Most common jobs in Grand Rapids
Written by:
January 11, 2021
Pixabay
Most common jobs in Grand Rapids
The 10 largest occupations in America employ 30.5 million workers, representing 21% of all workers. Keeping America’s economy moving would be impossible without office workers, package handlers, food prep workers, and truck drivers. And what would the sick do without the millions of hospital workers, nurses, and home health aides?
Stacker compiled a list of the most common jobs in Grand Rapids using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by total employment as of May 2019. While much has changed during the coronavirus pandemic, the jobs featured here give a holistic view at the most popular industries in your area and how many jobs are supported.
Keep reading to see which jobs in Grand Rapids are the most common.
1 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#50. Automotive service technicians and mechanics
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 2,740
- Employment per 1,000: 4.82 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,350
National
- Employment: 655,330 (#45 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $44,890
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 2,740
- Employment per 1,000: 4.82 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,350
National
- Employment: 655,330 (#45 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $44,890
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
2 / 50
Crew // Wikimedia Commons
#49. Bartenders
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 2,790
- Employment per 1,000: 4.924 (12% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,120
National
- Employment: 646,850 (#48 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,000
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 2,790
- Employment per 1,000: 4.924 (12% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,120
National
- Employment: 646,850 (#48 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,000
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
3 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#48. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 2,940
- Employment per 1,000: 5.182 (46% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $77,580
National
- Employment: 1,406,870 (#19 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 2,940
- Employment per 1,000: 5.182 (46% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $77,580
National
- Employment: 1,406,870 (#19 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
4 / 50
Pixabay
#47. Construction laborers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 2,990
- Employment per 1,000: 5.26 (24% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,350
National
- Employment: 1,020,350 (#29 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,730
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 2,990
- Employment per 1,000: 5.26 (24% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,350
National
- Employment: 1,020,350 (#29 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,730
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
5 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#46. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,110
- Employment per 1,000: 5.481 (23% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $65,730
National
- Employment: 1,039,670 (#27 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $66,760
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,110
- Employment per 1,000: 5.481 (23% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $65,730
National
- Employment: 1,039,670 (#27 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $66,760
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
6 / 50
Sean Rayford // Getty Images
#44 (tie). Security guards
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,190
- Employment per 1,000: 5.621 (27% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,690
National
- Employment: 1,126,370 (#25 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,190
- Employment per 1,000: 5.621 (27% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,690
National
- Employment: 1,126,370 (#25 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
7 / 50
New Africa // Shutterstock
#44 (tie). Receptionists and information clerks
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,190
- Employment per 1,000: 5.626 (22% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,420
National
- Employment: 1,057,370 (#26 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,190
- Employment per 1,000: 5.626 (22% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,420
National
- Employment: 1,057,370 (#26 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
8 / 50
Hulton Archive // Getty Images
#43. Electricians
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,270
- Employment per 1,000: 5.757 (23% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $48,470
National
- Employment: 688,620 (#41 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,370
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,270
- Employment per 1,000: 5.757 (23% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $48,470
National
- Employment: 688,620 (#41 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,370
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
9 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#42. Maids and housekeeping cleaners
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,530
- Employment per 1,000: 6.226 (1% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,060
National
- Employment: 926,960 (#31 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 3,530
- Employment per 1,000: 6.226 (1% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,060
National
- Employment: 926,960 (#31 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
10 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#41. Industrial engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,540
- Employment per 1,000: 6.24 (214% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $81,030
National
- Employment: 291,710 (#111 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $92,660
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 3,540
- Employment per 1,000: 6.24 (214% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $81,030
National
- Employment: 291,710 (#111 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $92,660
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
11 / 50
Canva
#40. Helpers--production workers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,550
- Employment per 1,000: 6.261 (203% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,130
National
- Employment: 303,030 (#107 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,540
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,550
- Employment per 1,000: 6.261 (203% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,130
National
- Employment: 303,030 (#107 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,540
