Highest paying jobs in Grand Rapids that require a bachelor's degree
Written by:
February 9, 2021
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Highest paying jobs in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids.
1 / 50
PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#50. Computer programmers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $67,710
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
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: $67,710
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 490
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)
2 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#49. Registered nurses
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $68,220
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Employment: 2,982,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($138,000)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($134,000)
- Annual mean salary: $68,220
- #188 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 12,820
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Employment: 2,982,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($140,740)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($138,000)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($134,000)
3 / 50
ImageFlow // Shutterstock
#48. Accountants and auditors
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $68,560
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Employment: 1,280,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($102,090)
--- Salinas, CA ($97,640)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($95,570)
- Annual mean salary: $68,560
- #229 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Employment: 1,280,700
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($102,090)
--- Salinas, CA ($97,640)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($95,570)
4 / 50
Dmytro Zinkevych // Shutterstock
#47. Social and community service managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $68,800
- #163 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
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: $68,800
- #163 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
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)
5 / 50
Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock
#46. Network and computer systems administrators
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $69,870
- #270 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 890
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: $69,870
- #270 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 890
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)
6 / 50
aslysun // Shutterstock
#45. Chemists
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $70,120
- #123 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,150
- Employment: 83,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Peoria, IL ($127,750)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($124,540)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($116,030)
- Annual mean salary: $70,120
- #123 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,150
- Employment: 83,530
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Peoria, IL ($127,750)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($124,540)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($116,030)
7 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#44. Electronics engineers, except computer
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $70,670
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $70,670
- #191 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)

8 / 50
Dmitri Ma // Shutterstock
#43. Music directors and composers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $70,750
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,670
- Employment: 10,580
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,190)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,990)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($81,880)
- Annual mean salary: $70,750
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,670
- Employment: 10,580
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($86,190)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,990)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($81,880)

9 / 50
Couperfield // Shutterstock
#42. Forensic science technicians
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $70,810
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,170
- Employment: 16,520
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,940)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($91,790)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,670)
- Annual mean salary: $70,810
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,170
- Employment: 16,520
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,940)
--- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($91,790)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($90,670)

10 / 50
Canva
#41. Materials engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $71,740
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,890
- Employment: 26,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,690)
--- Boulder, CO ($127,260)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($126,970)
- Annual mean salary: $71,740
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,890
- Employment: 26,820
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,690)
--- Boulder, CO ($127,260)
--- Albuquerque, NM ($126,970)

11 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#40. Database administrators and architects
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $71,790
- #203 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
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: $71,790
- #203 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
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)
12 / 50
Toa55 // Shutterstock
#39. Landscape architects
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $71,970
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,970
- Employment: 20,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($114,540)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($102,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($94,750)
- Annual mean salary: $71,970
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,970
- Employment: 20,280
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($114,540)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($102,420)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($94,750)
13 / 50
Dragon Images // Shutterstock
#38. Insurance underwriters
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $74,780
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,640
- Employment: 100,050
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($114,370)
--- Rapid City, SD ($112,670)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($110,470)
- Annual mean salary: $74,780
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,640
- Employment: 100,050
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($114,370)
--- Rapid City, SD ($112,670)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($110,470)
14 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#37. Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $75,540
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,960
- Employment: 53,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($97,170)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($95,150)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($94,050)
- Annual mean salary: $75,540
- #30 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,960
- Employment: 53,760
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($97,170)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($95,150)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($94,050)

15 / 50
Canva
#36. Computer systems analysts
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $76,750
- #241 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 970
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: $76,750
- #241 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 970
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)
16 / 50
Canva
#35. Mechanical engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $77,490
- #269 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,170
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: $77,490
- #269 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,170
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)

17 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#34. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $77,580
- #318 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,940
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: $77,580
- #318 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,940
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)
18 / 50
U.S. Department of State // Wikimedia Commons
#33. Atmospheric and space scientists
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $79,210
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $79,210
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)

19 / 50
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#32. Financial examiners
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $80,110
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $80,110
- #61 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
20 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#31. Industrial engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $81,030
- #231 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,540
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: $81,030
- #231 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,540
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)
21 / 50
Canva
#30. Electrical engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $81,600
- #259 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 980
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: $81,600
- #259 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 980
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)
22 / 50
Canva
#29. Civil engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $81,810
- #220 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 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: $81,810
- #220 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 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)

23 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#28. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $82,620
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
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: $82,620
- #80 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
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)
24 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#27. Information security analysts
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $83,340
- #154 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $83,340
- #154 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)

25 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#26. Management analysts
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $85,370
- #156 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,430
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: $85,370
- #156 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,430
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)

26 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#25. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $87,090
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,980
- Employment: 306,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($136,780)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($128,380)
--- Casper, WY ($125,850)
- Annual mean salary: $87,090
- #132 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,980
- Employment: 306,980
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($136,780)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($128,380)
--- Casper, WY ($125,850)
27 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#24. Architects, except landscape and naval
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $88,200
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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: $88,200
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
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)
28 / 50
NTNU // Flickr
#23. Natural sciences managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $89,780
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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: $89,780
- #129 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
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)
29 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#22. Personal financial advisors
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $92,930
- #172 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
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: $92,930
- #172 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 660
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)
30 / 50
PR Image Factory // Shutterstock
#21. Operations research analysts
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $93,400
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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: $93,400
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
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)

31 / 50
SeventyFour // Shutterstock
#20. Computer hardware engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $94,520
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $94,520
- #83 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
32 / 50
Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy
#19. Chemical engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $94,570
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $94,570
- #72 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
33 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#18. Computer network architects
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $95,010
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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: $95,010
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
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
TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock
#17. Sales engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $97,890
- #84 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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: $97,890
- #84 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 180
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)

35 / 50
dokurose // Shutterstock
#16. Actuaries
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $97,990
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $97,990
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
36 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#15. Construction managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $100,540
- #125 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,040
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: $100,540
- #125 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,040
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)

37 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#14. Medical and health services managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $103,950
- #199 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,290
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: $103,950
- #199 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,290
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)

38 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#13. Human resources managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $105,880
- #200 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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: $105,880
- #200 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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)

39 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#12. Purchasing managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $106,320
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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: $106,320
- #147 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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)
40 / 50
Canva
#11. Environmental engineers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $108,500
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
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: $108,500
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
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)

41 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#10. Industrial production managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $115,200
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,880
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: $115,200
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,880
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)

42 / 50
Canva
#9. Financial managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $116,900
- #215 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,970
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: $116,900
- #215 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,970
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)
43 / 50
Pixabay
#8. General and operations managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $117,710
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,970
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: $117,710
- #105 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,970
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)
44 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#7. Computer and information systems managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $119,000
- #214 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,020
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: $119,000
- #214 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,020
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)

45 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#6. Training and development managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $119,390
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $119,390
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
46 / 50
Pixabay
#5. Compensation and benefits managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $121,200
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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: $121,200
- #41 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
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)
47 / 50
Pixabay
#4. Architectural and engineering managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $124,130
- #221 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $124,130
- #221 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
48 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#3. Marketing managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $127,180
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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: $127,180
- #128 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
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)

49 / 50
Canva
#2. Sales managers
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $137,250
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
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: $137,250
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,260
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)
50 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#1. Chief executives
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
- Annual mean salary: $204,090
- #89 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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: $204,090
- #89 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
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)



