Kzenon // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Charleston
Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in Charleston, WV, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by average annual salary with information up to date as of May 2019.
In Charleston, the annual mean wage is $45,670 or 14.6% lower than national mean of $53,490, while the highest-paying occupation makes $260,270. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
1 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#50. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $69,060
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,670
- Employment: 120,900
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($90,480)
--- Fresno, CA ($89,820)
--- Redding, CA ($88,850)
- Annual mean salary: $69,060
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,670
- Employment: 120,900
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($90,480)
--- Fresno, CA ($89,820)
--- Redding, CA ($88,850)
2 / 50
David Bibo // Wikimedia Commons
#49. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $69,590
- #360 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,340
- Employment: 271,020
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($150,080)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($143,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($138,820)
- Annual mean salary: $69,590
- #360 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,340
- Employment: 271,020
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($150,080)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($143,890)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($138,820)
3 / 50
Canva
#48. Computer systems analysts
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $69,890
- #316 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,160
- Employment: 589,060
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($122,990)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($121,300)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($119,540)
- Annual mean salary: $69,890
- #316 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,160
- Employment: 589,060
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($122,990)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($121,300)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($119,540)
4 / 50
Canva
#47. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $70,300
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,250
- Employment: 28,350
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($105,010)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,600)
- Annual mean salary: $70,300
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,250
- Employment: 28,350
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($111,690)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($105,010)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,600)
5 / 50
Jacob L. // Shutterstock
#46. Architects, except landscape and naval
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $70,970
- #162 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,560
- Employment: 105,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($123,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,550)
--- Lubbock, TX ($116,720)
- Annual mean salary: $70,970
- #162 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,560
- Employment: 105,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($123,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,550)
--- Lubbock, TX ($116,720)
6 / 50
Worawee Meepian // Shutterstock
#45. Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $71,570
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,230
- Employment: 14,380
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($140,080)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($134,690)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,580)
- Annual mean salary: $71,570
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,230
- Employment: 14,380
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($140,080)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($134,690)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,580)
7 / 50
Bureau of Land Management // Flickr
#44. Petroleum engineers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $71,580
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,780
- Employment: 32,620
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($191,370)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($183,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($179,240)
- Annual mean salary: $71,580
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,780
- Employment: 32,620
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($191,370)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($183,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($179,240)
8 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#43. Insurance sales agents
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $71,950
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,780
- Employment: 410,050
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,960)
--- New Bedford, MA ($103,050)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($97,130)
- Annual mean salary: $71,950
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,780
- Employment: 410,050
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,960)
--- New Bedford, MA ($103,050)
--- Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($97,130)
9 / 50
aslysun // Shutterstock
#42. Chemists
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $72,440
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,150
- Employment: 83,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Peoria, IL ($127,750)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($124,540)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($116,030)
- Annual mean salary: $72,440
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,150
- Employment: 83,530
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Peoria, IL ($127,750)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($124,540)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($116,030)
10 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#41. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $72,500
- #108 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,960
- Employment: 111,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Redding, CA ($116,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($111,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,670)
- Annual mean salary: $72,500
- #108 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,960
- Employment: 111,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Redding, CA ($116,900)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($111,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,670)
11 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#40. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $73,430
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,280
- Employment: 22,650
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,050)
--- Modesto, CA ($109,570)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($109,100)
- Annual mean salary: $73,430
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $81,280
- Employment: 22,650
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Urban Honolulu, HI ($111,050)
--- Modesto, CA ($109,570)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($109,100)
12 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#39. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $77,290
- #273 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $103,320
- Employment: 132,040
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($151,260)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($144,220)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($139,860)
- Annual mean salary: $77,290
- #273 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $103,320
- Employment: 132,040
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($151,260)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($144,220)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($139,860)
13 / 50
Canva
#38. Environmental engineers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $77,420
- #141 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,220
- Employment: 53,150
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,340)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($120,600)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($117,170)
- Annual mean salary: $77,420
- #141 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,220
- Employment: 53,150
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,340)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($120,600)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($117,170)
14 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#37. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $80,350
- #302 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Employment: 1,406,870
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($145,730)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($145,250)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($134,090)
- Annual mean salary: $80,350
- #302 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Employment: 1,406,870
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($145,730)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($145,250)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($134,090)
15 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#36. Information security analysts
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $81,680
- #162 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,210
- Employment: 125,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,040)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($127,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($122,570)
- Annual mean salary: $81,680
- #162 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,210
- Employment: 125,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,040)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($127,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($122,570)
16 / 50
Canva
#35. Civil engineers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $85,870
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,360
- Employment: 310,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($120,110)
--- Midland, TX ($117,900)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($117,200)
- Annual mean salary: $85,870
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,360
- Employment: 310,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($120,110)
--- Midland, TX ($117,900)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($117,200)
17 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#34. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $86,280
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,090
- Employment: 437,880
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($149,880)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($148,960)
--- Owensboro, KY ($133,600)
- Annual mean salary: $86,280
