
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,370
- Employment: 107,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($132,210)
--- Anchorage, AK ($127,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($123,460)
- Annual mean salary: $89,450
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,370
- Employment: 107,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($132,210)
--- Anchorage, AK ($127,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($123,460)
47 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#4. Commercial pilots
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $90,950
- #141 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
- Annual mean salary: $90,950
- #141 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
48 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#3. Real estate brokers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $95,220
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,490
- Employment: 48,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($152,460)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($133,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,320)
- Annual mean salary: $95,220
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,490
- Employment: 48,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($152,460)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($133,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,320)
49 / 50
curraheeshutter // Shutterstock
#2. Ship engineers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $96,670
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,910
- Employment: 7,650
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lafayette, LA ($108,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($100,970)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($99,670)
- Annual mean salary: $96,670
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,910
- Employment: 7,650
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lafayette, LA ($108,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($100,970)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($99,670)
50 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Annual mean salary: $106,690
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,580
- Employment: 144,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
- Annual mean salary: $106,690
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,580
- Employment: 144,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
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