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
12 / 50
ALPA PROD // Shutterstock
#39. Medical secretaries and administrative assistants
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,560
- Employment per 1,000: 6.27 (52% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,240
National
- Employment: 604,780 (#55 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $38,090
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,560
- Employment per 1,000: 6.27 (52% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,240
National
- Employment: 604,780 (#55 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $38,090
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
13 / 50
OLIVIER DOULIERY // Getty Images
#38. First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,600
- Employment per 1,000: 6.345 (8% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $38,850
National
- Employment: 1,011,100 (#30 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,600
- Employment per 1,000: 6.345 (8% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $38,850
National
- Employment: 1,011,100 (#30 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
14 / 50
Canva
#37. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,760
- Employment per 1,000: 6.624 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $32,020
National
- Employment: 912,660 (#33 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 3,760
- Employment per 1,000: 6.624 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $32,020
National
- Employment: 912,660 (#33 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
15 / 50
Rob Kim // Getty Images
#36. First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,810
- Employment per 1,000: 6.708 (16% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $47,130
National
- Employment: 1,171,900 (#24 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $45,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,810
- Employment per 1,000: 6.708 (16% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $47,130
National
- Employment: 1,171,900 (#24 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $45,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
16 / 50
nullplus // Shutterstock
#35. Light truck drivers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,880
- Employment per 1,000: 6.829 (9% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $39,690
National
- Employment: 923,050 (#32 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $38,520
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,880
- Employment per 1,000: 6.829 (9% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $39,690
National
- Employment: 923,050 (#32 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $38,520
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
17 / 50
B Brown // Shutterstock
#34. Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 3,910
- Employment per 1,000: 6.895 (2% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $59,800
National
- Employment: 1,035,850 (#28 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 3,910
- Employment per 1,000: 6.895 (2% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $59,800
National
- Employment: 1,035,850 (#28 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
18 / 50
ImageFlow // Shutterstock
#33. Accountants and auditors
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,050
- Employment per 1,000: 7.142 (18% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $68,560
National
- Employment: 1,280,700 (#23 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 4,050
- Employment per 1,000: 7.142 (18% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $68,560
National
- Employment: 1,280,700 (#23 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
19 / 50
London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images
#32. Machinists
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,070
- Employment per 1,000: 7.171 (175% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $42,370
National
- Employment: 383,470 (#87 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,070
- Employment per 1,000: 7.171 (175% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $42,370
National
- Employment: 383,470 (#87 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,120
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
20 / 50
Paul.J.West // Shutterstock
#31. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,080
- Employment per 1,000: 7.18 (22% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,490
National
- Employment: 1,346,910 (#21 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 4,080
- Employment per 1,000: 7.18 (22% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,490
National
- Employment: 1,346,910 (#21 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
21 / 50
LuckView // Shutterstock
#30. Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,140
- Employment per 1,000: 7.289 (449% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,110
National
- Employment: 195,040 (#147 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,310
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,140
- Employment per 1,000: 7.289 (449% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,110
National
- Employment: 195,040 (#147 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,310
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
22 / 50
SritanaN // Shutterstock
#29. Industrial machinery mechanics
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,160
- Employment per 1,000: 7.331 (178% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $50,390
National
- Employment: 387,630 (#85 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,160
- Employment per 1,000: 7.331 (178% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $50,390
National
- Employment: 387,630 (#85 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $55,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
23 / 50
Canva
#28. Mechanical engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,170
- Employment per 1,000: 7.353 (252% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $77,490
National
- Employment: 306,990 (#105 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $93,540
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 4,170
- Employment per 1,000: 7.353 (252% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $77,490
National
- Employment: 306,990 (#105 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $93,540
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
24 / 50
Creative Tools // Flickr
#27. Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,200
- Employment per 1,000: 7.393 (529% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,700
National
- Employment: 172,520 (#160 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $34,670
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,200
- Employment per 1,000: 7.393 (529% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,700
