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Highest-paying jobs in Washington, D.C.
Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by average annual salary with information up to date as of May 2021.
In Washington, the annual mean wage is $80,480 or 38.1% higher than national mean of $58,260, while the highest-paying occupation makes $411,230. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
#50. Mathematicians
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $137,090
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,430
- Employment: 1,770
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($137,090)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,590)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($123,350)
- Annual mean salary: $137,090
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,430
- Employment: 1,770
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($137,090)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,590)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($123,350)
#49. Economists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $137,320
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,830
- Employment: 15,640
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($162,870)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($161,320)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($156,360)
- Annual mean salary: $137,320
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,830
- Employment: 15,640
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($162,870)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($161,320)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($156,360)
#48. Physicists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $137,960
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,930
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,580
- Employment: 20,020
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($199,830)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($195,300)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($188,250)
- Annual mean salary: $137,960
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,930
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,580
- Employment: 20,020
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($199,830)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($195,300)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($188,250)
#47. Advertising and promotions managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $138,040
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,860
- Employment: 22,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($193,980)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($182,520)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($166,620)
- Annual mean salary: $138,040
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,860
- Employment: 22,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($193,980)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($182,520)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($166,620)
#46. Commercial pilots
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $138,770
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- 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: $138,770
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
#45. Personal financial advisors
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $139,260
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,740
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,960
- Employment: 263,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($172,780)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($161,010)
--- East Stroudsburg, PA ($158,790)
- Annual mean salary: $139,260
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,740
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,960
- Employment: 263,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($172,780)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($161,010)
--- East Stroudsburg, PA ($158,790)
#44. Optometrists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $140,020
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,440
- Employment: 38,720
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Wilmington, NC ($198,370)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($172,190)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($169,140)
- Annual mean salary: $140,020
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,440
- Employment: 38,720
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Wilmington, NC ($198,370)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($172,190)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($169,140)
#43. Medical and health services managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $140,860
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,410
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,840
- Employment: 436,770
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($162,110)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($157,340)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($156,370)
- Annual mean salary: $140,860
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,410
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,840
- Employment: 436,770
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($162,110)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($157,340)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($156,370)
#42. Computer hardware engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $140,970
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,230
- Employment: 73,750
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($161,580)
- Annual mean salary: $140,970
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,230
- Employment: 73,750
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,210)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($161,580)
#41. Computer network architects
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $142,040
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,650
- Employment: 168,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($152,900)
--- Rapid City, SD ($145,810)
- Annual mean salary: $142,040
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,650
- Employment: 168,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($152,900)
--- Rapid City, SD ($145,810)
#40. Industrial production managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $142,340
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 710
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,780
- Employment: 192,270
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($155,640)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($153,860)
--- Fort Collins, CO ($153,470)
- Annual mean salary: $142,340
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 710
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,780
- Employment: 192,270
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($155,640)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($153,860)
--- Fort Collins, CO ($153,470)
#39. Economics teachers, postsecondary
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $143,710
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $124,090
- Employment: 11,790
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($180,550)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($180,490)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($172,600)
- Annual mean salary: $143,710
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $124,090
- Employment: 11,790
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($180,550)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($180,490)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($172,600)
#38. Air traffic controllers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $144,560
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,340
National
- Annual mean salary: $127,920
- Employment: 21,230
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($158,210)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($154,180)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($153,770)
- Annual mean salary: $144,560
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,340
National
- Annual mean salary: $127,920
- Employment: 21,230
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($158,210)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($154,180)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($153,770)
#37. Training and development managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $144,600
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 900
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,800
- Employment: 35,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($180,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,270)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,410)
- Annual mean salary: $144,600
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 900
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,800
- Employment: 35,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($180,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,270)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,410)
#36. Aerospace engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $145,140
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,770
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,970
- Employment: 56,640
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($166,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,490)
--- Boulder, CO ($148,990)
- Annual mean salary: $145,140
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,770
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,970
- Employment: 56,640
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($166,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,490)
--- Boulder, CO ($148,990)
#35. Fundraising managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $146,820
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,000
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,400
- Employment: 23,190
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($175,610)
--- Syracuse, NY ($155,700)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($153,980)
- Annual mean salary: $146,820
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,000
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,400
- Employment: 23,190
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($175,610)
--- Syracuse, NY ($155,700)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($153,980)
#34. General and operations managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $148,580
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 84,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,250
- Employment: 2,984,920
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($165,340)
--- Trenton, NJ ($165,030)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($159,210)
