Highest-paying jobs in Topeka
Written by:
March 12, 2021
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Highest-paying jobs in Topeka
Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in Topeka, KS, 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 Topeka, the annual mean wage is $45,090 or 15.7% lower than national mean of $53,490, while the highest-paying occupation makes $151,230. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
1 / 50
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#50. Financial examiners
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $66,690
- #99 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $66,690
- #99 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
2 / 50
Canva
#49. Dental hygienists
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $66,780
- #244 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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: $66,780
- #244 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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)
3 / 50
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
#48. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $67,900
- #136 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $67,900
- #136 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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)
4 / 50
Flamingo Images // Shutterstock
#47. Credit analysts
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $69,430
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,930
- Employment: 73,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($120,850)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($116,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,330)
- Annual mean salary: $69,430
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,930
- Employment: 73,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($120,850)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($116,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,330)
5 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#46. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $70,400
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $70,400
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
6 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#45. Public relations specialists
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $71,040
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,190
- Employment: 244,730
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($103,820)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($87,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($84,520)
- Annual mean salary: $71,040
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,190
- Employment: 244,730
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($103,820)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($87,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($84,520)
7 / 50
Canva
#44. Speech-language pathologists
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $71,470
- #257 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
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: $71,470
- #257 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
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)
8 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#43. Architects, except landscape and naval
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $71,660
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $71,660
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
9 / 50
Canva
#42. Computer systems analysts
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $72,930
- #292 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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: $72,930
- #292 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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)
10 / 50
anyaivanova // Shutterstock
#41. Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $75,580
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $75,580
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
11 / 50
Canva
#40. Civil engineers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $75,900
- #297 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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: $75,900
- #297 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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)
12 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#39. Construction managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $77,590
- #321 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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: $77,590
- #321 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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)
13 / 50
Canva
#38. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $78,500
- #217 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $78,500
- #217 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)
14 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#37. Industrial engineers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $79,440
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $79,440
- #249 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
15 / 50
PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#36. Computer programmers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $80,440
- #136 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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: $80,440
- #136 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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)
16 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#35. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $81,210
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $81,210
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
17 / 50
Pixabay
#34. General and operations managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $81,390
- #361 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,960
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: $81,390
- #361 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,960
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)
18 / 50
Pakorn Khantiyaporn // Shutterstock
#33. Logisticians
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $81,760
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $81,760
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
19 / 50
Canva
#32. Mechanical engineers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $82,500
- #217 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: $82,500
- #217 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)
20 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#31. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $84,300
- #264 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 860
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: $84,300
- #264 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 860
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)
21 / 50
Dragon Images // Shutterstock
#30. Insurance underwriters
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $84,690
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,640
- Employment: 100,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($114,370)
--- Rapid City, SD ($112,670)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($110,470)
- Annual mean salary: $84,690
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,640
- Employment: 100,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($114,370)
--- Rapid City, SD ($112,670)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($110,470)
22 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#29. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $84,890
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $84,890
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
23 / 50
David Bibo // Wikimedia Commons
#28. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $85,100
- #251 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $85,100
- #251 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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)
24 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#27. Personal financial advisors
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $85,540
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,290
- Employment: 210,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Montgomery, AL ($178,100)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($173,970)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($171,370)
- Annual mean salary: $85,540
- #196 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,290
- Employment: 210,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Montgomery, AL ($178,100)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($173,970)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($171,370)
25 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#26. Information security analysts
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $86,210
- #143 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,210
- Employment: 125,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,040)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($127,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($122,570)
- Annual mean salary: $86,210
- #143 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,210
- Employment: 125,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,040)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($127,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($122,570)
26 / 50
Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock
#25. Network and computer systems administrators
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $86,270
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
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: $86,270
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
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)
27 / 50
KSai23 // Shutterstock
#24. Chiropractors
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $86,650
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,010
- Employment: 35,010
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Toledo, OH ($160,330)
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($149,580)
--- Reno, NV ($140,260)
- Annual mean salary: $86,650
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,010
- Employment: 35,010
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Toledo, OH ($160,330)
--- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($149,580)
--- Reno, NV ($140,260)
28 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#23. Computer network architects
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $88,340
- #181 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $88,340
- #181 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,110
- Employment: 152,420
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($152,400)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($151,650)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($142,100)
29 / 50
comzeal images // Shutterstock
#22. Loan officers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $91,210
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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: $91,210
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
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)
30 / 50
ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock
#21. Occupational therapists
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $91,230
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $91,230
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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)
31 / 50
Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock
#20. Physical therapists
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $91,440
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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: $91,440
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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)
32 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#19. Training and development managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $92,220
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $92,220
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)
33 / 50
Canva
#18. Electrical engineers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $93,150
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $93,150
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#17. Medical and health services managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $93,820
- #295 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
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: $93,820
- #295 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
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)
35 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#16. Industrial production managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $95,250
- #310 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $95,250
- #310 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#15. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $98,960
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $98,960
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
37 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#14. Lawyers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $103,850
- #226 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
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: $103,850
- #226 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
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)
38 / 50
Kzenon // Shutterstock
#13. Optometrists
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $105,310
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $105,310
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
39 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#12. Nurse practitioners
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $108,360
- #170 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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: $108,360
- #170 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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)
40 / 50
Sebastian Duda // Shutterstock
#11. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $109,930
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,550
- Employment: 28,670
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($206,390)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($197,140)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($196,520)
- Annual mean salary: $109,930
- #55 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,550
- Employment: 28,670
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($206,390)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($197,140)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($196,520)
41 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#10. Human resources managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $110,680
- #165 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $110,680
- #165 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
42 / 50
Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#9. Physician assistants
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $117,860
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $117,860
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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)
43 / 50
Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#8. Pharmacists
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $118,040
- #308 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $118,040
- #308 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#7. Computer and information systems managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $118,470
- #217 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,390
- Employment: 433,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($215,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,960)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($196,290)
- Annual mean salary: $118,470
- #217 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#6. Marketing managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $123,030
- #153 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
46 / 50
Canva
#5. Financial managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $123,980
- #164 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Employment: 654,790
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($208,770)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($203,430)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,190)
- Annual mean salary: $123,980
- #164 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Employment: 654,790
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($208,770)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($203,430)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,190)
47 / 50
Austin Community College // Flickr
#4. Veterinarians
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $126,010
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $126,010
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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)
48 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#3. Chief executives
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $137,690
- #274 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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: $137,690
- #274 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $193,850
- Employment: 205,890
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($270,040)
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($264,330)
--- Midland, TX ($258,760)
49 / 50
Canva
#2. Sales managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $139,280
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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: $139,280
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
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)
50 / 50
Pixabay
#1. Architectural and engineering managers
Topeka, KS
- Annual mean salary: $151,230
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $151,230
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)
