Highest paying jobs in San Francisco that require a bachelor's degree
Written by:
February 9, 2021
Pixabay
Highest paying jobs in San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco.
1 / 50
U.S. Geological Survey // Flickr
#50. Hydrologists
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $108,850
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,330
- Employment: 6,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boulder, CO ($127,570)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($118,370)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($108,850)
- Annual mean salary: $108,850
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,330
- Employment: 6,440
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boulder, CO ($127,570)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($118,370)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($108,850)
2 / 50
Patrizio Martorana // Shutterstock
#49. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $109,180
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,210
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: $109,180
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,210
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)
3 / 50
Flamingo Images // Shutterstock
#48. Credit analysts
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $109,330
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,800
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,930
- Employment: 73,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($120,850)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($116,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,330)
- Annual mean salary: $109,330
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,800
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,930
- Employment: 73,930
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($120,850)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($116,930)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,330)
4 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#47. Electronics engineers, except computer
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $112,800
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,540
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: $112,800
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,540
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)
5 / 50
Canva
#46. Environmental engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $112,830
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,340
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: $112,830
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,340
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)
6 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#45. Management analysts
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $113,750
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 17,340
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: $113,750
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 17,340
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)
7 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#44. Industrial engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $113,920
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,910
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: $113,920
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,910
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)
8 / 50
U.S. Department of State // Wikimedia Commons
#43. Atmospheric and space scientists
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $114,370
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $114,370
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
9 / 50
Canva
#41 (tie). Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $114,800
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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: $114,800
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
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)
10 / 50
Bacho // Shutterstock
#41 (tie). Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $114,800
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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: $114,800
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
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)
11 / 50
PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock
#40. Computer programmers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $116,400
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,120
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: $116,400
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,120
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
dokurose // Shutterstock
#39. Actuaries
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $116,500
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
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: $116,500
- #25 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
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)
13 / 50
PR Image Factory // Shutterstock
#38. Operations research analysts
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $116,910
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,460
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: $116,910
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,460
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)
14 / 50
Reeta Asmai // UC Davis
#37. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $119,000
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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: $119,000
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 530
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)
15 / 50
Canva
#36. Materials scientists
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $119,470
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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: $119,470
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
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)
16 / 50
Canva
#35. Civil engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $120,110
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,930
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: $120,110
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,930
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)
17 / 50
Canva
#34. Electrical engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $120,990
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,340
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: $120,990
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,340
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)
18 / 50
Canva
#33. Computer systems analysts
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $121,300
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,980
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: $121,300
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 16,980
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)
19 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#32. Information security analysts
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $122,570
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,260
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: $122,570
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,260
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)
20 / 50
Canva
#31. Mechanical engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $123,270
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,460
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: $123,270
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,460
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)
21 / 50
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#30. Financial examiners
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $124,720
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,780
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: $124,720
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,780
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)
22 / 50
TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock
#29. Sales engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $125,730
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,510
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: $125,730
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,510
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
antoniodiaz // Shutterstock
#28. Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $127,920
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,580
- Employment: 29,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,920)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($109,590)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($94,610)
- Annual mean salary: $127,920
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $53,580
- Employment: 29,230
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,920)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($109,590)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($94,610)
24 / 50
possohh // Shutterstock
#27. Emergency management directors
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $132,440
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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: $132,440
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
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)
25 / 50
Canva
#26. Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $132,720
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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: $132,720
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
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)
26 / 50
SeventyFour // Shutterstock
#25. Computer hardware engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $134,000
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,490
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: $134,000
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,490
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)
27 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#24. Construction managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $134,880
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,370
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: $134,880
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,370
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)
28 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#23. Aerospace engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $135,230
- #3 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: $135,230
- #3 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)
29 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#22. Art directors
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $135,970
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,850
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: $135,970
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,850
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)
30 / 50
Office of Naval Research // Flickr
#21. Marine engineers and naval architects
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $136,480
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,730
- Employment: 11,360
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($136,480)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($128,750)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($121,600)
- Annual mean salary: $136,480
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,730
- Employment: 11,360
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($136,480)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($128,750)
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($121,600)
31 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#20. Computer network architects
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $137,720
- #4 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: $137,720
- #4 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)
32 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#19. Registered nurses
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $138,000
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 38,580
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: $138,000
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 38,580
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)
33 / 50
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#18. Industrial production managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $140,910
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,040
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: $140,910
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,040
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)
34 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#17. Medical and health services managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $142,760
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,560
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: $142,760
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,560
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)
35 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#16. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $145,250
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 65,790
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: $145,250
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 65,790
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)
36 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#15. Training and development managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $152,380
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,200
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: $152,380
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,200
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)
37 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#14. Purchasing managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $154,870
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,480
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: $154,870
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,480
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)
38 / 50
Pixabay
#13. General and operations managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $155,850
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 44,500
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: $155,850
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 44,500
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)
39 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#12. Personal financial advisors
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $157,720
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,100
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: $157,720
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,100
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)
40 / 50
Canva
#11. Sales managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $159,720
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,810
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: $159,720
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 13,810
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)
41 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#10. Human resources managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $163,810
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,040
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: $163,810
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,040
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)
42 / 50
Pixabay
#9. Compensation and benefits managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $170,770
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 570
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: $170,770
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 570
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)
43 / 50
Pixabay
#8. Advertising and promotions managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $175,210
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
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: $175,210
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 610
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)
44 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#7. Marketing managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $181,720
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,620
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: $181,720
- #4 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 11,620
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)
45 / 50
Canva
#6. Financial managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $182,190
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 18,640
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: $182,190
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 18,640
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)
46 / 50
Pixabay
#5. Architectural and engineering managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $186,500
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,940
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: $186,500
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,940
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)
47 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#4. Computer and information systems managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $201,960
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 21,980
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: $201,960
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 21,980
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)
48 / 50
NTNU // Flickr
#3. Natural sciences managers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $208,910
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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: $208,910
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
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)
49 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#2. Chief executives
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $236,060
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,480
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: $236,060
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,480
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)
50 / 50
Canva
#1. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
- Annual mean salary: $243,550
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,290
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: $243,550
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,290
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)
