Highest-paying jobs in Waco
Written by:
April 12, 2021
Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
Highest-paying jobs in Waco
Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in Waco, TX, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by average annual salary with information up to date as of May 2020. Job descriptions are from O*NET.
In Waco, the annual mean wage is $45,200 or 19.7% lower than national mean of $56,310, while the highest-paying occupation makes $238,250. Read on to see which jobs make the list.
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Daniel Tausis // Unsplash
#50. Firefighters
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $69,550
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,360
- Employment: 311,350
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,480)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($105,670)
- Job description: Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
- Annual mean salary: $69,550
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $56,360
- Employment: 311,350
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,680)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,480)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($105,670)
- Job description: Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
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Dmytro Zinkevych // Shutterstock
#49. Social and community service managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $70,560
- #168 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,140
- Employment: 155,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Yuba City, CA ($96,530)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,650)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($94,900)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
- Annual mean salary: $70,560
- #168 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,140
- Employment: 155,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Yuba City, CA ($96,530)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,650)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($94,900)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
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PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#48. Computer programmers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $70,640
- #206 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,640
- Employment: 178,140
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,420)
--- Midland, TX ($119,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,530)
- Job description: Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
- Annual mean salary: $70,640
- #206 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,640
- Employment: 178,140
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,420)
--- Midland, TX ($119,390)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,530)
- Job description: Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
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Wikimedia Commons
#47. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $71,980
- #210 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,290
- Employment: 111,320
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($138,550)
--- Jefferson City, MO ($133,640)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($125,020)
- Job description: Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
- Annual mean salary: $71,980
- #210 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,290
- Employment: 111,320
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($138,550)
--- Jefferson City, MO ($133,640)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($125,020)
- Job description: Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
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Canva
#46. Speech-language pathologists
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $72,250
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,240
- Employment: 148,450
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($128,540)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($120,920)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($115,480)
- Job description: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
- Annual mean salary: $72,250
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,240
- Employment: 148,450
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($128,540)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($120,920)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($115,480)
- Job description: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
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anyaivanova // Shutterstock
#45. Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $72,740
- #50 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,310
- Employment: 115,270
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bakersfield, CA ($90,130)
--- Salinas, CA ($87,550)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($85,190)
- Job description: Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
- Annual mean salary: $72,740
- #50 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,310
- Employment: 115,270
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bakersfield, CA ($90,130)
--- Salinas, CA ($87,550)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($85,190)
- Job description: Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
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Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock
#44. Network and computer systems administrators
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $73,140
- #251 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,460
- Employment: 339,560
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($134,260)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($116,840)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($111,790)
- Job description: Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
- Annual mean salary: $73,140
- #251 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,460
- Employment: 339,560
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($134,260)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($116,840)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($111,790)
- Job description: Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
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USACE NY // Flickr
#43. Construction managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $74,010
- #337 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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: $74,010
- #337 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
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.
