Highest-paying jobs in Roanoke that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
Canva
Highest-paying jobs in Roanoke that don't require a college degree
From the moment they arrive on campus, today’s high school students are inundated with messages about the importance of receiving a college education. They hear it from their guidance counselors, teachers, parents, family members, neighbors, and coaches. While graduation from a four-year college can certainly work wonders for students’ future careers, it’s not necessary for all fields — something admissions officers and guidance counselors sometimes fail to mention.
To find the highest paying jobs that don’t require a college degree, Stacker consulted the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook to compile a list of all jobs that don’t require higher education. All professions that listed a high school diploma, some college education (without a degree conferred), postsecondary nondegree award, or no formal education requirements for entry-level positions were considered. Jobs that didn’t list any entry-level education requirement were excluded, as were job titles that grouped several positions together. Jobs are ranked by 2021 annual mean wage.
Keep reading to discover the highest paying jobs in Roanoke, VA that don’t require a college degree.
You may also like: People from these metros are finding new jobs in Roanoke
1 / 50
Bigflick // Shutterstock
#49 (tie). Correctional officers and jailers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $46,150
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,420
- Employment: 392,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($96,580)
--- Salinas, CA ($89,100)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,260)
- Annual mean salary: $46,150
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,420
- Employment: 392,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($96,580)
--- Salinas, CA ($89,100)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,260)
2 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#49 (tie). Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $46,150
- #349 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,850
- Employment: 641,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($76,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,410)
- Annual mean salary: $46,150
- #349 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,850
- Employment: 641,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($76,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,410)
3 / 50
David Spates // Shutterstock
#48. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $46,340
- #368 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,690
- Employment: 356,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,020)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($76,750)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($71,710)
- Annual mean salary: $46,340
- #368 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,690
- Employment: 356,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,020)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($76,750)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($71,710)
4 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#47. Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $47,180
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,390
- Employment: 51,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,460)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($73,070)
- Annual mean salary: $47,180
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,390
- Employment: 51,040
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($80,460)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($73,070)
5 / 50
John Leung // Shutterstock
#46. Brickmasons and blockmasons
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $47,220
- #177 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,430
- Employment: 55,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($95,980)
--- Decatur, IL ($92,670)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($89,340)
- Annual mean salary: $47,220
- #177 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,430
- Employment: 55,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($95,980)
--- Decatur, IL ($92,670)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($89,340)
You may also like: Cities with the fastest growing home prices in Roanoke metro area
6 / 50
Kot500 // Shutterstock
#45. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $48,470
- #292 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 261,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,400)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,480)
- Annual mean salary: $48,470
- #292 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,020
- Employment: 261,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($73,400)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($70,480)
7 / 50
Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock
#44. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $48,770
- #256 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,270
- Employment: 116,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
- Annual mean salary: $48,770
- #256 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,270
- Employment: 116,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($76,040)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($74,800)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($73,360)
8 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#43. Lodging managers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $48,790
- #204 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,770
- Employment: 35,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
- Annual mean salary: $48,790
- #204 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,770
- Employment: 35,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
9 / 50
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#42. Production, planning, and expediting clerks
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $48,960
- #285 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,220
- Employment: 367,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($67,140)
- Annual mean salary: $48,960
- #285 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,220
- Employment: 367,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($74,970)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($71,160)
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($67,140)
10 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#41. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $49,050
- #381 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,350
- Employment: 417,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,580)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,500)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($89,190)
- Annual mean salary: $49,050
- #381 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,350
- Employment: 417,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,580)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,500)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($89,190)
You may also like: Cities with the most expensive homes in Roanoke metro area
11 / 50
Canva
#40. Cargo and freight agents
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $49,080
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,420
- Employment: 85,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($80,300)
--- Yakima, WA ($68,030)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($64,030)
- Annual mean salary: $49,080
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,420
- Employment: 85,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($80,300)
--- Yakima, WA ($68,030)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($64,030)
12 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#39. Advertising sales agents
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $49,890
- #213 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,540
- Employment: 96,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($97,840)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($83,050)
- Annual mean salary: $49,890
- #213 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,540
- Employment: 96,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($97,840)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,720)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($83,050)
13 / 50
Indypendenz // Shutterstock
#38. Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $49,970
- #122 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,010
- Employment: 112,130
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Huntsville, AL ($55,830)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($55,260)
--- Wausau, WI ($55,060)
- Annual mean salary: $49,970
- #122 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $51,010
- Employment: 112,130
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Huntsville, AL ($55,830)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($55,260)
--- Wausau, WI ($55,060)
14 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#37. Industrial machinery mechanics
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $50,000
- #473 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,780
- Employment: 373,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
- Annual mean salary: $50,000
- #473 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,780
- Employment: 373,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
15 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#36. Electricians
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $50,990
- #377 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- Employment: 650,580
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,090)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($86,600)
