Highest-paying jobs in Abilene
Written by:
March 12, 2021
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Abilene
Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in Abilene, TX, 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 Abilene, the annual mean wage is $41,760 or 21.9% lower than national mean of $53,490, while the highest-paying occupation makes $232,140. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
1 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#50. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $63,230
- #170 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $63,230
- #170 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
2 / 50
Canva
#49. Construction and building inspectors
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $63,240
- #92 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,390
- Employment: 110,420
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($101,820)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($101,000)
--- Madera, CA ($95,910)
- Annual mean salary: $63,240
- #92 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,390
- Employment: 110,420
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($101,820)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($101,000)
--- Madera, CA ($95,910)
3 / 50
Wikimedia Commons
#48. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,450
- Employment: 113,270
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($136,390)
--- Jefferson City, MO ($118,920)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($117,960)
- Annual mean salary: $63,380
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,450
- Employment: 113,270
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($136,390)
--- Jefferson City, MO ($118,920)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($117,960)
4 / 50
Paolo Bona // Shutterstock
#47. Food service managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $63,820
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,820
- Employment: 235,470
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ocean City, NJ ($91,790)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($90,830)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($89,760)
- Annual mean salary: $63,820
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,820
- Employment: 235,470
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ocean City, NJ ($91,790)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($90,830)
--- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($89,760)
5 / 50
Canva
#46. Computer systems analysts
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $64,770
- #338 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $64,770
- #338 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
6 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#45. Human resources managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $65,330
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $65,330
- #312 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
7 / 50
ImageFlow // Shutterstock
#44. Accountants and auditors
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $66,020
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Employment: 1,280,700
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($102,090)
--- Salinas, CA ($97,640)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($95,570)
- Annual mean salary: $66,020
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 430
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Employment: 1,280,700
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($102,090)
--- Salinas, CA ($97,640)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($95,570)
8 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#43. Registered nurses
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $66,140
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,630
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Employment: 2,982,280
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($138,000)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($134,000)
- Annual mean salary: $66,140
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,630
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Employment: 2,982,280
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($138,000)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($134,000)
9 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#42. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $66,240
- #183 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Employment: 1,344,530
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Fe, NM ($94,880)
--- Kingston, NY ($91,660)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($90,850)
- Annual mean salary: $66,240
- #183 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Employment: 1,344,530
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Fe, NM ($94,880)
--- Kingston, NY ($91,660)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($90,850)
10 / 50
Suwin // Shutterstock
#41. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $66,410
- #61 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: $66,410
- #61 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)
11 / 50
anyaivanova // Shutterstock
#40. Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $67,680
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,240
- Employment: 122,550
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Burlington-South Burlington, VT ($89,500)
--- Anchorage, AK ($85,470)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($84,490)
- Annual mean salary: $67,680
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $66,240
- Employment: 122,550
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Burlington-South Burlington, VT ($89,500)
--- Anchorage, AK ($85,470)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($84,490)
12 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#39. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $67,780
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,940
- Employment: 287,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($103,440)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,480)
--- Hammond, LA ($86,880)
- Annual mean salary: $67,780
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,940
- Employment: 287,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($103,440)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,480)
--- Hammond, LA ($86,880)
13 / 50
Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock
#38. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $68,010
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $68,010
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
14 / 50
Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock
#37. Property, real estate, and community association managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $68,280
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,720
- Employment: 220,750
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($110,010)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($107,190)
--- San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR ($103,530)
- Annual mean salary: $68,280
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,720
- Employment: 220,750
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($110,010)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($107,190)
--- San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR ($103,530)
15 / 50
Pakorn Khantiyaporn // Shutterstock
#36. Logisticians
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $71,100
- #176 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $78,680
- Employment: 182,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lake Charles, LA ($124,160)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($106,490)
--- Anchorage, AK ($100,690)
- Annual mean salary: $71,100
- #176 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $78,680
- Employment: 182,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Lake Charles, LA ($124,160)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($106,490)
--- Anchorage, AK ($100,690)
16 / 50
guruXOX // Shutterstock
#35. Producers and directors
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $73,840
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,940
- Employment: 129,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,980)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($119,460)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($105,950)
- Annual mean salary: $73,840
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,940
- Employment: 129,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,980)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($119,460)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($105,950)
17 / 50
Unsplash
#34. Tax preparers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $74,440
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,550
- Employment: 66,670
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,620)
--- Abilene, TX ($74,440)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,280)
- Annual mean salary: $74,440
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $49,550
- Employment: 66,670
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($78,620)
--- Abilene, TX ($74,440)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,280)
18 / 50
Canva
#33. Dental hygienists
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $75,080
- #130 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,230
- Employment: 221,560
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($140,150)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($120,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,940)
- Annual mean salary: $75,080
- #130 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,230
- Employment: 221,560
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($140,150)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($120,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($113,940)
19 / 50
David Bibo // Wikimedia Commons
#32. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $76,550
- #334 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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: $76,550
- #334 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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)
20 / 50
Canva
#31. Speech-language pathologists
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $76,690
- #190 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,000
- Employment: 154,360
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($117,710)
--- Corvallis, OR ($105,380)
--- Chico, CA ($104,640)
- Annual mean salary: $76,690
- #190 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,000
- Employment: 154,360
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($117,710)
--- Corvallis, OR ($105,380)
--- Chico, CA ($104,640)
21 / 50
Canva
#30. Civil engineers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $78,240
- #270 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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: $78,240
