Highest-paying jobs in Washington, D.C. that don't require a college degree
Written by:
June 13, 2022
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Washington, D.C. 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV that don’t require a college degree.
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1 / 50
Pixabay
#50. Photographers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $70,440
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 650
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,210
- Employment: 38,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,810)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($71,160)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($70,440)
- Annual mean salary: $70,440
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 650
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,210
- Employment: 38,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,810)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($71,160)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($70,440)
2 / 50
Canva
#49. Construction and building inspectors
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $70,580
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,000
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: $70,580
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,000
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)
3 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#48. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $70,710
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,240
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: $70,710
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,240
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)
4 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#47. Advertising sales agents
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $71,350
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,470
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: $71,350
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,470
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)
5 / 50
Nicola Forenza // Shutterstock
#46. Legal secretaries and administrative assistants
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $72,760
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,540
- Employment: 155,250
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,320)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,210)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($72,760)
- Annual mean salary: $72,760
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,540
- Employment: 155,250
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,320)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,210)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($72,760)
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6 / 50
Unsplash
#45. Crane and tower operators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $73,200
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 43,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
- Annual mean salary: $73,200
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 43,400
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($131,160)
--- Syracuse, NY ($103,350)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($99,990)
7 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#44. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $73,550
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 25,650
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: $73,550
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 25,650
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)
8 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#43. Insurance appraisers, auto damage
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $73,900
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,180
- Employment: 11,430
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($89,810)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,970)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($86,050)
- Annual mean salary: $73,900
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,180
- Employment: 11,430
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($89,810)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,970)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($86,050)
9 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#42. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $74,190
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,310
- Employment: 44,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
- Annual mean salary: $74,190
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
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)
10 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#41. Real estate sales agents
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $74,570
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,100
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: $74,570
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,480
- Employment: 175,920
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
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11 / 50
Guiderom // Shutterstock
#40. Rail car repairers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $74,740
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,210
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,400
- Employment: 22,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,690)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($76,530)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($74,740)
- Annual mean salary: $74,740
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,210
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,400
- Employment: 22,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,690)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($76,530)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($74,740)
12 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#39. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $75,480
- #212 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,650
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: $75,480
- #212 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,650
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)
13 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#38. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $76,710
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,780
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: $76,710
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,780
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)
14 / 50
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#37. Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $77,230
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
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: $77,230
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
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)
15 / 50
Canva
#36. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $77,520
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 10,710
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($89,080)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($87,130)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($86,160)
- Annual mean salary: $77,520
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 690
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 10,710
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($89,080)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($87,130)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($86,160)
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16 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#35. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $77,910
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,770
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: $77,910
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,770
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)
17 / 50
Canva
#34. Fire inspectors and investigators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $78,070
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,680
- Employment: 14,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dayton, OH ($116,740)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($112,040)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($107,220)
- Annual mean salary: $78,070
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,680
- Employment: 14,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dayton, OH ($116,740)
--- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($112,040)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($107,220)
18 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#33. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $78,200
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,850
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: $78,200
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,850
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)
19 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#32. Food service managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $78,250
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,820
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: $78,250
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,820
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)
20 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#31. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $79,060
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 15,300
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: $79,060
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 15,300
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)
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21 / 50
ryanivy308 // Pixabay
#30. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $80,080
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 760
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: $80,080
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 760
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)
22 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#29. Insurance sales agents
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $80,790
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,350
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: $80,790
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,350
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
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#28. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $81,020
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,500
- Employment: 34,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($96,520)
- Annual mean salary: $81,020
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,500
- Employment: 34,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($96,520)
24 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#27. Private detectives and investigators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $81,530
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,030
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,970
- Employment: 28,860
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($93,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,080)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($87,760)
- Annual mean salary: $81,530
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,030
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,970
- Employment: 28,860
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($93,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,080)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($87,760)
25 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#26. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $81,700
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,860
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: $81,700
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,860
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)
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26 / 50
Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock
#25. Gas plant operators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $82,750
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- Employment: 15,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($98,750)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($97,080)