- Annual mean salary: $50,990
- #377 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,310
- Employment: 650,580
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($91,090)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($86,600)
You may also like: Where people in Roanoke are moving to most
16 / 50
Canva
#35. Automotive body and related repairers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $51,050
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,660
- Employment: 137,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($71,350)
--- Ames, IA ($68,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,060)
- Annual mean salary: $51,050
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,660
- Employment: 137,300
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($71,350)
--- Ames, IA ($68,340)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($68,060)
17 / 50
DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#34. Chefs and head cooks
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $51,910
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,920
- Employment: 129,810
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($79,430)
- Annual mean salary: $51,910
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,920
- Employment: 129,810
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($79,430)
18 / 50
Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#33. Computer user support specialists
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $51,990
- #236 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,650
- Employment: 654,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,920)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,510)
- Annual mean salary: $51,990
- #236 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,650
- Employment: 654,310
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,920)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,510)
19 / 50
Mirnes // Shutterstock
#32. Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $52,760
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,050
- Employment: 56,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Roanoke, VA ($52,760)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($49,570)
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($49,260)
- Annual mean salary: $52,760
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $40,050
- Employment: 56,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Roanoke, VA ($52,760)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($49,570)
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($49,260)
20 / 50
Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons
#31. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $52,770
- #356 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,350
- Employment: 172,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($88,140)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($84,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,570)
- Annual mean salary: $52,770
- #356 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,350
- Employment: 172,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Anchorage, AK ($88,140)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($84,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($80,570)
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in Roanoke in the last week
21 / 50
rlat // Shutterstock
#30. Postal service clerks
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $52,870
- #213 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 79,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
- Annual mean salary: $52,870
- #213 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,210
- Employment: 79,320
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($59,410)
--- Florence, SC ($59,360)
--- Monroe, MI ($59,320)
22 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#29. Insurance sales agents
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $52,880
- #372 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,340
- Employment: 422,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
- Annual mean salary: $52,880
- #372 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,340
- Employment: 422,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($104,230)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,470)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($95,620)
23 / 50
Erin Deleon // Shutterstock
#28. Postal service mail carriers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $53,490
- #290 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,370
- Employment: 335,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
- Annual mean salary: $53,490
- #290 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $54,370
- Employment: 335,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($57,160)
--- Bismarck, ND ($57,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,820)
24 / 50
welcomia // Shutterstock
#27. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $54,110
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,280
- Employment: 145,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
- Annual mean salary: $54,110
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,280
- Employment: 145,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($86,740)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,520)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($79,470)
25 / 50
Canva
#26. Construction and building inspectors
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $54,250
- #317 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,480
- Employment: 117,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Haven, CT ($121,510)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,190)
- Annual mean salary: $54,250
- #317 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,480
- Employment: 117,830
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Haven, CT ($121,510)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,330)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,190)
You may also like: Highest-earning zip codes in Roanoke metro area
26 / 50
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#25. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $54,740
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,510
- Employment: 29,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($99,740)
- Annual mean salary: $54,740
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,510
- Employment: 29,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($99,740)
27 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#24. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $55,270
- #322 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,870
- Employment: 466,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
- Annual mean salary: $55,270
- #322 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,870
- Employment: 466,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($94,590)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($87,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,420)
28 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#23. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $55,640
- #295 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- Employment: 1,443,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,050)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,520)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,430)
- Annual mean salary: $55,640
- #295 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,640
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- Employment: 1,443,630
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($82,050)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,520)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,430)
29 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#22. Real estate sales agents
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $55,800
- #175 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,480
- Employment: 175,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
- Annual mean salary: $55,800
- #175 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,480
- Employment: 175,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
30 / 50
Canva
#21. Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $56,050
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,590
- Employment: 44,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,510)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($78,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,380)
- Annual mean salary: $56,050
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $50,590
- Employment: 44,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,510)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($78,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($75,380)
You may also like: How Roanoke feels about climate change
31 / 50
Pxhere
#20. Maintenance workers, machinery
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $59,270
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,570
- Employment: 57,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
--- Cedar Rapids, IA ($70,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,980)
- Annual mean salary: $59,270
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,570
- Employment: 57,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Savannah, GA ($76,260)
--- Cedar Rapids, IA ($70,980)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,980)
32 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#19. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $60,850
- #154 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,310
- Employment: 44,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
- Annual mean salary: $60,850
- #154 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,310