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,090
- Employment: 437,880
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($149,880)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($148,960)
--- Owensboro, KY ($133,600)
18 / 50
Sebastian Duda // Shutterstock
#33. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $87,920
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,550
- Employment: 28,670
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($206,390)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($197,140)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($196,520)
- Annual mean salary: $87,920
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,550
- Employment: 28,670
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($206,390)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($197,140)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($196,520)
19 / 50
Canva
#32. Electrical engineers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $88,700
- #209 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $103,480
- Employment: 185,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($138,450)
--- Salinas, CA ($129,850)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($128,080)
- Annual mean salary: $88,700
- #209 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $103,480
- Employment: 185,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($138,450)
--- Salinas, CA ($129,850)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($128,080)
20 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#31. Detectives and criminal investigators
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $89,850
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,030
- Employment: 105,620
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($125,850)
--- Anchorage, AK ($122,370)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($122,130)
- Annual mean salary: $89,850
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,030
- Employment: 105,620
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($125,850)
--- Anchorage, AK ($122,370)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($122,130)
21 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#30. Construction managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $90,000
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,000
- Employment: 293,380
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($160,500)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($148,140)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($146,820)
- Annual mean salary: $90,000
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,000
- Employment: 293,380
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($160,500)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($148,140)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($146,820)
22 / 50
Pixabay
#29. General and operations managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $90,730
- #313 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Employment: 2,400,280
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($189,060)
--- Trenton, NJ ($173,050)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($167,160)
- Annual mean salary: $90,730
- #313 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,180
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Employment: 2,400,280
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($189,060)
--- Trenton, NJ ($173,050)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($167,160)
23 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#28. Personal financial advisors
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $90,990
- #178 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,290
- Employment: 210,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Montgomery, AL ($178,100)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($173,970)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($171,370)
- Annual mean salary: $90,990
- #178 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,290
- Employment: 210,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Montgomery, AL ($178,100)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($173,970)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($171,370)
24 / 50
Canva
#27. Mechanical engineers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,540
- Employment: 306,990
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,640)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($123,270)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($120,950)
- Annual mean salary: $93,260
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,540
- Employment: 306,990
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,640)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($123,270)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($120,950)
25 / 50
Canva
#26. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $93,770
- #104 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,950
- Employment: 121,340
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($189,800)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($180,940)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($178,670)
- Annual mean salary: $93,770
- #104 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,950
- Employment: 121,340
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($189,800)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($180,940)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($178,670)
26 / 50
TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock
#25. Sales engineers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $94,230
- #95 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,780
- Employment: 63,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($158,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($156,600)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($153,860)
- Annual mean salary: $94,230
- #95 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,780
- Employment: 63,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($158,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($156,600)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($153,860)
27 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#24. Industrial engineers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $96,290
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,660
- Employment: 291,710
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($131,850)
--- Billings, MT ($124,350)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,940)
- Annual mean salary: $96,290
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,660
- Employment: 291,710
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($131,850)
--- Billings, MT ($124,350)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,940)
28 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#23. Computer network architects
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $97,240
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,110
- Employment: 152,420
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($152,400)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($151,650)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($142,100)
- Annual mean salary: $97,240
- #133 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,110
- Employment: 152,420
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($152,400)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($151,650)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($142,100)
29 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#22. Lawyers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $97,450
- #259 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $145,300
- Employment: 657,170
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($218,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($188,910)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($179,590)
- Annual mean salary: $97,450
- #259 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $145,300
- Employment: 657,170
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($218,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($188,910)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($179,590)
30 / 50
Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock
#21. Physical therapists
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $100,190
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,170
- Employment: 233,350
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Yuba City, CA ($116,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($116,120)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($113,950)
- Annual mean salary: $100,190
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,170
- Employment: 233,350
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Yuba City, CA ($116,360)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($116,120)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($113,950)
31 / 50
Jacob L. // Shutterstock
#20. Human resources managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $101,760
- #227 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $129,570
- Employment: 154,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($196,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($174,390)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($170,070)
- Annual mean salary: $101,760
- #227 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $129,570
- Employment: 154,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($196,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($174,390)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($170,070)
32 / 50
Canva
#19. Financial managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $102,900
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Employment: 654,790
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($208,770)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($203,430)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,190)
- Annual mean salary: $102,900
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Employment: 654,790
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($208,770)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($203,430)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,190)
33 / 50
Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#18. Physician assistants
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $103,750
- #219 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,410
- Employment: 120,090
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($161,370)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($156,250)
--- Waterbury, CT ($154,550)
- Annual mean salary: $103,750
- #219 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,410
- Employment: 120,090
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($161,370)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($156,250)
--- Waterbury, CT ($154,550)
34 / 50
Jacob L. // Shutterstock
#17. Education administrators, postsecondary
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $108,600
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,400
- Employment: 144,880
