Highest-paying jobs in Columbus that don't require a college degree

From the moment they first set foot on campus, today's high-school students are inundated with messages about the importance of receiving a college education. They hear it from their guidance counselors, teachers, parents, family members, neighbors, coaches—the list goes on and on. While graduation from a four-year college can certainly work wonders for students' future careers, it's not necessary for all fields—something admissions officers and guidance counselors sometimes fail to mention.

To find the highest-paying jobs that don't require a college degree, Stacker consulted the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook to compile a list of all jobs that don't require higher education. All professions that listed a high-school diploma, some college education (without a degree conferred), postsecondary non-degree award, or no formal education requirements for entry-level positions were considered. Jobs that didn't list any entry-level education requirement were excluded, as were job titles that grouped several positions together. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage. Job descriptions are from O*NET.

Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs in Columbus that don't require a college degree.

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1 / 50

#50. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $41,090
- #342 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 790

National
- Annual mean salary: $50,090
- Employment: 676,440
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,950)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($74,820)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($74,520)
- Job description: Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

2 / 50

#49. Production, planning, and expediting clerks

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $41,940
- #339 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170

National
- Annual mean salary: $52,000
- Employment: 362,090
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($69,410)
--- Pine Bluff, AR ($68,850)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($66,920)
- Job description: Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.

3 / 50

#48. Security guards

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $42,270
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,100

National
- Annual mean salary: $34,360
- Employment: 1,054,400
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($66,030)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($61,090)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($51,850)
- Job description: Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

4 / 50

#47. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $42,360
- #313 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,040

National
- Annual mean salary: $48,710
- Employment: 1,797,710
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($65,170)
--- Danville, IL ($63,230)
--- Lewiston, ID-WA ($62,250)
- Job description: Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.

5 / 50

#46. Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $42,680
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170

National
- Annual mean salary: $32,740
- Employment: 302,410
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($50,580)
--- New Bedford, MA ($48,390)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($47,470)
- Job description: Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

6 / 50

#45. Security and fire alarm systems installers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $42,970
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120

National
- Annual mean salary: $52,150
- Employment: 68,920
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($71,820)
--- Anchorage, AK ($68,510)
--- Rockford, IL ($65,040)
- Job description: Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

7 / 50

#44. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $43,110
- #197 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340

National
- Annual mean salary: $44,580
- Employment: 549,200
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Odessa, TX ($85,040)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($80,520)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($67,990)
- Job description: Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.

8 / 50

#43. First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $43,450
- #271 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 970

National
- Annual mean salary: $47,300
- Employment: 1,063,110
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($62,180)
--- Yakima, WA ($61,710)
--- Sheboygan, WI ($61,610)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

9 / 50

#42. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $43,730
- #251 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130

National
- Annual mean salary: $51,890
- Employment: 119,380
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($99,130)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($89,730)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,080)
- Job description: Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

10 / 50

#41. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $44,230
- #308 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140

National
- Annual mean salary: $52,090
- Employment: 253,010
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,320)
--- New Bedford, MA ($75,110)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,460)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

11 / 50

#40. Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $44,540
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80

National
- Annual mean salary: $40,960
- Employment: 116,190
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Shreveport-Bossier City, LA ($64,900)
--- Rockford, IL ($55,380)
--- Pine Bluff, AR ($55,330)
- Job description: Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.

12 / 50

#39. Chefs and head cooks

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $44,970
- #218 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available

National
- Annual mean salary: $58,740
- Employment: 101,490
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($98,210)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($90,840)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($86,460)
- Job description: Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

13 / 50

#38. First-line supervisors of correctional officers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $45,140
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90

National
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($115,020)
--- Trenton, NJ ($113,630)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,070)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

14 / 50

#36 (tie). Property, real estate, and community association managers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $45,500
- #266 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230

National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($117,770)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,800)
--- Boulder, CO ($107,230)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).

15 / 50

#36 (tie). Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $45,500
- #309 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260

National
- Annual mean salary: $61,100
- Employment: 417,440
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,100)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($94,280)
--- Kankakee, IL ($93,420)
- Job description: Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

16 / 50

#35. Automotive body and related repairers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $45,790
- #208 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100

National
- Annual mean salary: $49,430
- Employment: 137,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($81,730)
--- Midland, TX ($76,760)
--- Raleigh, NC ($75,460)
- Job description: Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

17 / 50

#34. Electricians

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $45,930
- #331 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350

National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,680)
--- Trenton, NJ ($90,210)
--- Kankakee, IL ($88,530)
- Job description: Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

18 / 50

#33. Telecommunications line installers and repairers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $47,360
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40

National
- Annual mean salary: $61,860
- Employment: 122,480
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($93,060)
--- Salinas, CA ($91,790)
--- Champaign-Urbana, IL ($89,000)
- Job description: Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.

19 / 50

#32. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $48,410
- #368 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,220

National
- Annual mean salary: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($78,770)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($77,030)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($75,820)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

20 / 50

#31. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $48,730
- #263 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200

National
- Annual mean salary: $57,000
- Employment: 147,680
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($84,460)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($81,920)
--- Bismarck, ND ($78,350)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.

