Highest-paying jobs in Detroit
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April 12, 2021
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Highest-paying jobs in Detroit
Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI, 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 2020. Job descriptions are from O*NET.
In Detroit, the annual mean wage is $57,740 or 2.5% higher than national mean of $56,310, while the highest-paying occupation makes $271,250. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
1 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#50. Aerospace engineers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $101,240
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,110
- Employment: 60,630
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($151,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($142,260)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($135,490)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
- Annual mean salary: $101,240
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,110
- Employment: 60,630
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($151,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($142,260)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($135,490)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

2 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#49. Engineering teachers, postsecondary
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $101,430
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,130
- Employment: 38,520
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($162,430)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($142,380)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($141,860)
- Job description: Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Annual mean salary: $101,430
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,130
- Employment: 38,520
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($162,430)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($142,380)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($141,860)
- Job description: Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
3 / 50
Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy
#48. Chemical engineers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $101,890
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,820
- Employment: 25,770
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($158,110)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($147,310)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($140,750)
- Job description: Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
- Annual mean salary: $101,890
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,820
- Employment: 25,770
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Midland, TX ($158,110)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($147,310)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($140,750)
- Job description: Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
4 / 50
Suzanne M. Day // Wikimedia Commons
#47. Nurse midwives
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $102,230
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,540
- Employment: 7,120
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($191,440)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($171,000)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,870)
- Job description: Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.
- Annual mean salary: $102,230
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,540
- Employment: 7,120
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($191,440)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($171,000)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,870)
- Job description: Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

5 / 50
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#46. Computer and information research scientists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $103,120
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $130,890
- Employment: 30,220
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($170,890)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($163,330)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($150,090)
- Job description: Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
- Annual mean salary: $103,120
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $130,890
- Employment: 30,220
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($170,890)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($163,330)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($150,090)
- Job description: Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

6 / 50
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#45. Computer science teachers, postsecondary
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $104,140
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,680
- Employment: 32,230
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($153,430)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($150,480)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($143,650)
- Job description: Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Annual mean salary: $104,140
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,680
- Employment: 32,230
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($153,430)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($150,480)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($143,650)
- Job description: Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
7 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#44. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $104,840
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,680)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($136,410)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
- Annual mean salary: $104,840
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,100
- Employment: 132,210
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,680)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($136,410)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

8 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#43. Education administrators, postsecondary
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $105,600
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,200
- Employment: 140,880
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ithaca, NY ($205,810)
--- Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC ($178,210)
--- Charlottesville, VA ($176,040)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
- Annual mean salary: $105,600
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,200
- Employment: 140,880
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ithaca, NY ($205,810)
--- Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC ($178,210)
--- Charlottesville, VA ($176,040)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
9 / 50
Austin Community College // Flickr
#42. Veterinarians
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $105,860
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,350
- Employment: 73,710
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($169,220)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($150,370)
--- Akron, OH ($150,330)
- Job description: Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
- Annual mean salary: $105,860
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,350
- Employment: 73,710
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($169,220)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($150,370)
--- Akron, OH ($150,330)
- Job description: Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
10 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#41. Personal financial advisors
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $106,340
- #143 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,890
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,490
- Employment: 218,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Gainesville, FL ($206,120)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($169,850)
--- Tyler, TX ($169,690)
- Job description: Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.
- Annual mean salary: $106,340
- #143 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,890
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,490
- Employment: 218,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Gainesville, FL ($206,120)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($169,850)
--- Tyler, TX ($169,690)
- Job description: Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

11 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#40. Nurse practitioners
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $111,460
- #163 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,510
- Employment: 211,280
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($188,070)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($177,800)
--- Salinas, CA ($155,310)
- Job description: Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
- Annual mean salary: $111,460
- #163 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,510
- Employment: 211,280
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($188,070)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($177,800)
--- Salinas, CA ($155,310)
- Job description: Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
12 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#39. Computer network architects
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $112,890
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,440
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,230
- Employment: 159,350
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($161,950)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($152,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($148,250)
- Job description: Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
- Annual mean salary: $112,890
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,440
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,230
- Employment: 159,350
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($161,950)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($152,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($148,250)
- Job description: Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

