Highest paying jobs in Washington, D.C. that require a bachelor's degree
Written by:
February 9, 2021
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
Highest paying jobs in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington.
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Canva
#50. Civil engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $101,810
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,380
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: $101,810
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,380
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)
2 / 50
Canva
#49. Environmental engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $102,980
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,270
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: $102,980
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,270
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)
3 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#48. Public relations specialists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $103,820
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 24,160
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,190
- Employment: 244,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($103,820)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($87,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($84,520)
- Annual mean salary: $103,820
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 24,160
National
- Annual mean salary: $70,190
- Employment: 244,730
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($103,820)
--- Kennewick-Richland, WA ($87,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($84,520)
4 / 50
Patrizio Martorana // Shutterstock
#47. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $104,210
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,950
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: $104,210
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,950
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)
5 / 50
Office of Naval Research // Flickr
#46. Marine engineers and naval architects
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $105,310
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,540
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: $105,310
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,540
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)
6 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#45. Database administrators and architects
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $107,170
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,180
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: $107,170
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,180
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)
7 / 50
PR Image Factory // Shutterstock
#44. Operations research analysts
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $107,360
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,380
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: $107,360
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,380
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)
8 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#43. Industrial engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $107,540
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,400
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: $107,540
- #19 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,400
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)
9 / 50
Canva
#42. Computer systems analysts
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $108,800
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 27,210
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: $108,800
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 27,210
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)
10 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#41. Management analysts
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $109,000
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 59,040
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: $109,000
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 59,040
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)
11 / 50
Reeta Asmai // UC Davis
#40. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $110,090
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 670
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: $110,090
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 670
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)
12 / 50
Csomos Attila // Shutterstock
#39. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $111,290
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 570
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,350
- Employment: 29,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tulsa, OK ($207,900)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($170,220)
--- Midland, TX ($165,590)
- Annual mean salary: $111,290
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 570
National
- Annual mean salary: $108,350
- Employment: 29,200
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tulsa, OK ($207,900)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($170,220)
--- Midland, TX ($165,590)
13 / 50
USACE NY // Flickr
#38. Construction managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $112,150
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,690
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: $112,150
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,690
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)
14 / 50
angellodeco // Shutterstock
#37. Microbiologists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $112,270
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,840
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,760
- Employment: 18,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($117,950)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,670)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($112,270)
- Annual mean salary: $112,270
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,840
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,760
- Employment: 18,270
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($117,950)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,670)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($112,270)
15 / 50
U.S. Department of State // Wikimedia Commons
#36. Atmospheric and space scientists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $112,730
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
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: $112,730
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 640
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)
16 / 50
Canva
#35. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $113,320
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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: $113,320
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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)
17 / 50
dokurose // Shutterstock
#34. Actuaries
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $113,720
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
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: $113,720
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 510
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)
18 / 50
Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy
#33. Chemical engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $114,800
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
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: $114,800
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 620
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)
19 / 50
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#32. Animal scientists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $117,270
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,570
- Employment: 2,690
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($117,270)
--- Madison, WI ($75,970)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($68,510)
- Annual mean salary: $117,270
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $68,570
- Employment: 2,690
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($117,270)
--- Madison, WI ($75,970)
--- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($68,510)
20 / 50
EU2017EE // Flickr
#31. Information security analysts
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $117,810
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 15,470
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: $117,810
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 15,470
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)
21 / 50
Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock
#30. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $118,110
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70,780
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: $118,110
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 70,780
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)
22 / 50
Canva
#29. Mechanical engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $118,200
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,310
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: $118,200
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,310
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)
23 / 50
possohh // Shutterstock
#28. Emergency management directors
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $120,230
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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: $120,230
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
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)
24 / 50
Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons
#27. Personal financial advisors
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $121,150
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,600
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: $121,150
- #53 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,600
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)
25 / 50
BDUK fibre // flickr
#26. Electronics engineers, except computer
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $124,390
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,910
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: $124,390
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,910
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)
26 / 50
aslysun // Shutterstock
#25. Chemists
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $124,540
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,840
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: $124,540
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,840
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)
27 / 50
Pixabay
#24. Advertising and promotions managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $124,750
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
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: $124,750
- #24 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
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)
28 / 50
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
#23. Financial examiners
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $125,150
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,610
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: $125,150
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,610
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)
29 / 50
SeventyFour // Shutterstock
#22. Computer hardware engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $127,480
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,060
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: $127,480
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,060
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)
30 / 50
Canva
#21. Materials engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $127,690
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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: $127,690
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
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)
31 / 50
Canva
#20. Electrical engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $128,080
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,220
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: $128,080
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,220
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)
32 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#19. Computer network architects
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $130,410
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,920
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: $130,410
- #7 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,920
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)
33 / 50
Bureau of Land Management // Flickr
#18. Petroleum engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $131,260
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,780
- Employment: 32,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($191,370)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($183,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($179,240)
- Annual mean salary: $131,260
- #22 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $156,780
- Employment: 32,620
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($191,370)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($183,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($179,240)
34 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#17. Medical and health services managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $131,710
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,650
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: $131,710
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 9,650
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
Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock
#16. Industrial production managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $137,950
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 760
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: $137,950
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 760
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)
36 / 50
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#15. Purchasing managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $143,810
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,120
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: $143,810
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,120
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)
37 / 50
IBM Research // Flickr
#14. Aerospace engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $144,090
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,270
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: $144,090
- #1 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,270
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
IAEA Imagebank // Flickr
#13. Nuclear engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $145,330
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,700
- Employment: 15,850
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($146,420)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($145,330)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($141,270)
- Annual mean salary: $145,330
- #2 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $120,700
- Employment: 15,850
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($146,420)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($145,330)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($141,270)
39 / 50
NTNU // Flickr
#12. Natural sciences managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $148,050
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,830
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: $148,050
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,830
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
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#11. Training and development managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $148,730
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,370
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: $148,730
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,370
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)
41 / 50
Pixabay
#10. Compensation and benefits managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $150,780
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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: $150,780
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
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)
42 / 50
Pixabay
#9. General and operations managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $152,300
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 73,850
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: $152,300
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 73,850
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)
43 / 50
TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock
#8. Sales engineers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $153,860
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,840
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: $153,860
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,840
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)
44 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#7. Human resources managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $157,910
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,880
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: $157,910
- #6 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,880
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)
45 / 50
Pixabay
#6. Architectural and engineering managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $158,670
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,930
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: $158,670
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 4,930
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)
46 / 50
TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr
#5. Marketing managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $173,700
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,370
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: $173,700
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 7,370
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)
47 / 50
Canva
#4. Sales managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $173,980
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,650
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: $173,980
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,650
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)
48 / 50
Canva
#3. Financial managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $174,180
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 21,290
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: $174,180
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 21,290
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)
49 / 50
Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Computer and information systems managers
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $174,600
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 19,080
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: $174,600
- #9 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 19,080
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)
50 / 50
Maurizio Pesce // flickr
#1. Chief executives
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Annual mean salary: $240,030
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,860
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: $240,030
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,860
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)