- Employment: 44,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
33 / 50
ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#18. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $60,990
- #144 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,230
- Employment: 50,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($87,890)
--- Fresno, CA ($86,230)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,640)
- Annual mean salary: $60,990
- #144 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,230
- Employment: 50,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($87,890)
--- Fresno, CA ($86,230)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,640)
34 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#17. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $61,600
- #431 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,060
- Employment: 665,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,020)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($101,210)
- Annual mean salary: $61,600
- #431 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,060
- Employment: 665,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,020)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($101,210)
35 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#16. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $62,310
- #358 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,330
- Employment: 629,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($90,410)
- Annual mean salary: $62,310
- #358 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 960
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,330
- Employment: 629,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($90,410)
You may also like: Zip codes with the most expensive homes in Roanoke metro area
36 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#15. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $65,330
- #242 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,270
- Employment: 80,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($171,060)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($145,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,860)
- Annual mean salary: $65,330
- #242 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,270
- Employment: 80,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($171,060)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($145,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,860)
37 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#14. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $65,980
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,390
- Employment: 1,242,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,280)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($92,660)
--- Napa, CA ($92,620)
- Annual mean salary: $65,980
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,390
- Employment: 1,242,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,280)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($92,660)
--- Napa, CA ($92,620)
38 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#13. Food service managers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $66,230
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,970
- Employment: 210,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
- Annual mean salary: $66,230
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,970
- Employment: 210,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
39 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#12. Real estate brokers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $67,480
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,490
- Employment: 48,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($152,460)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($133,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,320)
- Annual mean salary: $67,480
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,490
- Employment: 48,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($152,460)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($133,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,320)
40 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#11. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $67,520
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 750
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Employment: 1,026,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
- Annual mean salary: $67,520
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 750
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Employment: 1,026,390
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
You may also like: Metros sending the most people to Roanoke
41 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#10. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $67,970
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- Employment: 101,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
- Annual mean salary: $67,970
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $62,250
- Employment: 101,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
42 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#9. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $68,010
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,590
- Employment: 526,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,830)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,870)
- Annual mean salary: $68,010
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,590
- Employment: 526,240
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,830)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($93,030)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,870)
43 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#8. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- #266 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,060
- Employment: 123,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,490)
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- #266 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,060
- Employment: 123,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,490)
44 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#7. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $71,050
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- Employment: 278,140
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Salinas, CA ($90,800)
- Annual mean salary: $71,050
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,960
- Employment: 278,140
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Salinas, CA ($90,800)
45 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#6. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $75,650
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,030
- Employment: 234,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,610)
- Annual mean salary: $75,650
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,030
- Employment: 234,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($103,610)
You may also like: Closest national parks to Roanoke
46 / 50
Canva
#5. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $76,320
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,320
- Employment: 22,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
- Annual mean salary: $76,320
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,320
- Employment: 22,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
47 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#4. Detectives and criminal investigators
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $80,340
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,370
- Employment: 107,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($132,210)
--- Anchorage, AK ($127,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($123,460)
- Annual mean salary: $80,340
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,370
- Employment: 107,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($132,210)
--- Anchorage, AK ($127,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($123,460)
48 / 50
Canva
#3. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $85,620
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,760
- Employment: 128,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($182,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($170,740)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($164,600)
- Annual mean salary: $85,620
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,760
- Employment: 128,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($182,700)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($170,740)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($164,600)
49 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#2. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $87,000
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,320
- Employment: 243,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($129,860)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($121,360)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($121,250)
- Annual mean salary: $87,000
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,320
- Employment: 243,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($129,860)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($121,360)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($121,250)
50 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Roanoke, VA
- Annual mean salary: $95,060
- #217 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,580
- Employment: 144,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
- Annual mean salary: $95,060
- #217 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,580
- Employment: 144,640
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($159,890)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,170)
--- Trenton, NJ ($144,620)
You may also like: Most expensive homes for sale in Roanoke
