Highest paying jobs in Washington, D.C. for high school graduates
Written by:
April 25, 2022
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Highest paying jobs in Washington, D.C. for high school graduates
The average college graduate in 2020 earned $1,305 a week, while the average high school graduate takes home just $781, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Of course, college isn’t for everyone. There are many reasons high-school graduates may choose to not continue on to college, not the least of which being cost. Average tuition costs continue to rise each year, the exception being the 2020-2021 school year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Average tuition at a public, in-state university coming in at $9,687; tuition for out-of-state students at public schools, and for everyone at private universities, is significantly higher at $21,874 and $35,087, respectively.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs for high school graduates in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2021 annual mean wage.
Keep reading to see which jobs in your city pay the most for high school graduates.
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Canva
#50. Pile driver operators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $65,790
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,880
- Employment: 3,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($106,620)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($106,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,880)
- Annual mean salary: $65,790
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,880
- Employment: 3,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($106,620)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($106,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,880)
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DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
#49. Chefs and head cooks
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $65,970
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,740
- Employment: 101,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($79,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
- Annual mean salary: $65,970
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,740
- Employment: 101,490
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($81,020)
--- Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($79,820)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($79,600)
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SritanaN // Shutterstock
#48. Industrial machinery mechanics
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $65,990
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
- Annual mean salary: $65,990
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,350
- Employment: 385,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fairbanks, AK ($85,900)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($85,360)
--- Anchorage, AK ($82,890)
4 / 50
Olena Yakobchuk // Shutterstock
#47. Airfield operations specialists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $66,200
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,360
- Employment: 10,590
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($88,510)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($80,230)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,230)
- Annual mean salary: $66,200
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,360
- Employment: 10,590
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($88,510)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($80,230)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,230)
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mrak.hr // Shutterstock
#46. Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $68,110
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 570
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,430
- Employment: 17,590
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($76,120)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($75,470)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($68,110)
- Annual mean salary: $68,110
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 570
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,430
- Employment: 17,590
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($76,120)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($75,470)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($68,110)
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Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#45. Electricians
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $68,340
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,220
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- 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: $68,340
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,220
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,550
- Employment: 656,510
- 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)
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London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images
#44. Machinists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $69,300
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 910
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,800
- Employment: 360,340
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($76,230)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($71,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,300)
- Annual mean salary: $69,300
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 910
National
- Annual mean salary: $47,800
- Employment: 360,340
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($76,230)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($71,070)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,300)
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DenisKlimov // Shutterstock
#43. Aircraft cargo handling supervisors
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $69,650
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,620
- Employment: 10,020
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($79,660)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($72,800)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($71,910)
- Annual mean salary: $69,650
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,620
- Employment: 10,020
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($79,660)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($72,800)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($71,910)
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wonderlustpicstravel // Shutterstock
#42. Subway and streetcar operators
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $69,690
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,480
- Employment: 11,250
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($82,190)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($76,320)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,690)
- Annual mean salary: $69,690
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,480
- Employment: 11,250
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($82,190)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($76,320)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($69,690)
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Wipas Rojjanakard // Shutterstock
#41. Occupational health and safety technicians
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $69,780
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,870
- Employment: 20,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($77,880)
--- Anchorage, AK ($77,690)
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($77,100)
- Annual mean salary: $69,780
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,870
- Employment: 20,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($77,880)
--- Anchorage, AK ($77,690)
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($77,100)
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Pixabay
#40. 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: $50,290
- Employment: 41,600
- 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: $50,290
- Employment: 41,600
- 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)
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Canva
#39. 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: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- 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: $66,470
- Employment: 113,770
- 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)
13 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#38. 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: $61,860
- Employment: 122,480
- 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: $61,860
- Employment: 122,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($90,680)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($90,370)
--- Salinas, CA ($88,050)
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#37. 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: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- 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: $68,040
- Employment: 110,040
- 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)
15 / 50
Nicola Forenza // Shutterstock
#36. 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: $52,750
- Employment: 160,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($84,640)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,320)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,210)
- Annual mean salary: $72,760
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,390
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,750
- Employment: 160,950
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($84,640)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,320)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,210)
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Unsplash
#35. 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: $64,010
- Employment: 44,060
- 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: $64,010
- Employment: 44,060
- 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)
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GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#34. 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: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- 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: $62,010
- Employment: 1,427,260
- 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)
18 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#33. 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: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- 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: $62,400
- Employment: 50,660
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($98,380)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($94,070)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($92,800)
19 / 50
goodluz // Shutterstock
#32. 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: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- 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: $62,990
- Employment: 168,740
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($100,060)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($99,880)
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($93,400)
20 / 50
Guiderom // Shutterstock
#31. 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: $58,250
- Employment: 22,310
- 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: $58,250
