Highest paying jobs in Chicago that require a bachelor's degree
Written by:
February 9, 2021
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
Highest paying jobs in Chicago that require a bachelor's degree
While college and university tuition costs may be skyrocketing, many still believe a bachelor’s degree is essential to landing a high-paying job in the United States. Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs that typically require a bachelors in Chicago using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2019 annual mean wage.
Whether highly technical, scientific, or based in finance or the arts, all the jobs require keeping up to date with the latest developments in culture, commerce, or tech.
Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs that require a bachelor degree in Chicago.
1 / 50
Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock
#50. Network and computer systems administrators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $88,690
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $88,410
- Employment: 354,450
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,440)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($112,910)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($109,790)
- Annual mean salary: $88,690
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $88,410
- Employment: 354,450
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,440)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($112,910)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($109,790)
2 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#49. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $89,410
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 20,480
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,090
- Employment: 437,880
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($149,880)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($148,960)
--- Owensboro, KY ($133,600)
- Annual mean salary: $89,410
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 20,480
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,090
- Employment: 437,880
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($149,880)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($148,960)
--- Owensboro, KY ($133,600)
3 / 50
Canva
#48. Computer systems analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $90,690
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 22,410
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,160
- Employment: 589,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($122,990)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($121,300)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($119,540)
- Annual mean salary: $90,690
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 22,410
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,160
- Employment: 589,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($122,990)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($121,300)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($119,540)
4 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#47. Industrial engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $90,860
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,660
- Employment: 291,710
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($131,850)
--- Billings, MT ($124,350)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,940)
- Annual mean salary: $90,860
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,100
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,660
- Employment: 291,710
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($131,850)
--- Billings, MT ($124,350)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,940)
5 / 50
Canva
#46. Mechanical engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $90,940
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,540
- Employment: 306,990
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,640)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($123,270)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($120,950)
- Annual mean salary: $90,940
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,540
- Employment: 306,990
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,640)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($123,270)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($120,950)
6 / 50
Canva
#45. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $91,300
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,810
- Employment: 25,860
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($124,110)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($122,020)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($121,620)
- Annual mean salary: $91,300
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,810
- Employment: 25,860
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($124,110)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($122,020)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($121,620)
7 / 50
Budimir Jevtic // Shutterstock
#44. Agricultural engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $92,190
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,290
- Employment: 1,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Columbus, OH ($98,860)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($92,190)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($75,490)
- Annual mean salary: $92,190
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,290
- Employment: 1,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Columbus, OH ($98,860)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($92,190)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($75,490)
8 / 50
Canva
#43. Civil engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $93,560
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,480
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,360
- Employment: 310,850
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($120,110)
--- Midland, TX ($117,900)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($117,200)
- Annual mean salary: $93,560
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,480
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,360
- Employment: 310,850
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($120,110)
--- Midland, TX ($117,900)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($117,200)
9 / 50
Canva
#42. Environmental engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $94,790
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,220
- Employment: 53,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,340)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($120,600)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($117,170)
- Annual mean salary: $94,790
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $94,220
- Employment: 53,150
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,340)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($120,600)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($117,170)
10 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#41. Construction managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $96,300
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,170
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,000
- Employment: 293,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($160,500)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($148,140)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($146,820)
- Annual mean salary: $96,300
- #160 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,170
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,000
- Employment: 293,380
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($160,500)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($148,140)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($146,820)
11 / 50
PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#40. Computer programmers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $96,450
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,720
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,610
- Employment: 199,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($116,400)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,990)
--- Charlottesville, VA ($113,760)
- Annual mean salary: $96,450
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,720
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,610
- Employment: 199,540
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($116,400)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,990)
--- Charlottesville, VA ($113,760)
12 / 50
PR Image Factory // Shutterstock
#39. Operations research analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $96,530
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,600
- Employment: 99,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,530)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($122,310)
--- Salinas, CA ($121,050)
- Annual mean salary: $96,530
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $90,600
- Employment: 99,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,530)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($122,310)
