Highest-paying jobs in Columbus
Written by:
March 12, 2021
Pixabay
Highest-paying jobs in Columbus
Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in Columbus, GA-AL, 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 Columbus, the annual mean wage is $43,400 or 18.9% lower than national mean of $53,490, while the highest-paying occupation makes $247,540. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
1 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#50. Architects, except landscape and naval
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $72,350
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $72,350
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
2 / 50
Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock
#49. Network and computer systems administrators
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $72,650
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $88,410
- Employment: 354,450
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,440)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($112,910)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($109,790)
- Annual mean salary: $72,650
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $88,410
- Employment: 354,450
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,440)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($112,910)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($109,790)
3 / 50
Canva
#48. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $72,660
- #244 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $72,660
- #244 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
4 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#47. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $73,970
- #222 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $73,970
- #222 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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)
5 / 50
Canva
#46. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $75,030
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,810
- Employment: 25,860
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($124,110)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($122,020)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($121,620)
- Annual mean salary: $75,030
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,810
- Employment: 25,860
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($124,110)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($122,020)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($121,620)
6 / 50
Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#45. Physician assistants
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $77,170
- #306 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $77,170
- #306 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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)
7 / 50
Wikimedia Commons
#44. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $78,110
- #156 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $78,110
- #156 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
8 / 50
Canva
#43. Civil engineers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $78,500
- #263 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $78,500
- #263 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
9 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#42. Management analysts
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $79,190
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
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: $79,190
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
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)
10 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#41. Industrial engineers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $79,280
- #253 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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: $79,280
- #253 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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)
11 / 50
Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock
#40. Computer network support specialists
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $79,560
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,860
- Employment: 185,430
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($94,420)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($90,050)
--- Greeley, CO ($88,310)
- Annual mean salary: $79,560
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,860
- Employment: 185,430
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($94,420)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($90,050)
--- Greeley, CO ($88,310)
12 / 50
Pakorn Khantiyaporn // Shutterstock
#39. Logisticians
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $79,740
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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: $79,740
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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)
13 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#38. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $82,470
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $82,470
- #57 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)
14 / 50
Rawpixel.com //Shutterstock
#37. Web developers and digital interface designers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $83,250
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,370
- Employment: 148,340
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($138,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($110,790)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,250)
- Annual mean salary: $83,250
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,370
- Employment: 148,340
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($138,600)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($110,790)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,250)
15 / 50
Aleksandar Karanov // Shutterstock
#36. Occupational health and safety specialists
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $84,250
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,290
- Employment: 92,780
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($108,230)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($99,020)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($97,560)
- Annual mean salary: $84,250
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,290
- Employment: 92,780
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($108,230)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($99,020)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($97,560)
16 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#35. Construction managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $87,070
- #255 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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: $87,070
- #255 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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)
17 / 50
PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#34. Computer programmers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $87,280
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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: $87,280
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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)
18 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#33. Training and development managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $87,510
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,470
- Employment: 38,510
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($168,900)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($167,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($152,380)
- Annual mean salary: $87,510
- #119 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,470
- Employment: 38,510
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($168,900)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($167,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($152,380)
19 / 50
ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock
#32. Occupational therapists
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $87,780
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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: $87,780
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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)
20 / 50
Pixabay
#31. General and operations managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $87,970
- #326 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,880
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: $87,970
- #326 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,880
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)
21 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#30. Medical and health services managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $89,110
- #333 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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: $89,110
- #333 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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)
22 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#29. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $90,160
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $90,160
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
23 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#28. Information security analysts
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $90,580
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $90,580
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
24 / 50
David Bibo // Wikimedia Commons
#27. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $91,490
- #184 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
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: $91,490
- #184 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
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)
25 / 50
Canva
#26. Computer systems analysts
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $91,870
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 890
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: $91,870
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 890
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)
26 / 50
Canva
#25. Mechanical engineers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $93,290
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $93,290
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
27 / 50
TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock
#24. Sales engineers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $96,020
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $96,020
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
28 / 50
Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock
#23. Physical therapists
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $97,160
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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: $97,160
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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)
29 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#22. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $98,320
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
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: $98,320
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
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)
30 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#21. Database administrators and architects
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $99,910
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,110
- Employment: 125,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($116,780)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($114,960)
- Annual mean salary: $99,910
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,110
- Employment: 125,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($116,780)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($114,960)
31 / 50
Canva
#20. Speech-language pathologists
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $101,800
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $101,800
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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)
32 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#19. Electronics engineers, except computer
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $102,260
- #68 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: $102,260
- #68 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)
33 / 50
Canva
#18. Electrical engineers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $103,840
- #69 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: $103,840
- #69 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)
34 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#17. Purchasing managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $106,240
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,400
- Employment: 72,100
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($171,560)
--- Morgantown, WV ($163,830)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($160,620)
- Annual mean salary: $106,240
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,400
- Employment: 72,100
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($171,560)
--- Morgantown, WV ($163,830)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($160,620)
35 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#16. Industrial production managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $109,370
- #185 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $109,370
- #185 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
36 / 50
Austin Community College // Flickr
#15. Veterinarians
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $111,380
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $111,380
- #73 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
37 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#14. Nurse practitioners
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $111,980
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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: $111,980
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#13. Human resources managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $112,820
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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: $112,820
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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)
39 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#12. Computer network architects
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $115,330
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $115,330
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
40 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#11. Lawyers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $118,890
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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: $118,890
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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)
41 / 50
Canva
#10. Pediatricians, general
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $122,870
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $184,410
- Employment: 29,740
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($277,390)
--- Killeen-Temple, TX ($273,770)
--- Chico, CA ($270,550)
- Annual mean salary: $122,870
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $184,410
- Employment: 29,740
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rockford, IL ($277,390)
--- Killeen-Temple, TX ($273,770)
--- Chico, CA ($270,550)
42 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#9. Marketing managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $125,820
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $125,820
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
43 / 50
Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#8. Pharmacists
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $129,900
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
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: $129,900
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
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)
44 / 50
Canva
#7. Financial managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $130,510
- #122 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
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: $130,510
- #122 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
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)
45 / 50
Canva
#6. Sales managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $131,470
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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: $131,470
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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
Pixabay
#5. Architectural and engineering managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $135,150
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $135,150
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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)
47 / 50
Canva
#4. Dentists, general
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $138,600
- #258 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $138,600
- #258 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
48 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#3. Computer and information systems managers
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $157,260
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
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: $157,260
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
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)
49 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#2. Chief executives
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $167,530
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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: $167,530
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
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)
50 / 50
Canva
#1. Nurse anesthetists
Columbus, GA-AL
- Annual mean salary: $247,540
- #3 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: $247,540
- #3 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)