13 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#38. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $112,930
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,680
- Employment: 288,150
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, NY ($150,650)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,850)
--- Battle Creek, MI ($141,310)
- Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.
- Annual mean salary: $112,930
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,680
- Employment: 288,150
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, NY ($150,650)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,850)
--- Battle Creek, MI ($141,310)
- Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.
14 / 50
Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#37. Physician assistants
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $114,050
- #146 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $116,080
- Employment: 125,280
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($168,220)
--- Waterbury, CT ($165,230)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($158,020)
- Job description: Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
- Annual mean salary: $114,050
- #146 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,580
National
- Annual mean salary: $116,080
- Employment: 125,280
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($168,220)
--- Waterbury, CT ($165,230)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($158,020)
- Job description: Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
15 / 50
NNSA // Flickr
#36. Law teachers, postsecondary
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $114,460
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,760
- Employment: 14,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($190,320)
--- Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($180,020)
--- Tallahassee, FL ($164,590)
- Job description: Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Annual mean salary: $114,460
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,760
- Employment: 14,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($190,320)
--- Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($180,020)
--- Tallahassee, FL ($164,590)
- Job description: Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
16 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#35. Electronics engineers, except computer
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $114,800
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,040
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,320
- Employment: 122,320
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($148,210)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($134,110)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($131,740)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
- Annual mean salary: $114,800
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,040
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,320
- Employment: 122,320
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($148,210)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($134,110)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($131,740)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
17 / 50
Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#34. Pharmacists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $114,820
- #336 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,460
- Employment: 315,470
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($165,350)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($162,540)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($161,120)
- Job description: Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.
- Annual mean salary: $114,820
- #336 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,460
- Employment: 315,470
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Madera, CA ($165,350)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($162,540)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($161,120)
- Job description: Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

18 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#33. Medical and health services managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $115,340
- #136 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,800
- Employment: 402,540
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($174,010)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($171,430)
--- Madera, CA ($168,090)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
- Annual mean salary: $115,340
- #136 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,800
- Employment: 402,540
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($174,010)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($171,430)
--- Madera, CA ($168,090)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
19 / 50
National Eye Institute // Flickr
#32. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $117,680
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 740
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,800
- Employment: 126,110
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($143,800)
--- New Haven, CT ($142,330)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($136,230)
- Job description: Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
- Annual mean salary: $117,680
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 740
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,800
- Employment: 126,110
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($143,800)
--- New Haven, CT ($142,330)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($136,230)
- Job description: Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

20 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#31. Training and development managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $118,200
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,920
- Employment: 38,710
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($178,590)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,570)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,750)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
- Annual mean salary: $118,200
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,920
- Employment: 38,710
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($178,590)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,570)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,750)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
21 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#30. Construction managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $118,900
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $107,260
- Employment: 285,640
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($161,780)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($154,800)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($153,490)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
- Annual mean salary: $118,900
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,190
National
- Annual mean salary: $107,260
- Employment: 285,640
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($161,780)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($154,800)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($153,490)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

22 / 50
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#29. Economics teachers, postsecondary
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $119,680
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,720
- Employment: 13,080
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($180,450)
--- Rochester, NY ($175,010)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($171,450)
- Job description: Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Annual mean salary: $119,680
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,720
- Employment: 13,080
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($180,450)
--- Rochester, NY ($175,010)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($171,450)
- Job description: Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
23 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#28. Lawyers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $122,810
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,940
National
- Annual mean salary: $148,910
- Employment: 658,120
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($231,610)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,920)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($186,070)
- Job description: Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
- Annual mean salary: $122,810
- #116 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,940
National
- Annual mean salary: $148,910
- Employment: 658,120
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($231,610)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,920)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($186,070)
- Job description: Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

24 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#27. Industrial production managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $124,370
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,190
- Employment: 179,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($171,890)
--- Florence, SC ($167,660)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($155,320)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
- Annual mean salary: $124,370
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,190
- Employment: 179,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($171,890)
--- Florence, SC ($167,660)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($155,320)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

25 / 50
Worawee Meepian // Shutterstock
#26. Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $126,610
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,050
- Employment: 14,570
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($145,340)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($139,930)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($139,150)
- Job description: Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
- Annual mean salary: $126,610
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,050
- Employment: 14,570
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($145,340)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($139,930)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($139,150)
- Job description: Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
26 / 50
NTNU // Flickr
#25. Natural sciences managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $128,130
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $154,930
- Employment: 75,870
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($221,460)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($214,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($205,120)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
- Annual mean salary: $128,130
- #63 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $154,930
- Employment: 75,870
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($221,460)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($214,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($205,120)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
27 / 50
Pixabay
#24. General and operations managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $132,490
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 28,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,740
- Employment: 2,347,420
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($183,170)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($175,990)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,370)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
- Annual mean salary: $132,490
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 28,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,740
- Employment: 2,347,420
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($183,170)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($175,990)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,370)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