21 / 50

#30. Millwrights

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $48,750
- #118 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60

National
- Annual mean salary: $59,080
- Employment: 44,400
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,190)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($90,570)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,090)
- Job description: Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

22 / 50

#29. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $48,910
- #177 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90

National
- Annual mean salary: $63,350
- Employment: 55,200
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($96,510)
--- Jackson, TN ($92,200)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,640)
- Job description: Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

23 / 50

#28. First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $49,010
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50

National
- Annual mean salary: $54,420
- Employment: 22,640
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($76,240)
--- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($75,500)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($75,140)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

24 / 50

#27. Sheet metal workers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $49,190
- #144 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70

National
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- Employment: 128,220
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($132,900)
--- Kankakee, IL ($91,140)
--- Olympia-Tumwater, WA ($87,030)
- Job description: Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.

25 / 50

#26. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $49,210
- #180 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50

National
- Annual mean salary: $69,040
- Employment: 128,300
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($95,680)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,710)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($87,830)
- Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

26 / 50

#25. Industrial machinery mechanics

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $49,230
- #321 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180

National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($84,180)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($84,150)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,580)
- Job description: Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

27 / 50

#24. Advertising sales agents

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $49,420
- #178 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60

National
- Annual mean salary: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($112,850)
--- Winston-Salem, NC ($104,930)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($92,370)
- Job description: Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

28 / 50

#23. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $50,000
- #190 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210

National
- Annual mean salary: $53,410
- Employment: 344,020
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($91,840)
--- Napa, CA ($82,650)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($76,440)
- Job description: Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

29 / 50

#22. Maintenance workers, machinery

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $50,450
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30

National
- Annual mean salary: $51,960
- Employment: 65,240
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Florence, SC ($80,250)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($78,290)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($69,070)
- Job description: Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

30 / 50

#21. Postal service mail carriers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $52,340
- #254 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300

National
- Annual mean salary: $53,180
- Employment: 333,570
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bismarck, ND ($56,520)
--- Burlington, NC ($55,750)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($55,680)
- Job description: Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot. Includes postal service mail carriers employed by USPS contractors.

31 / 50

#20. Insurance sales agents

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $52,950
- #276 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300

National
- Annual mean salary: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,540)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($105,840)
--- Fond du Lac, WI ($105,190)
- Job description: Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

32 / 50

#19. Postal service clerks

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $53,330
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60

National
- Annual mean salary: $51,200
- Employment: 86,950
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Monroe, MI ($58,120)
--- El Centro, CA ($58,000)
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($57,330)
- Job description: Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.

33 / 50

#18. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $54,730
- #213 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220

National
- Annual mean salary: $83,170
- Employment: 69,000
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($187,890)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($181,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,050)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

34 / 50

#17. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $55,660
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580

National
- Annual mean salary: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($115,620)
--- Lawrence, KS ($97,910)
--- Boulder, CO ($94,870)
- Job description: Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.

35 / 50

#16. Computer user support specialists

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $56,440
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available

National
- Annual mean salary: $57,000
- Employment: 634,820
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($86,350)
--- Napa, CA ($78,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,670)
- Job description: Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

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36 / 50

#15. Food service managers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $57,430
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90

National
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,610)
--- Trenton, NJ ($95,640)
--- Waterbury, CT ($88,100)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

37 / 50

#14. Audio and video technicians

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $58,000
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50

National
- Annual mean salary: $53,390
- Employment: 62,360
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($80,510)
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($77,990)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($73,960)
- Job description: Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

38 / 50

#13. Construction and building inspectors

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $58,100
- #172 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60

National
- Annual mean salary: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,920)
--- Salinas, CA ($98,360)
- Job description: Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.

39 / 50

#12. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $58,360
- #310 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400

National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($200,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,810)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($182,720)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

40 / 50

#11. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $59,960
- #326 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 570

National
- Annual mean salary: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,870)
--- Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($103,930)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($100,620)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

41 / 50

#10. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $61,250
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available

National
- Annual mean salary: $61,980
- Employment: 190,510
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Elmira, NY ($94,280)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($92,920)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($87,940)
- Job description: Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.

42 / 50

#9. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $61,280
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140

National
- Annual mean salary: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,040)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,100)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($86,180)
- Job description: Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

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#8. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $61,980
- #342 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470

National
- Annual mean salary: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($95,680)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,140)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,810)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

44 / 50

#7. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $63,040
- #239 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480

National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($101,930)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($100,590)
--- Longview, WA ($99,590)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.

45 / 50

#6. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $63,670
- #202 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160

National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,980)
--- Waterbury, CT ($92,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,750)
- Job description: Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.

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46 / 50

#5. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $65,660
- #225 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660

National
- Annual mean salary: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Danbury, CT ($112,810)
--- Napa, CA ($101,850)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($93,680)
- Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

47 / 50

#4. Detectives and criminal investigators

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $71,800
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100

National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,380)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,090)
--- Anchorage, AK ($126,530)
- Job description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

48 / 50

#3. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $75,670
- #198 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150

National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($124,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($122,460)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($119,130)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

49 / 50

#2. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $83,280
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30

National
- Annual mean salary: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($114,820)
--- Redding, CA ($112,850)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($111,810)
- Job description: Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

50 / 50

#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $89,550
- #217 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60

National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,680)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($136,410)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.