Highest-paying jobs in Columbia that don't require a college degree
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June 13, 2022
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Highest-paying jobs in Columbia 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 Columbia, SC that don’t require a college degree.
You may also like: Highest paying jobs in Columbia for high school graduates
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G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#50. Production, planning, and expediting clerks
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $50,030
- #230 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 680
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: $50,030
- #230 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 680
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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Canva
#49. Automotive body and related repairers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $50,120
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,660
- Employment: 137,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($71,350)
--- Ames, IA ($68,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,060)
- Annual mean salary: $50,120
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,660
- Employment: 137,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($71,350)
--- Ames, IA ($68,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,060)
3 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#48. Advertising sales agents
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $50,140
- #209 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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: $50,140
- #209 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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)
4 / 50
Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#47. Chemical equipment operators and tenders
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $50,240
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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: $50,240
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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)
5 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#46. Electricians
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $50,340
- #387 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- Employment: 650,580
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,090)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($86,600)
- Annual mean salary: $50,340
- #387 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- Employment: 650,580
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,090)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($86,600)
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Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#45. Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $50,780
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,390
- Employment: 51,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,460)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($73,070)
- Annual mean salary: $50,780
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,390
- Employment: 51,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,460)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($73,070)
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goodluz // Shutterstock
#43 (tie). Real estate sales agents
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $51,000
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 880
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: $51,000
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 880
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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Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#43 (tie). Computer user support specialists
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $51,000
- #268 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,900
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: $51,000
- #268 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,900
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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Jat306 // Shutterstock
#42. Millwrights
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $51,680
- #157 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $51,680
- #157 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
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welcomia // Shutterstock
#41. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $51,920
- #308 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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: $51,920
- #308 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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)
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Unsplash
#40. Choreographers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $52,530
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,630
- Employment: 3,990
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($94,910)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($79,760)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($63,250)
- Annual mean salary: $52,530
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,630
- Employment: 3,990
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($94,910)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($79,760)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($63,250)
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Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#39. Postal service mail carriers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $52,970
- #366 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 900
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: $52,970
- #366 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 900
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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rlat // Shutterstock
#38. Postal service clerks
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $53,850
- #147 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: $53,850
- #147 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)
14 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#37. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $54,000
- #439 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,380
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: $54,000
- #439 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,380
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)
15 / 50
Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#36. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $54,030
- #329 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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: $54,030
- #329 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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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Peter Braakmann // Shutterstock
#35. First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $54,070
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,450
- Employment: 25,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Longview, WA ($74,500)
--- Redding, CA ($72,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($71,740)
- Annual mean salary: $54,070
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,450
- Employment: 25,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Longview, WA ($74,500)
--- Redding, CA ($72,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($71,740)
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Canva
#34. Tool and die makers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $55,480
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $55,480
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
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Canva
#33. Chemical plant and system operators
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $56,190
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $56,190
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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)
19 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#32. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $56,260
- #220 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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: $56,260
- #220 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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)
20 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#31. Food service managers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $56,320
- #326 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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: $56,320
- #326 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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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21 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#30. Industrial machinery mechanics
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $57,090
- #245 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,060
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: $57,090
- #245 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,060
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)
22 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#29. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $57,200
- #256 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 910
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: $57,200
- #256 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 910
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)
23 / 50
ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#28. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $57,310
- #197 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
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: $57,310
- #197 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
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)
24 / 50
Unsplash
#27. Crane and tower operators
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $58,130
- #104 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $58,130
- #104 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
25 / 50
Pxhere
#26. Maintenance workers, machinery
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $58,430
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
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: $58,430
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
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)
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26 / 50
Canva
#25. Construction and building inspectors
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $58,820
- #217 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
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: $58,820
- #217 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
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)
27 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#24. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $59,540
- #185 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,240
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: $59,540
- #185 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,240
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)
28 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#23. Lodging managers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $61,140
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $61,140
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
29 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#22. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $62,570
- #109 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $62,570
- #109 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
30 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#21. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $63,200
- #360 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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: $63,200
- #360 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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)
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31 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#20. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $63,780
- #377 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,690
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: $63,780
- #377 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,690
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)
32 / 50
Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock
#19. Gas plant operators
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $64,310
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- Employment: 15,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($98,750)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($97,080)
- Annual mean salary: $64,310
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- Employment: 15,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($98,750)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($97,080)
33 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#18. Insurance sales agents
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $64,420
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,610
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: $64,420
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,610
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)
34 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#17. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $65,060
- #404 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
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: $65,060
- #404 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
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)
35 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#16. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $65,290
- #276 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 930
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: $65,290
- #276 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 930
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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36 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#15. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $65,690
- #291 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,990
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: $65,690
- #291 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,990
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)
37 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#14. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $66,840
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,840
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: $66,840
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,840
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)
38 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#13. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $67,470
- #109 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,640
- Employment: 22,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,210)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,510)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($114,280)
- Annual mean salary: $67,470
- #109 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,640
- Employment: 22,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,210)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,510)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($114,280)
39 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#12. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $67,500
- #123 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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: $67,500
- #123 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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)
40 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#11. Detectives and criminal investigators
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $67,710
- #257 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
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: $67,710
- #257 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
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)
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41 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#10. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $67,720
- #221 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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: $67,720
- #221 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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)
42 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#9. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $72,900
- #356 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
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: $72,900
- #356 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
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)
43 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#8. Power plant operators
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $74,080
- #114 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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: $74,080
- #114 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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)
44 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#7. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $74,580
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,310
- Employment: 44,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
- Annual mean salary: $74,580
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,310
- Employment: 44,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
45 / 50
Canva
#6. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $74,600
- #321 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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: $74,600
- #321 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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)
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46 / 50
Canva
#5. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $75,970
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,320
- Employment: 22,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
- Annual mean salary: $75,970
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,320
- Employment: 22,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
47 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#4. Commercial pilots
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $77,940
- #178 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $77,940
- #178 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $88,600
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $88,600
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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
Canva
#2. Transportation inspectors
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $102,010
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,620
- Employment: 25,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($112,260)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,930)
--- Anchorage, AK ($108,140)
- Annual mean salary: $102,010
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,620
- Employment: 25,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($112,260)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,930)
--- Anchorage, AK ($108,140)
50 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Columbia, SC
- Annual mean salary: $103,580
- #107 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
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: $103,580
- #107 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
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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