28 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#23. Human resources managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $132,500
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,910
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,580
- Employment: 156,600
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($194,040)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,890)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($179,870)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
- Annual mean salary: $132,500
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,910
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,580
- Employment: 156,600
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($194,040)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,890)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($179,870)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

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rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#22. Purchasing managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $136,050
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 990
National
- Annual mean salary: $132,660
- Employment: 70,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($181,240)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,300)
--- Morgantown, WV ($167,740)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
- Annual mean salary: $136,050
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 990
National
- Annual mean salary: $132,660
- Employment: 70,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($181,240)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,300)
--- Morgantown, WV ($167,740)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
30 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#21. Marketing managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $141,980
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $154,470
- Employment: 270,200
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($213,180)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($211,210)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($196,260)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
- Annual mean salary: $141,980
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $154,470
- Employment: 270,200
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($213,180)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($211,210)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($196,260)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
31 / 50
Pixabay
#20. Compensation and benefits managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $142,300
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $137,160
- Employment: 16,340
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($194,810)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($184,050)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($180,840)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
- Annual mean salary: $142,300
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $137,160
- Employment: 16,340
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($194,810)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($184,050)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($180,840)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
32 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#19. Computer and information systems managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $143,230
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,310
National
- Annual mean salary: $161,730
- Employment: 457,290
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($235,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($212,480)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($201,320)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
- Annual mean salary: $143,230
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,310
National
- Annual mean salary: $161,730
- Employment: 457,290
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($235,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($212,480)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($201,320)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

33 / 50
Canva
#18. Financial managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $145,260
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,740
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,510
- Employment: 653,080
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($214,670)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($210,180)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($192,310)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
- Annual mean salary: $145,260
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,740
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,510
- Employment: 653,080
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($214,670)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($210,180)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($192,310)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

34 / 50
Kzenon // Shutterstock
#17. Optometrists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $145,370
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,440
- Employment: 36,690
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Columbia, SC ($228,340)
--- New Haven, CT ($186,950)
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($182,980)
- Job description: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
- Annual mean salary: $145,370
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,440
- Employment: 36,690
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Columbia, SC ($228,340)
--- New Haven, CT ($186,950)
--- Evansville, IN-KY ($182,980)
- Job description: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
35 / 50
Pixabay
#16. Architectural and engineering managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $146,180
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,100
- Employment: 195,900
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($226,920)
--- Amarillo, TX ($199,940)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,610)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
- Annual mean salary: $146,180
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,100
- Employment: 195,900
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($226,920)
--- Amarillo, TX ($199,940)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,610)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
36 / 50
Pixabay
#15. Advertising and promotions managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $148,540
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,560
- Employment: 22,490
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boulder, CO ($220,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($185,490)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($181,540)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
- Annual mean salary: $148,540
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,560
- Employment: 22,490
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boulder, CO ($220,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($185,490)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($181,540)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

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Canva
#14. Sales managers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $152,680
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,990
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,580
- Employment: 390,170
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($207,070)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,700)
--- Trenton, NJ ($186,960)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
- Annual mean salary: $152,680
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,990
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,580
- Employment: 390,170
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($207,070)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,700)
--- Trenton, NJ ($186,960)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