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Canva
#42. Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $74,450
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,680
- Employment: 11,900
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL ($98,130)
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($96,370)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($90,030)
- Job description: Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
- Annual mean salary: $74,450
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,680
- Employment: 11,900
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL ($98,130)
--- Oklahoma City, OK ($96,370)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($90,030)
- Job description: Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
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Canva
#41. Dental hygienists
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $74,880
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $78,050
- Employment: 194,830
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($133,730)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($120,340)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($118,980)
- Job description: Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
- Annual mean salary: $74,880
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $78,050
- Employment: 194,830
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($133,730)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($120,340)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($118,980)
- Job description: Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
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fizkes // Shutterstock
#40. Management analysts
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $74,950
- #295 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,580
- Employment: 734,000
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($163,720)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($157,490)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($135,250)
- Job description: Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
- Annual mean salary: $74,950
- #295 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,580
- Employment: 734,000
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($163,720)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($157,490)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($135,250)
- Job description: Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
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SofikoS // Shutterstock
#39. Diagnostic medical sonographers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $75,770
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,790
- Employment: 73,920
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($138,130)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($126,610)
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($121,710)
- Job description: Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
- Annual mean salary: $75,770
- #90 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,790
- Employment: 73,920
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($138,130)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($126,610)
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($121,710)
- Job description: Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
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Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#38. Financial examiners
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $76,150
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,730
- Employment: 68,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,230)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($125,050)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($124,620)
- Job description: Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
- Annual mean salary: $76,150
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,730
- Employment: 68,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,230)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($125,050)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($124,620)
- Job description: Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
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PR Image Factory // Shutterstock
#37. Operations research analysts
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $76,350
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,280
- Employment: 96,220
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($146,830)
--- Salinas, CA ($124,950)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($123,370)
- Job description: Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
- Annual mean salary: $76,350
- #111 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,280
- Employment: 96,220
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($146,830)
--- Salinas, CA ($124,950)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($123,370)
- Job description: Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
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Prath // Shutterstock
#36. Detectives and criminal investigators
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $77,180
- #157 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,380)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,090)
--- Anchorage, AK ($126,530)
- Job description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
- Annual mean salary: $77,180
- #157 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,300
- Employment: 105,980
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,380)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,090)
--- Anchorage, AK ($126,530)
- Job description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
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David Bibo // Wikimedia Commons
#35. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $78,450
- #323 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
National
- Annual mean salary: $103,010
- Employment: 262,480
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($154,970)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($146,070)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($145,590)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
- Annual mean salary: $78,450
- #323 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
National
- Annual mean salary: $103,010
- Employment: 262,480
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Modesto, CA ($154,970)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($146,070)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($145,590)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
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Canva
#34. Computer systems analysts
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $79,060
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,020
- Employment: 574,450
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,970)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,350)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($124,070)
- Job description: Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
- Annual mean salary: $79,060
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,020
- Employment: 574,450
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,970)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,350)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($124,070)
- Job description: Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
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comzeal images // Shutterstock
#33. Loan officers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $79,370
- #108 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,930
- Employment: 308,700
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eau Claire, WI ($129,900)
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($121,100)
--- Tyler, TX ($114,690)
- Job description: Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, loan underwriters, and payday loan officers.
- Annual mean salary: $79,370
- #108 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,930
- Employment: 308,700
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eau Claire, WI ($129,900)
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($121,100)
--- Tyler, TX ($114,690)
- Job description: Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, loan underwriters, and payday loan officers.
19 / 50
Pakorn Khantiyaporn // Shutterstock
#32. Logisticians
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $79,880
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,830
- Employment: 184,230
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($116,200)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($112,040)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($110,510)
- Job description: Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
- Annual mean salary: $79,880
- #98 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,830
- Employment: 184,230
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($116,200)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($112,040)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($110,510)
- Job description: Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
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ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock
#31. Occupational therapists
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $84,700
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,480
- Employment: 126,610
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- The Villages, FL ($115,920)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($115,060)
--- Modesto, CA ($112,870)
- Job description: Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
- Annual mean salary: $84,700
- #171 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,480
- Employment: 126,610
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- The Villages, FL ($115,920)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($115,060)
--- Modesto, CA ($112,870)
- Job description: Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
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Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock
#30. Physical therapists
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $86,810
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,680
- Employment: 220,870
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- El Centro, CA ($143,500)
--- Modesto, CA ($123,370)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($119,510)
- Job description: Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
- Annual mean salary: $86,810
- #235 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $91,680
- Employment: 220,870
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- El Centro, CA ($143,500)
--- Modesto, CA ($123,370)
--- Visalia-Porterville, CA ($119,510)
- Job description: Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
22 / 50
Austin Community College // Flickr
#29. Veterinarians
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $87,020
- #225 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $87,020
- #225 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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.