National
- Employment: 172,520 (#160 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $34,670
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
25 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#26. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,250
- Employment per 1,000: 7.493 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $56,960
National
- Employment: 1,487,870 (#15 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,250
- Employment per 1,000: 7.493 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $56,960
National
- Employment: 1,487,870 (#15 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
26 / 50
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#25. Elementary school teachers, except special education
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,610
- Employment per 1,000: 8.119 (17% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $61,160
National
- Employment: 1,430,480 (#16 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 4,610
- Employment per 1,000: 8.119 (17% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $61,160
National
- Employment: 1,430,480 (#16 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
27 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#24. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,740
- Employment per 1,000: 8.347 (19% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $38,490
National
- Employment: 1,512,660 (#14 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $42,960
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 4,740
- Employment per 1,000: 8.347 (19% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $38,490
National
- Employment: 1,512,660 (#14 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $42,960
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
28 / 50
Fusionstudio // Shutterstock
#23. Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,860
- Employment per 1,000: 8.559 (78% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,140
National
- Employment: 704,910 (#38 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,860
- Employment per 1,000: 8.559 (78% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,140
National
- Employment: 704,910 (#38 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
29 / 50
DuxX // Shutterstock
#21 (tie). Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,920
- Employment per 1,000: 8.663 (226% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $32,030
National
- Employment: 390,540 (#84 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,590
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,920
- Employment per 1,000: 8.663 (226% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $32,030
National
- Employment: 390,540 (#84 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,590
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
30 / 50
Glenn Highcove // Shutterstock
#21 (tie). Industrial truck and tractor operators
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 4,920
- Employment per 1,000: 8.66 (102% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,200
National
- Employment: 629,270 (#52 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,930
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 4,920
- Employment per 1,000: 8.66 (102% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,200
National
- Employment: 629,270 (#52 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,930
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
31 / 50
Jorge Royan // Wikimedia Commons
#20. Cooks, restaurant
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 5,190
- Employment per 1,000: 9.137 (4% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,730
National
- Employment: 1,401,890 (#20 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 5,190
- Employment per 1,000: 9.137 (4% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,730
National
- Employment: 1,401,890 (#20 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
32 / 50
Pixabay
#19. Maintenance and repair workers, general
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 5,390
- Employment per 1,000: 9.499 (2% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,980
National
- Employment: 1,418,990 (#18 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 5,390
- Employment per 1,000: 9.499 (2% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,980
National
- Employment: 1,418,990 (#18 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
33 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#18. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 5,580
- Employment per 1,000: 9.834 (129% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $63,850
National
- Employment: 631,100 (#51 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,220
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 5,580
- Employment per 1,000: 9.834 (129% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $63,850
National
- Employment: 631,100 (#51 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,220
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
34 / 50
Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#17. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 5,840
- Employment per 1,000: 10.282 (162% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,540
National
- Employment: 576,950 (#58 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $43,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 5,840
- Employment per 1,000: 10.282 (162% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,540
National
- Employment: 576,950 (#58 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $43,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
35 / 50
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#16. Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 5,860
- Employment per 1,000: 10.315 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,790
National
- Employment: 2,038,340 (#12 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $39,180
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 5,860
- Employment per 1,000: 10.315 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,790
National
- Employment: 2,038,340 (#12 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $39,180
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
36 / 50
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#15. Stockers and order fillers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 7,150
- Employment per 1,000: 12.603 (13% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,790
National
- Employment: 2,135,850 (#11 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 7,150
- Employment per 1,000: 12.603 (13% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,790
National
- Employment: 2,135,850 (#11 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
37 / 50
viviandnguyen_ // Flickr
#14. Packers and packagers, hand
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 7,740