- Annual mean salary: $148,580
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 84,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,250
- Employment: 2,984,920
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($165,340)
--- Trenton, NJ ($165,030)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($159,210)
#33. Law teachers, postsecondary
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $149,590
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $130,820
- Employment: 14,110
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($165,990)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($152,750)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($152,190)
- Annual mean salary: $149,590
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $130,820
- Employment: 14,110
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($165,990)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($152,750)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($152,190)
#32. Compensation and benefits managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $149,620
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
National
- Annual mean salary: $139,470
- Employment: 15,330
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($190,560)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($187,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,130)
- Annual mean salary: $149,620
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
National
- Annual mean salary: $139,470
- Employment: 15,330
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($190,560)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($187,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,130)
#31. Purchasing managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $152,040
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,200
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,590
- Employment: 69,310
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($181,030)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,010)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($174,760)
- Annual mean salary: $152,040
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,200
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,590
- Employment: 69,310
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($181,030)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($177,010)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($174,760)
#30. Sales engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $152,200
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,170
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,630
- Employment: 59,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salisbury, MD-DE ($169,330)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($158,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($158,320)
- Annual mean salary: $152,200
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,170
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,630
- Employment: 59,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salisbury, MD-DE ($169,330)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($158,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($158,320)
#29. Natural sciences managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $158,110
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,110
- Employment: 74,760
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($222,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($219,240)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($216,750)
- Annual mean salary: $158,110
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,110
- Employment: 74,760
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($222,360)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($219,240)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($216,750)
#28. Architectural and engineering managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $159,740
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,970
- Employment: 187,100
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($206,050)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,430)
- Annual mean salary: $159,740
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,970
- Employment: 187,100
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($206,050)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,430)
#27. Human resources managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $160,790
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,590
- Employment: 166,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($190,020)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,410)
- Annual mean salary: $160,790
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $136,590
- Employment: 166,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($190,020)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,410)
#26. Podiatrists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $161,090
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,380
- Employment: 8,840
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($231,930)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($219,920)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($205,040)
- Annual mean salary: $161,090
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,380
- Employment: 8,840
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($231,930)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($219,920)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($205,040)
#25. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $161,360
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,520
- Employment: 27,790
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($225,610)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($208,310)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($200,980)
- Annual mean salary: $161,360
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,520
- Employment: 27,790
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($225,610)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($208,310)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($200,980)
#24. Sales managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $163,320
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,220
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,390
- Employment: 453,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($198,960)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($196,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($182,820)
- Annual mean salary: $163,320
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,220
National
- Annual mean salary: $142,390
- Employment: 453,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($198,960)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($196,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($182,820)
#23. Marketing managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $172,240
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,440
- Employment: 278,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($210,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($198,870)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($191,310)
- Annual mean salary: $172,240
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,440
- Employment: 278,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($210,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($198,870)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($191,310)
#22. Financial managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $173,050
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 21,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,460
- Employment: 681,070
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($209,100)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($201,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($188,900)
- Annual mean salary: $173,050
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 21,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $153,460
- Employment: 681,070
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($209,100)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($201,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($188,900)
#21. Dentists, general
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $174,000
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,260
National
- Annual mean salary: $167,160
- Employment: 108,680
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Manchester, NH ($276,510)
--- Salinas, CA ($234,410)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($229,800)
- Annual mean salary: $174,000
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,260
National
- Annual mean salary: $167,160
- Employment: 108,680
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Manchester, NH ($276,510)
--- Salinas, CA ($234,410)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($229,800)
#20. Computer and information systems managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $177,460
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 17,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $162,930
- Employment: 485,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($211,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,800)
- Annual mean salary: $177,460
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 17,620
National
- Annual mean salary: $162,930
- Employment: 485,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($228,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($211,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,800)
#19. Public relations managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $182,890
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,310
National
- Annual mean salary: $138,000
- Employment: 59,850
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,410)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($182,890)
--- Boulder, CO ($174,250)
- Annual mean salary: $182,890
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,310
National
- Annual mean salary: $138,000
- Employment: 59,850
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,410)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($182,890)
--- Boulder, CO ($174,250)
#18. Pediatricians, general
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $185,400
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $198,420
- Employment: 33,620
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($298,760)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($298,320)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($291,940)
- Annual mean salary: $185,400
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $198,420
- Employment: 33,620
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($298,760)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($298,320)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($291,940)