- Annual mean salary: $82,750
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,970
- Employment: 15,110
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($99,600)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($98,750)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($97,080)
27 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#24. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $82,970
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,240
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: $82,970
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,240
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)
28 / 50
Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash
#23. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $83,300
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,800
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,470
- Employment: 125,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,470)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($86,370)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,860)
- Annual mean salary: $83,300
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,800
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,470
- Employment: 125,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($86,470)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($86,370)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,860)
29 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#22. Postmasters and mail superintendents
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $83,420
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,820
- Employment: 12,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($97,930)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($94,460)
- Annual mean salary: $83,420
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,820
- Employment: 12,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($97,930)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($94,460)
30 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#21. First-line supervisors of correctional officers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $84,930
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,750
- Employment: 54,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($114,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,220)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($112,950)
- Annual mean salary: $84,930
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,750
- Employment: 54,470
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($114,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,220)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($112,950)
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31 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#20. Power plant operators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $85,020
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
- Annual mean salary: $85,020
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,740
- Employment: 28,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
32 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#19. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $85,310
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,000
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: $85,310
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,000
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)
33 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#18. Lodging managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $86,160
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
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: $86,160
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
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)
34 / 50
Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock
#17. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $86,220
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,330
- Employment: 33,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,420)
--- Anchorage, AK ($118,620)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($110,750)
- Annual mean salary: $86,220
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,330
- Employment: 33,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($126,420)
--- Anchorage, AK ($118,620)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($110,750)
35 / 50
JL IMAGES // Shutterstock
#16. Transit and railroad police
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $87,230
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,570
- Employment: 3,590
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($87,230)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($73,330)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($69,920)
- Annual mean salary: $87,230
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,570
- Employment: 3,590
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($87,230)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($73,330)
--- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($69,920)
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36 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#15. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $87,670
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $78,440
- Employment: 5,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($104,810)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($101,650)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($101,610)
- Annual mean salary: $87,670
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $78,440
- Employment: 5,220
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($104,810)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($101,650)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($101,610)
37 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#14. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $89,210
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,640
- Employment: 22,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,210)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,510)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($114,280)
- Annual mean salary: $89,210
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,640
- Employment: 22,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,210)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,510)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($114,280)
38 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#13. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $89,850
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 26,890
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: $89,850
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 26,890
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)
39 / 50
Canva
#12. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $91,970
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
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: $91,970
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
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)
40 / 50
Aniwat phromrungsee // Shutterstock
#11. Commercial divers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $92,100
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,010
- Employment: 2,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($155,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,130)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,100)
- Annual mean salary: $92,100
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,010
- Employment: 2,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($155,470)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($110,130)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,100)
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41 / 50
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
#10. Power distributors and dispatchers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $93,230
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,520
- Employment: 9,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($131,560)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($129,570)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($123,540)
- Annual mean salary: $93,230
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,520
- Employment: 9,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($131,560)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($129,570)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($123,540)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Transportation inspectors
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $95,170
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,620
- Employment: 25,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($112,260)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,930)
--- Anchorage, AK ($108,140)
- Annual mean salary: $95,170
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,620
- Employment: 25,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($112,260)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,930)
--- Anchorage, AK ($108,140)
43 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#8. Real estate brokers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $96,050
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,320
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: $96,050
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,320
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)
44 / 50
Kokulina // Shutterstock
#7. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $102,040
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $124,380
- Employment: 1,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($137,140)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($127,660)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($102,040)
- Annual mean salary: $102,040
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $124,380
- Employment: 1,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($137,140)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($127,660)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($102,040)
45 / 50
U.S. Air Force
#6. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $102,630
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
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: $102,630
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
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)
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46 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#5. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $116,340
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,850
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: $116,340
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,850
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)
47 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#4. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $119,660
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,380
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: $119,660
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,380
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)
48 / 50
Canva
#3. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $121,260
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,200
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: $121,260
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,200
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
Prath // Shutterstock
#2. Detectives and criminal investigators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $123,460
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,120
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: $123,460
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,120
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)
50 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#1. Commercial pilots
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $138,770
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
- Annual mean salary: $138,770
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,080
- Employment: 42,770
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($185,920)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($184,260)
--- Savannah, GA ($177,450)
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