--- Salinas, CA ($121,050)
13 / 50
science photo // Shutterstock
#38. Food scientists and technologists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $97,500
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,190
- Employment: 13,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($101,580)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($97,500)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($96,020)
- Annual mean salary: $97,500
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,190
- Employment: 13,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kansas City, MO-KS ($101,580)
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($97,500)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($96,020)
14 / 50
Canva
#37. Electrical engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $97,800
- #110 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,550
National
- Annual mean salary: $103,480
- Employment: 185,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($138,450)
--- Salinas, CA ($129,850)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($128,080)
- Annual mean salary: $97,800
- #110 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,550
National
- Annual mean salary: $103,480
- Employment: 185,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($138,450)
--- Salinas, CA ($129,850)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($128,080)
15 / 50
SeventyFour // Shutterstock
#36. Computer hardware engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $98,150
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Employment: 67,880
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($161,210)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($149,740)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($142,820)
- Annual mean salary: $98,150
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 700
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Employment: 67,880
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($161,210)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($149,740)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($142,820)
16 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#35. Database administrators and architects
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $98,370
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,110
- Employment: 125,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($116,780)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($114,960)
- Annual mean salary: $98,370
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,780
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,110
- Employment: 125,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,580)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($116,780)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($114,960)
17 / 50
Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy
#34. Chemical engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $98,650
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,090
- Employment: 30,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($162,330)
--- Midland, TX ($152,170)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($150,680)
- Annual mean salary: $98,650
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 550
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,090
- Employment: 30,120
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($162,330)
--- Midland, TX ($152,170)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($150,680)
18 / 50
Bacho // Shutterstock
#33. Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $98,720
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,720
- Employment: 6,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($119,600)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($117,350)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($114,800)
- Annual mean salary: $98,720
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,720
- Employment: 6,090
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($119,600)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($117,350)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($114,800)
19 / 50
TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock
#32. Sales engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $98,850
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,780
- Employment: 63,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($158,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($156,600)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($153,860)
- Annual mean salary: $98,850
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,780
- Employment: 63,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($158,150)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($156,600)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($153,860)
20 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#31. Management analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $100,990
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 32,840
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Employment: 709,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($132,090)
--- Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL ($127,750)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($127,570)
- Annual mean salary: $100,990
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 32,840
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Employment: 709,750
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($132,090)
--- Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL ($127,750)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($127,570)
21 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#30. Electronics engineers, except computer
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $102,400
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,210
- Employment: 128,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,660)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($132,600)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($130,890)
- Annual mean salary: $102,400
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $110,210
- Employment: 128,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,660)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($132,600)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($130,890)
22 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#29. Information security analysts
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $103,130
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,030
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,210
- Employment: 125,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,040)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($127,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($122,570)
- Annual mean salary: $103,130
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,030
National
- Annual mean salary: $104,210
- Employment: 125,570
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,040)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($127,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($122,570)
23 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#28. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $104,610
- #84 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 46,970
National
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Employment: 1,406,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($145,730)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($145,250)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($134,090)
- Annual mean salary: $104,610
- #84 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 46,970
National
- Annual mean salary: $111,620
- Employment: 1,406,870
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($145,730)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($145,250)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($134,090)
24 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#27. Art directors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $104,630
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,630
National
- Annual mean salary: $109,600
- Employment: 42,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($142,650)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,970)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($134,810)
- Annual mean salary: $104,630
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,630
National
- Annual mean salary: $109,600
- Employment: 42,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($142,650)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,970)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($134,810)
25 / 50
Reeta Asmai // UC Davis
#26. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $104,650
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,500
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,090
- Employment: 19,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($122,100)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($119,000)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($117,790)
