Highest paying jobs in Columbus that require a bachelor's degree
Written by:
February 9, 2021
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
Highest paying jobs in Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus.
1 / 50
Dmytro Zinkevych // Shutterstock
#50. Social and community service managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $79,000
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,900
- Employment: 156,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($93,060)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,720)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($92,200)
- Annual mean salary: $79,000
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,900
- Employment: 156,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Trenton, NJ ($93,060)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,720)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($92,200)
2 / 50
Aleksandar Karanov // Shutterstock
#49. Occupational health and safety specialists
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $79,160
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,290
- Employment: 92,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($108,230)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($99,020)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($97,560)
- Annual mean salary: $79,160
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,290
- Employment: 92,780
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($108,230)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($99,020)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($97,560)

3 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#48. Fashion designers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $79,260
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,110
- Employment: 22,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($112,530)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($95,080)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($94,980)
- Annual mean salary: $79,260
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,110
- Employment: 22,030
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($112,530)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($95,080)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($94,980)
4 / 50
Reeta Asmai // UC Davis
#47. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $79,660
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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: $79,660
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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)

5 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#46. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $80,400
- #99 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,360
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: $80,400
- #99 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,360
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)
6 / 50
PR Image Factory // Shutterstock
#45. Operations research analysts
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $80,690
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,320
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: $80,690
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,320
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)
7 / 50
U.S. Department of State // Wikimedia Commons
#44. Atmospheric and space scientists
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $80,730
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,160
- Employment: 9,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($135,520)
--- Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($120,170)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($119,660)
- Annual mean salary: $80,730
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,160
- Employment: 9,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($135,520)
--- Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($120,170)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($119,660)
8 / 50
Patrizio Martorana // Shutterstock
#43. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $82,190
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 790
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,940
- Employment: 84,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($122,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,180)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($104,210)
- Annual mean salary: $82,190
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 790
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,940
- Employment: 84,290
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($122,400)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,180)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($104,210)
9 / 50
sabthai // Shutterstock
#42. Budget analysts
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $82,690
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,300
- Employment: 51,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,920)
--- Boulder, CO ($103,670)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($100,770)
- Annual mean salary: $82,690
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,300
- Employment: 51,460
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($103,920)
--- Boulder, CO ($103,670)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($100,770)
10 / 50
Canva
#41. Electrical engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $82,730
- #256 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,490
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: $82,730
- #256 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,490
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)
11 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#40. Industrial engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $85,280
- #182 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,730
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: $85,280
- #182 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,730
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)
12 / 50
Canva
#39. Mechanical engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $85,450
- #185 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,030
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: $85,450
- #185 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,030
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)
13 / 50
Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock
#38. Network and computer systems administrators
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $86,250
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,400
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: $86,250
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,400
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)
14 / 50
PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#37. Computer programmers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $86,600
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,620
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: $86,600
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,620
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)
15 / 50
Canva
#36. Civil engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $86,890
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,990
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: $86,890
- #150 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,990
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)

16 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#35. Management analysts
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $88,240
- #131 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,130
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: $88,240
- #131 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,130
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)
17 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#34. Electronics engineers, except computer
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $88,550
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
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: $88,550
- #148 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
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)
18 / 50
Canva
#33. Environmental engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $88,640
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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: $88,640
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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)

19 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#32. Art directors
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $89,450
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $89,450
- #40 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)

20 / 50
Canva
#31. Computer systems analysts
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $90,840
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,870
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: $90,840
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,870
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)
21 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#30. Architects, except landscape and naval
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $91,600
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 920
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,560
- Employment: 105,850
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($123,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,550)
--- Lubbock, TX ($116,720)
- Annual mean salary: $91,600
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 920
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,560
- Employment: 105,850
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($123,770)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,550)
--- Lubbock, TX ($116,720)

22 / 50
TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock
#29. Sales engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $92,860
- #99 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
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: $92,860
- #99 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
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)

23 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#28. Database administrators and architects
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $95,360
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
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: $95,360
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
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)
24 / 50
Canva
#27. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $96,380
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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: $96,380
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
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)

25 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#26. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $97,580
- #131 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,360
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: $97,580
- #131 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,360
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)

26 / 50
Budimir Jevtic // Shutterstock
#25. Agricultural engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $98,860
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $98,860
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)

27 / 50
dokurose // Shutterstock
#24. Actuaries
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $98,880
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 560
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: $98,880
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 560
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)
28 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#23. Information security analysts
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $99,260
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,390
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: $99,260
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,390
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)
29 / 50
possohh // Shutterstock
#22. Emergency management directors
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $104,030
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,530
- Employment: 10,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($132,440)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($123,230)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($120,230)
- Annual mean salary: $104,030
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,530
- Employment: 10,060
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($132,440)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($123,230)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($120,230)

30 / 50
SeventyFour // Shutterstock
#21. Computer hardware engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $104,460
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $104,460
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)

31 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#20. Medical and health services managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $104,570
- #197 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,880
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: $104,570
- #197 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,880
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)
32 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#19. Construction managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $107,420
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,820
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: $107,420
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,820
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)
33 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#18. Computer network architects
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $107,870
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,620
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: $107,870
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,620
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)
34 / 50
Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy
#17. Chemical engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $108,790
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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: $108,790
- #38 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
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)
35 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#16. Personal financial advisors
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $113,520
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,540
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: $113,520
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,540
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)

36 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#15. Industrial production managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $114,130
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,150
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: $114,130
- #134 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,150
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)
37 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#14. Aerospace engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $118,820
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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: $118,820
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 190
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)

38 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#13. Training and development managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $119,580
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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: $119,580
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
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)
39 / 50
NTNU // Flickr
#12. Natural sciences managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $121,210
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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: $121,210
- #68 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $122,770
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,000
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: $122,770
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,000
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
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#10. Purchasing managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $129,000
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
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: $129,000
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
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)

42 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#9. Human resources managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $133,180
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,080
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: $133,180
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,080
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)

43 / 50
Canva
#8. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $135,810
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $135,810
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
44 / 50
Pixabay
#7. Architectural and engineering managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $137,910
- #138 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
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: $137,910
- #138 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,010
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)

45 / 50
Canva
#6. Sales managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $138,690
- #93 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,360
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: $138,690
- #93 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,360
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)
46 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#5. Computer and information systems managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $140,790
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,570
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: $140,790
- #76 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,570
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
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $143,080
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,200
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: $143,080
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,200
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
Pixabay
#3. Compensation and benefits managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $146,540
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $146,540
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
49 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#2. Marketing managers
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $150,490
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,850
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: $150,490
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,850
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)
50 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#1. Chief executives
Columbus, OH
- Annual mean salary: $182,060
- #157 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
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: $182,060
- #157 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
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)