38 / 50
indukas // Shutterstock
#13. Physicists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $158,490
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $137,700
- Employment: 16,160
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($170,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($164,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($159,290)
- Job description: Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
- Annual mean salary: $158,490
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $137,700
- Employment: 16,160
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($170,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($164,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($159,290)
- Job description: Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
39 / 50
Canva
#12. Podiatrists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $162,730
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,110
- Employment: 9,710
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA ($229,330)
--- Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($226,260)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($221,380)
- Job description: Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
- Annual mean salary: $162,730
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,110
- Employment: 9,710
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA ($229,330)
--- Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($226,260)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($221,380)
- Job description: Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
40 / 50
Canva
#11. Pediatricians, general
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $188,550
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $184,570
- Employment: 27,550
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($280,860)
--- State College, PA ($275,730)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($275,610)
- Job description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.
- Annual mean salary: $188,550
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $184,570
- Employment: 27,550
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($280,860)
--- State College, PA ($275,730)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($275,610)
- Job description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.
41 / 50
Canva
#10. Family medicine physicians
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $190,220
- #213 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 970
National
- Annual mean salary: $214,370
- Employment: 98,590
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA ($309,800)
--- Napa, CA ($302,040)
--- Gadsden, AL ($292,110)
- Job description: Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.
- Annual mean salary: $190,220
- #213 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 970
National
- Annual mean salary: $214,370
- Employment: 98,590
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA ($309,800)
--- Napa, CA ($302,040)
--- Gadsden, AL ($292,110)
- Job description: Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.
42 / 50
Canva
#9. Nurse anesthetists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $194,710
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,350
National
- Annual mean salary: $189,190
- Employment: 41,960
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Duluth, MN-WI ($271,940)
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($262,890)
--- Green Bay, WI ($239,140)
- Job description: Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
- Annual mean salary: $194,710
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,350
National
- Annual mean salary: $189,190
- Employment: 41,960
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Duluth, MN-WI ($271,940)
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($262,890)
--- Green Bay, WI ($239,140)
- Job description: Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
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Canva
#8. Obstetricians and gynecologists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $209,680
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $239,120
- Employment: 18,900
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($294,450)
--- Tulsa, OK ($294,400)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($292,740)
- Job description: Provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general care to women. May perform both medical and gynecological surgery functions.
- Annual mean salary: $209,680
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $239,120
- Employment: 18,900
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($294,450)
--- Tulsa, OK ($294,400)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($292,740)
- Job description: Provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general care to women. May perform both medical and gynecological surgery functions.
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Canva
#7. General internal medicine physicians
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $216,000
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 710
National
- Annual mean salary: $210,960
- Employment: 50,600
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, MN ($315,830)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($314,080)
--- Wichita Falls, TX ($311,260)
- Job description: Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.
- Annual mean salary: $216,000
- #62 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 710
National
- Annual mean salary: $210,960
- Employment: 50,600
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, MN ($315,830)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($314,080)
--- Wichita Falls, TX ($311,260)
- Job description: Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.

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LightField Studios // Shutterstock
#6. Psychiatrists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $230,170
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $217,100
- Employment: 25,540
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($297,710)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($289,580)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($287,220)
- Job description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.
- Annual mean salary: $230,170
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $217,100
- Employment: 25,540
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($297,710)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($289,580)
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($287,220)
- Job description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.
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Canva
#5. Dentists, general
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $237,300
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $180,830
- Employment: 95,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($286,540)
--- North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($278,790)
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($278,390)
- Job description: Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
- Annual mean salary: $237,300
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $180,830
- Employment: 95,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($286,540)
--- North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($278,790)
--- Portland-South Portland, ME ($278,390)
- Job description: Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
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Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#4. Chief executives
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $255,370
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,400
National
- Annual mean salary: $197,840
- Employment: 202,360
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($293,000)
--- Midland, TX ($269,360)
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($263,770)
- Job description: Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
- Annual mean salary: $255,370
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,400
National
- Annual mean salary: $197,840
- Employment: 202,360
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($293,000)
--- Midland, TX ($269,360)
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($263,770)
- Job description: Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
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Canva
#3. Anesthesiologists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $258,670
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $271,440
- Employment: 28,590
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($307,390)
--- Duluth, MN-WI ($306,350)
--- Tallahassee, FL ($303,600)
- Job description: Administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery.
- Annual mean salary: $258,670
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $271,440
- Employment: 28,590
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($307,390)
--- Duluth, MN-WI ($306,350)
--- Tallahassee, FL ($303,600)
- Job description: Administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery.

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Canva
#2. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $259,010
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,750
National
- Annual mean salary: $186,870
- Employment: 83,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($259,010)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($254,640)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($252,430)
- Job description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
- Annual mean salary: $259,010
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,750
National
- Annual mean salary: $186,870
- Employment: 83,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($259,010)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($254,640)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($252,430)
- Job description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

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Unsplash
#1. Surgeons, except ophthalmologists
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
- Annual mean salary: $271,250
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
National
- Annual mean salary: $251,650
- Employment: 37,900
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($305,480)
--- Akron, OH ($297,710)
--- Lincoln, NE ($296,150)
- Job description: Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
- Annual mean salary: $271,250
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
National
- Annual mean salary: $251,650
- Employment: 37,900
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($305,480)
--- Akron, OH ($297,710)
--- Lincoln, NE ($296,150)
- Job description: Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.