- Annual mean salary: $104,650
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,500
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,090
- Employment: 19,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($122,100)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($119,000)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($117,790)
26 / 50
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#25. Financial examiners
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $104,930
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,330
- Employment: 64,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($125,290)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($125,150)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,720)
- Annual mean salary: $104,930
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,330
- Employment: 64,550
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($125,290)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($125,150)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,720)
27 / 50
Canva
#24. Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $106,840
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,990
- Employment: 6,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($132,720)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($125,940)
--- Anchorage, AK ($122,280)
- Annual mean salary: $106,840
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,990
- Employment: 6,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($132,720)
--- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($125,940)
--- Anchorage, AK ($122,280)
28 / 50
Canva
#23. Materials scientists
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $107,370
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,430
- Employment: 6,710
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($134,280)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($129,900)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($128,700)
- Annual mean salary: $107,370
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,430
- Employment: 6,710
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($134,280)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($129,900)
--- Cleveland-Elyria, OH ($128,700)
29 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#22. Industrial production managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $109,300
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,110
- Employment: 185,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Florence, SC ($158,000)
--- Boulder, CO ($149,990)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($149,500)
- Annual mean salary: $109,300
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,330
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,110
- Employment: 185,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Florence, SC ($158,000)
--- Boulder, CO ($149,990)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($149,500)
30 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#21. Aerospace engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $113,380
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,220
- Employment: 63,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($144,090)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($139,560)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,230)
- Annual mean salary: $113,380
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,220
- Employment: 63,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($144,090)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($139,560)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($135,230)
31 / 50
dokurose // Shutterstock
#20. Actuaries
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $115,300
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,740
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,970
- Employment: 22,260
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($167,850)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($150,630)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($147,760)
- Annual mean salary: $115,300
- #29 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,740
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,970
- Employment: 22,260
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($167,850)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($150,630)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($147,760)
32 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#19. Purchasing managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $121,110
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,400
- Employment: 72,100
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($171,560)
--- Morgantown, WV ($163,830)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($160,620)
- Annual mean salary: $121,110
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,590
National
- Annual mean salary: $128,400
- Employment: 72,100
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($171,560)
--- Morgantown, WV ($163,830)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($160,620)
33 / 50
IAEA Imagebank // Flickr
#18. Nuclear engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $123,370
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,700
- Employment: 15,850
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($146,420)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($145,330)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($141,270)
- Annual mean salary: $123,370
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,700
- Employment: 15,850
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($146,420)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($145,330)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($141,270)
34 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#17. Training and development managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $123,680
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,140
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,470
- Employment: 38,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($168,900)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($167,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($152,380)
- Annual mean salary: $123,680
- #36 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,140
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,470
- Employment: 38,510
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($168,900)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($167,850)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($152,380)
35 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#16. Computer network architects
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $125,100
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,110
- Employment: 152,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($152,400)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($151,650)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($142,100)
- Annual mean salary: $125,100
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,250
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,110
- Employment: 152,420
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($152,400)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($151,650)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($142,100)
36 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#15. Human resources managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $125,530
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,030
National
- Annual mean salary: $129,570
- Employment: 154,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($196,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($174,390)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($170,070)
- Annual mean salary: $125,530
- #60 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,030
National
- Annual mean salary: $129,570
- Employment: 154,800
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($196,900)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($174,390)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($170,070)
37 / 50
Pixabay
#14. Advertising and promotions managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $126,320
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,650
National
- Annual mean salary: $141,890
- Employment: 25,100
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boulder, CO ($200,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,210)
- Annual mean salary: $126,320
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,650
National
- Annual mean salary: $141,890
- Employment: 25,100
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boulder, CO ($200,420)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($186,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($175,210)
38 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#13. Medical and health services managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $128,980
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,270