- Employment: 22,310
- 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)
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Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#30. 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: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($109,740)
- Annual mean salary: $75,480
- #212 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,650
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,410
- Employment: 114,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($117,700)
--- Salinas, CA ($110,180)
--- North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($109,740)
22 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#29. 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: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($96,900)
- Annual mean salary: $76,710
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,800
- Employment: 599,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($98,170)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($97,910)
--- West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area ($96,900)
23 / 50
kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock
#28. 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: $68,170
- Employment: 29,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- South Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($101,630)
- Annual mean salary: $77,230
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,300
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,170
- Employment: 29,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,300)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,930)
--- South Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($101,630)
24 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#27. 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: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($92,500)
- Annual mean salary: $77,910
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,770
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,650
- Employment: 287,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($104,350)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($95,200)
--- Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($92,500)
25 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#26. 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: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- 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: $65,230
- Employment: 503,390
- 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)
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26 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#25. 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: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- 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: $61,000
- Employment: 197,010
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($91,320)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,860)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($87,750)
27 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#24. 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: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- 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: $72,990
- Employment: 614,080
- 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)
28 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#23. 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: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- 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: $69,100
- Employment: 409,950
- 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)
29 / 50
Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock
#22. 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: $77,610
- Employment: 40,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($101,900)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
- Annual mean salary: $81,020
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,610
- Employment: 40,480
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($105,090)
--- Alaska nonmetropolitan area ($101,900)
--- St. Louis, MO-IL ($97,860)
30 / 50
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
#21. 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: $60,100
- Employment: 32,200
- 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: $60,100
- Employment: 32,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($93,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,080)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($87,760)
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31 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#20. 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: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- 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: $73,500
- Employment: 1,278,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,280)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($92,660)
--- Napa, CA ($92,620)
32 / 50
Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock
#19. 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: $73,290
- Employment: 14,990
- 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: $73,290
- Employment: 14,990
- 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)
33 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#18. 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: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- 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: $73,100
- Employment: 475,000
- 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)
34 / 50
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#17. 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: $79,660
- Employment: 13,880
- 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: $79,660
- Employment: 13,880
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($97,930)
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($96,450)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($94,460)
35 / 50
Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock
#16. 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: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- 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: $67,600
- Employment: 53,420
- 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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36 / 50
michaeljung // Shutterstock
#15. 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: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- 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: $81,890
- Employment: 32,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($129,650)
--- Wenatchee, WA ($123,180)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,660)
37 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#14. 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: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($105,220)
- Annual mean salary: $85,310
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,000
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,210
- Employment: 219,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,540)
--- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($106,420)
--- Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($105,220)
38 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#13. 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: $65,270
- Employment: 31,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area ($122,290)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
- Annual mean salary: $86,160
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,270
- Employment: 31,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area ($122,290)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($121,090)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,410)
39 / 50
JL IMAGES // Shutterstock
#12. 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: $71,000
- Employment: 3,800
- 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: $71,000
- Employment: 3,800
- 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)
40 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#11. 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: $76,810
- Employment: 5,670
- 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: $76,810
- Employment: 5,670
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($104,810)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($101,650)
--- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($101,610)
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41 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#10. 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: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- 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: $70,490
- Employment: 977,070
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($101,630)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,360)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. 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: $86,200
- Employment: 24,730
- 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: $86,200
- Employment: 24,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,290)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($113,590)
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($113,480)
43 / 50
Lovely Bird // Shutterstock
#8. 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: $93,260
- Employment: 9,940
- 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: $93,260
- Employment: 9,940
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($131,560)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($129,570)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($123,540)
44 / 50
Canva
#7. 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: $81,320
- Employment: 27,360
- 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: $81,320
- Employment: 27,360
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($112,260)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,930)
--- Anchorage, AK ($108,140)
45 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#6. 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: $81,630
- Employment: 44,610
- 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: $81,630
- Employment: 44,610
- 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)
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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: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- 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: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- 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: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- 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: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- 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: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- 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: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- 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: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- 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: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- 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: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- 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: $110,830
- Employment: 37,120
- 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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