- #270 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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)
22 / 50
Mongta Studio // Shutterstock
#29. Cost estimators
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $79,010
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,350
- Employment: 210,000
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($98,960)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($98,930)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($93,350)
- Annual mean salary: $79,010
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $71,350
- Employment: 210,000
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($98,960)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($98,930)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($93,350)
23 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#28. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $79,540
- #268 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $79,540
- #268 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
24 / 50
Canva
#27. Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $79,730
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,070
- Employment: 21,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($112,770)
--- Anchorage, AK ($93,410)
--- Abilene, TX ($79,730)
- Annual mean salary: $79,730
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,070
- Employment: 21,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($112,770)
--- Anchorage, AK ($93,410)
--- Abilene, TX ($79,730)
25 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#26. Management analysts
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $79,780
- #213 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Employment: 709,750
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($132,090)
--- Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL ($127,750)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($127,570)
- Annual mean salary: $79,780
- #213 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Employment: 709,750
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($132,090)
--- Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL ($127,750)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($127,570)
26 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#25. Personal financial advisors
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $80,020
- #211 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $80,020
- #211 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
27 / 50
Canva
#24. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $82,890
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $82,890
- #186 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)
28 / 50
PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#23. Computer programmers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $82,900
- #115 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,610
- Employment: 199,540
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($116,400)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,990)
--- Charlottesville, VA ($113,760)
- Annual mean salary: $82,900
- #115 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,610
- Employment: 199,540
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($116,400)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,990)
--- Charlottesville, VA ($113,760)
29 / 50
Pixabay
#22. General and operations managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $84,000
- #351 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,100
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: $84,000
- #351 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,100
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)
30 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#21. Electronics engineers, except computer
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $88,050
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,210
- Employment: 128,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,660)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($132,600)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($130,890)
- Annual mean salary: $88,050
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,210
- Employment: 128,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,660)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($132,600)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($130,890)
31 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#20. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $88,960
- #216 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $88,960
- #216 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
32 / 50
ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock
#19. Occupational therapists
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $90,430
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,210
- Employment: 133,570
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- The Villages, FL ($115,090)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($108,870)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($107,450)
- Annual mean salary: $90,430
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,210
- Employment: 133,570
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- The Villages, FL ($115,090)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($108,870)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($107,450)
33 / 50
comzeal images // Shutterstock
#18. Loan officers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $90,930
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,200
- Employment: 308,370
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($117,330)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($113,480)
--- Yuba City, CA ($113,340)
- Annual mean salary: $90,930
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,200
- Employment: 308,370
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($117,330)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($113,480)
--- Yuba City, CA ($113,340)
34 / 50
Canva
#17. Electrical engineers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $92,200
- #175 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $92,200
- #175 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
35 / 50
Canva
#16. Mechanical engineers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $94,290
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $94,290
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
36 / 50
Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock
#15. Physical therapists
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $95,230
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
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: $95,230
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
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)
37 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#14. Industrial production managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $98,640
- #288 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $98,640
- #288 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
38 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#13. Medical and health services managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $106,640
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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: $106,640
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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)
39 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#12. Construction managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $108,400
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $108,400
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
40 / 50
Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#11. Physician assistants
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $109,330
- #154 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $109,330
- #154 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
41 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#10. Computer and information systems managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $116,390
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $116,390
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Financial managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $116,970
- #214 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $116,970
- #214 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
43 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#8. Lawyers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $117,940
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $117,940
- #127 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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)
44 / 50
Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#7. Pharmacists
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $119,420
- #293 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $119,420
- #293 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
45 / 50
Canva
#6. Sales managers
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $124,710
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $124,710
- #179 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
46 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#5. Nurse practitioners
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $132,740
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $132,740
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
47 / 50
Canva
#4. Nurse anesthetists
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $166,230
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $166,230
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
48 / 50
Canva
#3. Dentists, general
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $195,510
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $195,510
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
49 / 50
Canva
#2. Family medicine physicians
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $206,050
- #174 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,270
- Employment: 109,370
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Racine, WI ($286,030)
--- Jacksonville, NC ($282,580)
--- Gadsden, AL ($281,430)
- Annual mean salary: $206,050
- #174 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $213,270
- Employment: 109,370
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Racine, WI ($286,030)
--- Jacksonville, NC ($282,580)
--- Gadsden, AL ($281,430)
50 / 50
Canva
#1. General internal medicine physicians
Abilene, TX
- Annual mean salary: $232,140
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $201,440
- Employment: 44,610
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($282,610)
--- Rapid City, SD ($280,990)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($280,500)
- Annual mean salary: $232,140
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $201,440
- Employment: 44,610
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($282,610)
--- Rapid City, SD ($280,990)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($280,500)
