Highest-paying jobs in Lexington
Written by:
March 12, 2021
Kzenon // Shutterstock
Highest-paying jobs in Lexington
Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY, 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 Lexington, the annual mean wage is $45,430 or 15.1% lower than national mean of $53,490, while the highest-paying occupation makes $192,070. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
1 / 50
ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock
#50. Occupational therapists
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $77,830
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $77,830
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)
2 / 50
PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#49. Computer programmers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $77,900
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $77,900
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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)
3 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#48. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $79,180
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,180
- Employment: 249,090
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($116,640)
--- Raleigh, NC ($112,570)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($110,260)
- Annual mean salary: $79,180
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,180
- Employment: 249,090
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($116,640)
--- Raleigh, NC ($112,570)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($110,260)
4 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#47. Industrial engineers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $79,500
- #248 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 940
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: $79,500
- #248 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 940
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)
5 / 50
Canva
#46. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $80,060
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $80,060
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#45. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $80,360
- #181 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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: $80,360
- #181 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
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)
7 / 50
Csomos Attila // Shutterstock
#44. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $80,490
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,350
- Employment: 29,200
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tulsa, OK ($207,900)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($170,220)
--- Midland, TX ($165,590)
- Annual mean salary: $80,490
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,350
- Employment: 29,200
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tulsa, OK ($207,900)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($170,220)
--- Midland, TX ($165,590)
8 / 50
Canva
#43. Computer systems analysts
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $80,570
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
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: $80,570
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
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)
9 / 50
Canva
#42. Civil engineers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $82,450
- #212 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 650
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: $82,450
- #212 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 650
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)
10 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#41. Electronics engineers, except computer
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $83,250
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $83,250
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
11 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#40. Construction managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $83,410
- #281 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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: $83,410
- #281 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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)
12 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#39. Management analysts
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $83,780
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 790
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: $83,780
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 790
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)
13 / 50
Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock
#38. Physical therapists
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $84,510
- #268 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
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: $84,510
- #268 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
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)
14 / 50
Pixabay
#37. Advertising and promotions managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $84,940
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $141,890
- Employment: 25,100
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boulder, CO ($200,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,210)
- Annual mean salary: $84,940
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $141,890
- Employment: 25,100
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boulder, CO ($200,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,210)
15 / 50
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#36. Financial examiners
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $85,310
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,330
- Employment: 64,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($125,290)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($125,150)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,720)
- Annual mean salary: $85,310
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,330
- Employment: 64,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($125,290)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($125,150)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,720)
16 / 50
Canva
#35. Mechanical engineers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $85,530
- #184 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
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: $85,530
- #184 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
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)
17 / 50
Canva
#34. Materials engineers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $86,120
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,890
- Employment: 26,820
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,690)
--- Boulder, CO ($127,260)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($126,970)
- Annual mean salary: $86,120
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,890
- Employment: 26,820
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,690)
--- Boulder, CO ($127,260)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($126,970)
18 / 50
Austin Community College // Flickr
#33. Veterinarians
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $86,640
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
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: $86,640
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 340
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)
19 / 50
Canva
#32. Electrical engineers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $87,000
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
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: $87,000
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
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
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#31. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $88,700
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
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: $88,700
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
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)
21 / 50
Canva
#30. Environmental engineers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $88,810
- #84 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $88,810
- #84 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
22 / 50
Prath // Shutterstock
#29. Detectives and criminal investigators
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $90,870
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $90,870
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
23 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#28. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $90,940
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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: $90,940
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#27. Personal financial advisors
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $91,180
- #177 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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: $91,180
- #177 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
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)
25 / 50
Pixabay
#26. General and operations managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $93,750
- #296 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,870
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: $93,750
- #296 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,870
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)
26 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#25. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $95,860
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
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: $95,860
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
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)
27 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#24. Nurse practitioners
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $96,180
- #323 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 600
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: $96,180
- #323 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 600
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)
28 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#23. Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $97,130
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,220
- Employment: 94,060
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($119,250)
--- Rochester, NY ($114,810)
--- Provo-Orem, UT ($112,520)
- Annual mean salary: $97,130
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,220
- Employment: 94,060
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($119,250)
--- Rochester, NY ($114,810)
--- Provo-Orem, UT ($112,520)
29 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#22. Industrial production managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $97,840
- #295 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $97,840
- #295 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
30 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#21. Education administrators, postsecondary
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $97,900
- #140 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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: $97,900
- #140 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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)
31 / 50
Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#20. Physician assistants
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $98,500
- #254 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: $98,500
- #254 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)
32 / 50
David Bibo // Wikimedia Commons
#19. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $100,050
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
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: $100,050
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
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)
33 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#18. Marketing managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $100,110
- #234 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $100,110
- #234 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)
34 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#17. Human resources managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $102,000
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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: $102,000
- #223 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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)
35 / 50
Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#16. Pharmacists
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $104,940
- #375 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 850
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: $104,940
- #375 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 850
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)
36 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#15. Medical and health services managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $107,960
- #163 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
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: $107,960
- #163 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
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)
37 / 50
Canva
#14. Sales managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $108,530
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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: $108,530
- #279 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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)
38 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#13. Lawyers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $110,210
- #180 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $110,210
- #180 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
39 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#12. Purchasing managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $110,570
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $110,570
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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)
40 / 50
Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy
#11. Chemical engineers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $117,500
- #19 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: $117,500
- #19 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)
41 / 50
Canva
#10. Dentists, general
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $118,000
- #283 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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: $118,000
- #283 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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)
42 / 50
Skycolors // Shutterstock
#9. Commercial pilots
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $118,970
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,870
- Employment: 37,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($164,720)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($139,920)
--- Jackson, MS ($136,010)
- Annual mean salary: $118,970
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,870
- Employment: 37,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($164,720)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($139,920)
--- Jackson, MS ($136,010)
43 / 50
Canva
#8. Financial managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $120,320
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 900
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: $120,320
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 900
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)
44 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#7. Computer and information systems managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $122,260
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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: $122,260
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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)
45 / 50
NTNU // Flickr
#6. Natural sciences managers
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $125,670
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $145,450
- Employment: 67,720
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($222,530)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($208,910)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($206,710)
- Annual mean salary: $125,670
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $145,450
- Employment: 67,720
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($222,530)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($208,910)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($206,710)
46 / 50
Kzenon // Shutterstock
#5. Optometrists
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $134,530
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $134,530
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $134,620
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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: $134,620
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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
Canva
#3. Nurse anesthetists
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $172,370
- #64 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: $172,370
- #64 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)
49 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#2. Chief executives
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $188,500
- #144 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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: $188,500
- #144 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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. Family medicine physicians
Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Annual mean salary: $192,070
- #207 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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: $192,070
- #207 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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)