- Employment per 1,000: 13.636 (216% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $25,840
National
- Employment: 633,640 (#49 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $27,680
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 7,740
- Employment per 1,000: 13.636 (216% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $25,840
National
- Employment: 633,640 (#49 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $27,680
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
38 / 50
GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock
#12 (tie). Nursing assistants
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 7,970
- Employment per 1,000: 14.035 (45% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,470
National
- Employment: 1,419,920 (#17 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 7,970
- Employment per 1,000: 14.035 (45% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $29,470
National
- Employment: 1,419,920 (#17 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
39 / 50
Pixabay
#12 (tie). General and operations managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 7,970
- Employment per 1,000: 14.044 (14% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $117,710
National
- Employment: 2,400,280 (#9 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 7,970
- Employment per 1,000: 14.044 (14% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $117,710
National
- Employment: 2,400,280 (#9 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
40 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#11. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 8,100
- Employment per 1,000: 14.278 (56% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $74,150
National
- Employment: 1,344,530 (#22 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 8,100
- Employment per 1,000: 14.278 (56% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $74,150
National
- Employment: 1,344,530 (#22 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
41 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#10. Waiters and waitresses
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 8,510
- Employment per 1,000: 14.995 (15% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,090
National
- Employment: 2,579,020 (#8 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 8,510
- Employment per 1,000: 14.995 (15% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,090
National
- Employment: 2,579,020 (#8 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
42 / 50
Dean Drobot // Shutterstock
#9. Cashiers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 8,920
- Employment per 1,000: 15.708 (36% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $24,100
National
- Employment: 3,596,630 (#3 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $24,370
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 8,920
- Employment per 1,000: 15.708 (36% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $24,100
National
- Employment: 3,596,630 (#3 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $24,370
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
43 / 50
Pixabay
#8. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 10,020
- Employment per 1,000: 17.658 (40% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $44,910
National
- Employment: 1,856,130 (#13 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 10,020
- Employment per 1,000: 17.658 (40% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $44,910
National
- Employment: 1,856,130 (#13 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
44 / 50
Unsplash
#7. Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 10,890
- Employment per 1,000: 19.185 (31% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,870
National
- Employment: 2,145,450 (#10 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 10,890
- Employment per 1,000: 19.185 (31% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,870
National
- Employment: 2,145,450 (#10 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
45 / 50
ESB Basic // Shutterstock
#6. Customer service representatives
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 11,060
- Employment per 1,000: 19.482 (2% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,730
National
- Employment: 2,919,230 (#7 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 11,060
- Employment per 1,000: 19.482 (2% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,730
National
- Employment: 2,919,230 (#7 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
46 / 50
Ruslan Galiullin // Shutterstock
#5. Office clerks, general
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 12,250
- Employment per 1,000: 21.578 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,230
National
- Employment: 2,956,060 (#5 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 12,250
- Employment per 1,000: 21.578 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,230
National
- Employment: 2,956,060 (#5 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
47 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#4. Registered nurses
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 12,820
- Employment per 1,000: 22.578 (11% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $68,220
National
- Employment: 2,982,280 (#4 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 12,820
- Employment per 1,000: 22.578 (11% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $68,220
National
- Employment: 2,982,280 (#4 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
48 / 50
Pxhere
#3. Fast food and counter workers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 14,120
- Employment per 1,000: 24.875 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $23,620
National
- Employment: 3,996,820 (#2 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 14,120
- Employment per 1,000: 24.875 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $23,620
National
- Employment: 3,996,820 (#2 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
49 / 50
Pixabay
#2. Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 14,230
- Employment per 1,000: 25.071 (25% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,320
National
- Employment: 2,953,170 (#6 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 14,230
- Employment per 1,000: 25.071 (25% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $31,320
National
- Employment: 2,953,170 (#6 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
50 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#1. Retail salespersons
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Employment: 15,540
- Employment per 1,000: 27.368 (7% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,280
National
- Employment: 4,317,950 (#1 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 15,540
- Employment per 1,000: 27.368 (7% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,280
National
- Employment: 4,317,950 (#1 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