#17. Lawyers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $186,610
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 44,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $148,030
- Employment: 681,010
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($231,200)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($191,460)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($186,610)
- Annual mean salary: $186,610
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 44,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $148,030
- Employment: 681,010
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($231,200)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($191,460)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($186,610)
#16. General internal medicine physicians
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $207,100
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $242,190
- Employment: 58,260
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($359,200)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($350,330)
--- Sumter, SC ($334,810)
- Annual mean salary: $207,100
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $242,190
- Employment: 58,260
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($359,200)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($350,330)
--- Sumter, SC ($334,810)
#15. Physicians, pathologists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $211,170
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $267,180
- Employment: 11,010
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lexington-Fayette, KY ($351,450)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($344,900)
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($341,360)
- Annual mean salary: $211,170
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $267,180
- Employment: 11,010
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lexington-Fayette, KY ($351,450)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($344,900)
--- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($341,360)
#14. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $214,320
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $198,190
- Employment: 81,310
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($255,250)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($243,380)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($242,540)
- Annual mean salary: $214,320
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $198,190
- Employment: 81,310
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($255,250)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($243,380)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($242,540)
#13. Psychiatrists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $223,720
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $249,760
- Employment: 25,520
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($360,840)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($360,740)
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($333,190)
- Annual mean salary: $223,720
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 630
National
- Annual mean salary: $249,760
- Employment: 25,520
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($360,840)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($360,740)
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($333,190)
#12. Nurse anesthetists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $237,860
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $202,470
- Employment: 43,950
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Springfield, IL ($298,890)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($283,550)
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($276,810)
- Annual mean salary: $237,860
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $202,470
- Employment: 43,950
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Springfield, IL ($298,890)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($283,550)
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($276,810)
#11. Chief executives
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $259,960
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,020
- Employment: 200,480
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($313,440)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($298,960)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($296,480)
- Annual mean salary: $259,960
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,020
- Employment: 200,480
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($313,440)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($298,960)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($296,480)
#10. Family medicine physicians
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $270,280
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $235,930
- Employment: 102,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Coeur d'Alene, ID ($336,820)
--- Fond du Lac, WI ($336,140)
--- Gainesville, GA ($330,930)
- Annual mean salary: $270,280
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $235,930
- Employment: 102,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Coeur d'Alene, ID ($336,820)
--- Fond du Lac, WI ($336,140)
--- Gainesville, GA ($330,930)
#9. Obstetricians and gynecologists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $271,450
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $296,210
- Employment: 21,570
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($377,980)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($375,200)
--- Modesto, CA ($362,780)
- Annual mean salary: $271,450
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $296,210
- Employment: 21,570
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($377,980)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($375,200)
--- Modesto, CA ($362,780)
#8. Radiologists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $303,720
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
National
- Annual mean salary: $301,720
- Employment: 29,530
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($370,570)
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($358,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($358,450)
- Annual mean salary: $303,720
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
National
- Annual mean salary: $301,720
- Employment: 29,530
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($370,570)
--- Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN ($358,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($358,450)
#7. Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $317,500
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
National
- Annual mean salary: $306,220
- Employment: 16,260
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($366,650)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($364,290)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($354,880)
- Annual mean salary: $317,500
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
National
- Annual mean salary: $306,220
- Employment: 16,260
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($366,650)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($364,290)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($354,880)
#6. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $318,610
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $311,460
- Employment: 5,330
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($338,150)
--- Lexington-Fayette, KY ($327,280)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($318,610)
- Annual mean salary: $318,610
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $311,460
- Employment: 5,330
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($338,150)
--- Lexington-Fayette, KY ($327,280)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($318,610)
#5. Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $325,990
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $270,090
- Employment: 11,610
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($356,830)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($355,740)
--- York-Hanover, PA ($344,470)
- Annual mean salary: $325,990
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $270,090
- Employment: 11,610
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($356,830)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($355,740)
--- York-Hanover, PA ($344,470)
#4. Emergency medicine physicians
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $343,850
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $310,640
- Employment: 36,180
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($368,310)
--- Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($357,650)
--- Richmond, VA ($357,130)
- Annual mean salary: $343,850
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $310,640
- Employment: 36,180
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($368,310)
--- Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($357,650)
--- Richmond, VA ($357,130)
#3. Neurologists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $346,670
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $267,660
- Employment: 7,120
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($350,140)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($348,500)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($346,670)
- Annual mean salary: $346,670
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $267,660
- Employment: 7,120
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($350,140)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($348,500)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($346,670)
#2. Orthodontists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $348,850
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $267,280
- Employment: 5,140
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($348,850)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($330,490)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($288,640)
- Annual mean salary: $348,850
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $267,280
- Employment: 5,140
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($348,850)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($330,490)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($288,640)
#1. Cardiologists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $411,230
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $353,970
- Employment: 18,610
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($411,230)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($365,880)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($363,270)
- Annual mean salary: $411,230
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $353,970
- Employment: 18,610
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($411,230)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($365,880)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($363,270)
