Highest-paying jobs in Virginia Beach - Norfolk 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 Virginia Beach that don't require a college degree.

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1 / 50

#50. Security and fire alarm systems installers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $54,910
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250

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.

2 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,230
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400

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.

3 / 50

#48. Computer user support specialists

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,590
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,890

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.

4 / 50

#47. Pile driver operators

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $55,910
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40

National
- Annual mean salary: $71,880
- Employment: 3,820
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($106,390)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($106,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,650)
- Job description: Operate pile drivers mounted on skids, barges, crawler treads, or locomotive cranes to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of structures such as buildings, bridges, and piers.

5 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $56,360
- #256 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,590

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

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6 / 50

#45. Tool and die makers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,180
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100

National
- Annual mean salary: $55,520
- Employment: 61,190
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Flint, MI ($74,390)
--- New Haven, CT ($73,530)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,420)
- Job description: Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

7 / 50

#44. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,230
- #172 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,540

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.

8 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $57,240
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30

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.

9 / 50

#42. Automotive body and related repairers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,360
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,030

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.

10 / 50

#41. Construction and building inspectors

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $58,940
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 870

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.

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11 / 50

#40. Cargo and freight agents

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $59,030
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 950

National
- Annual mean salary: $47,170
- Employment: 96,510
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Yakima, WA ($72,590)
--- St. Cloud, MN ($67,360)
--- Springfield, MO ($59,660)
- Job description: Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.

12 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $59,800
- #122 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,920

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.

13 / 50

#38. Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $60,270
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available

National
- Annual mean salary: $49,250
- Employment: 15,380
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($79,090)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($70,180)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($66,910)
- Job description: Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.

14 / 50

#37. Occupational health and safety technicians

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $60,520
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80

National
- Annual mean salary: $57,870
- Employment: 20,950
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,790)
--- Knoxville, TN ($77,510)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($76,950)
- Job description: Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.

15 / 50

#36. Power plant operators

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $61,140
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70

National
- Annual mean salary: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,420)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,830)
--- Redding, CA ($106,030)
- Job description: Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.

16 / 50

#35. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $61,240
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200

National
- Annual mean salary: $70,440
- Employment: 10,390
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($102,210)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($89,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($81,550)
- Job description: Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

17 / 50

#34. Food service managers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $62,600
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700

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.

18 / 50

#33. Production, planning, and expediting clerks

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,010
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,190

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.

19 / 50

#32. Dental laboratory technicians

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,030
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180

National
- Annual mean salary: $45,230
- Employment: 30,800
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($68,750)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($66,610)
--- Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($63,030)
- Job description: Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

20 / 50

#31. Telecommunications line installers and repairers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,050
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,030

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.

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21 / 50

#30. Commercial divers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,080
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available

National
- Annual mean salary: $71,850
- Employment: 3,460
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($182,340)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($112,310)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($77,070)
- Job description: Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.

22 / 50

#29. Crane and tower operators

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $63,880
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 880

National
- Annual mean salary: $64,010
- Employment: 44,060
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($89,250)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($84,670)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($84,410)
- Job description: Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

23 / 50

#28. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $64,030
- #173 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350

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.

24 / 50

#27. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $64,630
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330

National
- Annual mean salary: $54,040
- Employment: 103,730
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($85,110)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($77,260)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($76,940)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

25 / 50

#26. Advertising sales agents

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $64,670
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 390

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.

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26 / 50

#25. First-line supervisors of correctional officers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $65,430
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320

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.

27 / 50

#24. Real estate sales agents

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $65,720
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,160

National
- Annual mean salary: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($106,280)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($101,300)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($98,580)
- Job description: Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.

28 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $65,730
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 990

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.

29 / 50

#22. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $65,940
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200

National
- Annual mean salary: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($95,240)
--- Madison, WI ($90,020)
--- Salinas, CA ($87,650)
- Job description: Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.

30 / 50

#21. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $66,390
- #167 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 750

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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31 / 50

#20. Aircraft cargo handling supervisors

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $66,890
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40

National
- Annual mean salary: $59,620
- Employment: 10,020
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($83,080)
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($77,290)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($71,970)
- Job description: Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.

32 / 50

#19. Property, real estate, and community association managers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $67,530
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620

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).

33 / 50

#18. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $68,770
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620

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.

34 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $69,050
- #166 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,720

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.

35 / 50

#16. Computer numerically controlled tool programmers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $69,370
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30

National
- Annual mean salary: $61,010
- Employment: 25,530
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,330)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($95,140)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($85,480)
- Job description: Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.

36 / 50

#15. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $69,760
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110

National
- Annual mean salary: $83,150
- Employment: 23,070
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($113,410)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($111,660)
--- Anchorage, AK ($111,470)
- Job description: Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

37 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $71,320
- #174 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,530

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.

38 / 50

#13. Lodging managers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $72,490
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130

National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 31,790
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY ($108,990)
--- Reno, NV ($106,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,560)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations.

39 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $73,120
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,470

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.

40 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $73,660
- #92 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,810

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.

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41 / 50

#10. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $75,580
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50

National
- Annual mean salary: $86,200
- Employment: 24,730
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($109,710)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,080)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($101,990)
- Job description: Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.

42 / 50

#9. Ship engineers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $77,020
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260

National
- Annual mean salary: $81,110
- Employment: 7,480
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($100,170)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($95,620)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,380)
- Job description: Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.

43 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $81,550
- #84 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620

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.

44 / 50

#7. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $82,020
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,570

National
- Annual mean salary: $89,740
- Employment: 27,590
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($122,730)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($111,530)
--- Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($111,140)
- Job description: Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

45 / 50

#6. Detectives and criminal investigators

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $84,270
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 430

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

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46 / 50

#5. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $86,770
- #182 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550

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.

47 / 50

#4. Transportation inspectors

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $86,880
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available

National
- Annual mean salary: $81,320
- Employment: 27,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($119,270)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($117,900)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($104,370)
- Job description: Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.

48 / 50

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $88,450
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,270

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. Commercial pilots

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $100,420
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140

National
- Annual mean salary: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($153,990)
--- Medford, OR ($152,730)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,290)
- Job description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.

50 / 50

#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $101,240
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550

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

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