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,160
- Employment: 394,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($163,280)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($159,190)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,570)
- Annual mean salary: $128,980
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,270
National
- Annual mean salary: $115,160
- Employment: 394,910
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($163,280)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($159,190)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($154,570)
39 / 50
NTNU // Flickr
#12. Natural sciences managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $130,110
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $145,450
- Employment: 67,720
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($222,530)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($208,910)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($206,710)
- Annual mean salary: $130,110
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $145,450
- Employment: 67,720
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($222,530)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($208,910)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($206,710)
40 / 50
Pixabay
#11. General and operations managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $132,530
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 101,960
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Employment: 2,400,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($189,060)
--- Trenton, NJ ($173,050)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($167,160)
- Annual mean salary: $132,530
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 101,960
National
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Employment: 2,400,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($189,060)
--- Trenton, NJ ($173,050)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($167,160)
41 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#10. Marketing managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $135,450
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 19,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $149,200
- Employment: 263,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($199,710)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($188,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($183,460)
- Annual mean salary: $135,450
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 19,570
National
- Annual mean salary: $149,200
- Employment: 263,680
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($199,710)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($188,810)
--- Boulder, CO ($183,460)
42 / 50
Pixabay
#9. Architectural and engineering managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $138,660
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,880
National
- Annual mean salary: $152,930
- Employment: 194,250
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($203,310)
--- Amarillo, TX ($198,010)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($188,210)
- Annual mean salary: $138,660
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,880
National
- Annual mean salary: $152,930
- Employment: 194,250
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($203,310)
--- Amarillo, TX ($198,010)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($188,210)
43 / 50
Pixabay
#8. Compensation and benefits managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $138,830
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,210
- Employment: 16,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($181,770)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($179,430)
--- New Haven, CT ($179,310)
- Annual mean salary: $138,830
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,070
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,210
- Employment: 16,900
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($181,770)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($179,430)
--- New Haven, CT ($179,310)
44 / 50
Canva
#7. Sales managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $139,040
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 22,400
National
- Annual mean salary: $141,690
- Employment: 402,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($195,220)
--- Trenton, NJ ($178,020)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($175,500)
- Annual mean salary: $139,040
- #91 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 22,400
National
- Annual mean salary: $141,690
- Employment: 402,600
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($195,220)
--- Trenton, NJ ($178,020)
--- Portsmouth, NH-ME ($175,500)
45 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#6. Personal financial advisors
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $149,670
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,730
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,290
- Employment: 210,190
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Montgomery, AL ($178,100)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($173,970)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($171,370)
- Annual mean salary: $149,670
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,730
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,290
- Employment: 210,190
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Montgomery, AL ($178,100)
--- Santa Fe, NM ($173,970)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($171,370)
46 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#5. Computer and information systems managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $151,710
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,390
- Employment: 433,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($215,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,960)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($196,290)
- Annual mean salary: $151,710
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,790
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,390
- Employment: 433,960
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($215,090)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,960)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($196,290)
47 / 50
Canva
#4. Financial managers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $153,840
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 34,540
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Employment: 654,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($208,770)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($203,430)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,190)
- Annual mean salary: $153,840
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 34,540
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,530
- Employment: 654,790
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($208,770)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($203,430)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,190)
48 / 50
Bureau of Land Management // Flickr
#3. Petroleum engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $191,370
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,780
- Employment: 32,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($191,370)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($183,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($179,240)
- Annual mean salary: $191,370
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,780
- Employment: 32,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($191,370)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($183,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($179,240)
49 / 50
Canva
#2. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $195,060
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $174,870
- Employment: 84,520
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($243,550)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($241,310)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($238,320)
- Annual mean salary: $195,060
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,240
National
- Annual mean salary: $174,870
- Employment: 84,520
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($243,550)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($241,310)
--- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($238,320)
50 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#1. Chief executives
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Annual mean salary: $224,290
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,440
National
- Annual mean salary: $193,850
- Employment: 205,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($270,040)
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($264,330)
--- Midland, TX ($258,760)
- Annual mean salary: $224,290
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,440
National
- Annual mean salary: $193,850
- Employment: 205,890
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($270,040)
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($264,330)
--- Midland, TX ($258,760)