23 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#28. Database administrators and architects
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $88,200
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,090
- Employment: 133,630
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,340)
--- Trenton, NJ ($126,540)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($120,430)
- Job description: Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
- Annual mean salary: $88,200
- #124 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,090
- Employment: 133,630
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,340)
--- Trenton, NJ ($126,540)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($120,430)
- Job description: Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
24 / 50
Canva
#27. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $89,620
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($200,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,810)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($182,720)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
- Annual mean salary: $89,620
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,180
- Employment: 122,310
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($200,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,810)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($182,720)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
25 / 50
Canva
#26. Electrical engineers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $90,700
- #210 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,990
- Employment: 185,220
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,480)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($130,150)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($125,700)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
- Annual mean salary: $90,700
- #210 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,990
- Employment: 185,220
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,480)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($130,150)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($125,700)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
26 / 50
g-stockstudio // Shutterstock
#25. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $91,530
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($124,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($122,460)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($119,130)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
- Annual mean salary: $91,530
- #70 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,120
- Employment: 240,290
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($124,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($122,460)
--- Leominster-Gardner, MA ($119,130)
- Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
27 / 50
Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons
#24. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $94,110
- #180 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $94,110
- #180 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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.
28 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#23. Industrial engineers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $94,320
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,610
- Employment: 290,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Billings, MT ($125,760)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($123,710)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,510)
- Job description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
- Annual mean salary: $94,320
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,610
- Employment: 290,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Billings, MT ($125,760)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($123,710)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,510)
- Job description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
29 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#22. Personal financial advisors
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $95,100
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $95,100
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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.
30 / 50
Pixabay
#21. General and operations managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $95,850
- #290 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,060
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: $95,850
- #290 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,060
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.
31 / 50
Canva
#20. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $97,870
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,330
- Employment: 23,780
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($123,730)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,700)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($121,330)
- Job description: Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.
- Annual mean salary: $97,870
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,330
- Employment: 23,780
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($123,730)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,700)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($121,330)
- Job description: Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.
32 / 50
Canva
#19. Mechanical engineers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $98,830
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Employment: 293,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($123,700)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
- Annual mean salary: $98,830
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Employment: 293,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($123,700)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
33 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#18. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $105,660
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,270
- Employment: 1,476,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($157,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($144,740)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($140,930)
- Job description: Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
- Annual mean salary: $105,660
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,270
- Employment: 1,476,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($157,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($144,740)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($140,930)
- Job description: Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
34 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#17. Human resources managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $107,860
- #209 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $107,860
- #209 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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.
35 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#16. Marketing managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $111,430
- #199 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $111,430
- #199 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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.
36 / 50
Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#15. Physician assistants
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $112,190
- #164 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $112,190
- #164 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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.
37 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#14. Purchasing managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $112,770
- #125 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $112,770
- #125 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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.
38 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#13. Industrial production managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $115,660
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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: $115,660
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
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.
39 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#12. Computer and information systems managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $115,780
- #253 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $115,780
- #253 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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.
40 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#11. Nurse practitioners
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $119,710
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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: $119,710
- #81 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
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.
41 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#10. Electronics engineers, except computer
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $126,020
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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: $126,020
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
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.
42 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#9. Aerospace engineers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $126,180
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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: $126,180
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
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.
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Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#8. Lawyers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $132,760
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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: $132,760
- #67 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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.
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Canva
#7. Financial managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $135,330
- #115 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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: $135,330
- #115 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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.
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Canva
#6. Sales managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $139,140
- #107 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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: $139,140
- #107 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
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.
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Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#5. Pharmacists
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $140,940
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $140,940
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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.
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Pixabay
#4. Architectural and engineering managers
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $143,510
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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: $143,510
- #126 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
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.
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Canva
#3. General internal medicine physicians
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $211,120
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $211,120
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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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Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#2. Chief executives
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $211,810
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $211,810
- #82 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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
#1. Family medicine physicians
Waco, TX
- Annual mean salary: $238,250
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $238,250
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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.