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ithaca, NY ($186,580)
--- Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC ($180,620)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($170,400)
- Annual mean salary: $108,600
- #94 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,400
- Employment: 144,880
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ithaca, NY ($186,580)
--- Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC ($180,620)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($170,400)
35 / 50
Austin Community College // Flickr
#16. Veterinarians
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $110,300
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,820
- Employment: 74,540
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sherman-Denison, TX ($210,960)
--- Lubbock, TX ($176,730)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($161,230)
- Annual mean salary: $110,300
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,820
- Employment: 74,540
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sherman-Denison, TX ($210,960)
--- Lubbock, TX ($176,730)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($161,230)
36 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#15. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $110,950
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,980
- Employment: 306,980
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($136,780)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($128,380)
--- Casper, WY ($125,850)
- Annual mean salary: $110,950
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,980
- Employment: 306,980
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($136,780)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($128,380)
--- Casper, WY ($125,850)
37 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#14. Nurse practitioners
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $111,720
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $111,840
- Employment: 200,600
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($175,060)
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($160,110)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($157,150)
- Annual mean salary: $111,720
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $111,840
- Employment: 200,600
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($175,060)
--- Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($160,110)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($157,150)
38 / 50
Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy
#13. Chemical engineers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $113,470
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,090
- Employment: 30,120
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($162,330)
--- Midland, TX ($152,170)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($150,680)
- Annual mean salary: $113,470
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,090
- Employment: 30,120
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($162,330)
--- Midland, TX ($152,170)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($150,680)
39 / 50
Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#12. Pharmacists
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $116,760
- #322 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,510
- Employment: 311,200
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tyler, TX ($161,790)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($158,250)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($157,850)
- Annual mean salary: $116,760
- #322 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,510
- Employment: 311,200
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tyler, TX ($161,790)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($158,250)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($157,850)
40 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#11. Computer and information systems managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $118,130
- #220 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,390
- Employment: 433,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($215,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,960)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($196,290)
- Annual mean salary: $118,130
- #220 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,390
- Employment: 433,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($215,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,960)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($196,290)
41 / 50
Canva
#10. Sales managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $119,720
- #215 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $141,690
- Employment: 402,600
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($195,220)
--- Trenton, NJ ($178,020)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($175,500)
- Annual mean salary: $119,720
- #215 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
National
- Annual mean salary: $141,690
- Employment: 402,600
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($195,220)
--- Trenton, NJ ($178,020)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($175,500)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Dentists, general
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $120,060
- #282 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $178,260
- Employment: 110,730
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Burlington, NC ($278,360)
--- Burlington-South Burlington, VT ($275,430)
--- Longview, TX ($272,440)
- Annual mean salary: $120,060
- #282 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $178,260
- Employment: 110,730
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Burlington, NC ($278,360)
--- Burlington-South Burlington, VT ($275,430)
--- Longview, TX ($272,440)
43 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#8. Marketing managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $124,780
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $149,200
- Employment: 263,680
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($199,710)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($188,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($183,460)
- Annual mean salary: $124,780
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $149,200
- Employment: 263,680
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($199,710)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($188,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($183,460)
44 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#7. Industrial production managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $126,780
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,110
- Employment: 185,790
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Florence, SC ($158,000)
--- Boulder, CO ($149,990)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($149,500)
- Annual mean salary: $126,780
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,110
- Employment: 185,790
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Florence, SC ($158,000)
--- Boulder, CO ($149,990)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($149,500)
45 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#6. Medical and health services managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $130,640
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,160
- Employment: 394,910
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($163,280)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($159,190)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,570)
- Annual mean salary: $130,640
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,160
- Employment: 394,910
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($163,280)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($159,190)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,570)
46 / 50
Kzenon // Shutterstock
#5. Optometrists
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $131,550
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,980
- Employment: 39,420
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Champaign-Urbana, IL ($238,460)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($210,490)
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($183,380)
- Annual mean salary: $131,550
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,980
- Employment: 39,420
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Champaign-Urbana, IL ($238,460)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($210,490)
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($183,380)
47 / 50
Pixabay
#4. Architectural and engineering managers
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $138,590
- #130 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $152,930
- Employment: 194,250
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($203,310)
--- Amarillo, TX ($198,010)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($188,210)
- Annual mean salary: $138,590
- #130 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $152,930
- Employment: 194,250
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($203,310)
--- Amarillo, TX ($198,010)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($188,210)
48 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#3. Chief executives
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $149,850
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $193,850
- Employment: 205,890
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($270,040)
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($264,330)
--- Midland, TX ($258,760)
- Annual mean salary: $149,850
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $193,850
- Employment: 205,890
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($270,040)
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($264,330)
--- Midland, TX ($258,760)
49 / 50
Canva
#2. Nurse anesthetists
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $211,960
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $181,040
- Employment: 43,570
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Toledo, OH ($266,260)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($254,860)
--- Columbus, GA-AL ($247,540)
- Annual mean salary: $211,960
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $181,040
- Employment: 43,570
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Toledo, OH ($266,260)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($254,860)
--- Columbus, GA-AL ($247,540)
50 / 50
Unsplash
#1. Surgeons, except ophthalmologists
Charleston, WV
- Annual mean salary: $260,270
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $252,040
- Employment: 36,270
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Wausau, WI ($285,230)
--- Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($285,210)
--- Asheville, NC ($284,780)
- Annual mean salary: $260,270
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $252,040
- Employment: 36,270
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Wausau, WI ($285,230)
--- Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($285,210)
--- Asheville, NC ($284,780)
