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Highest-paying jobs in Montgomery that don’t require a college degree

From the moment they first set foot on campus, today’s high-school students are inundated with messages about the importance of receiving a college education. They hear it from their guidance counselors, teachers, parents, family members, neighbors, coaches—the list goes on and on. While graduation from a four-year college can certainly work wonders for students’ future careers, it’s not necessary for all fields—something admissions officers and guidance counselors sometimes fail to mention.

To find the highest-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree, Stacker consulted the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook to compile a list of all jobs that don’t require higher education. All professions that listed a high-school diploma, some college education (without a degree conferred), postsecondary non-degree award, or no formal education requirements for entry-level positions were considered. Jobs that didn’t list any entry-level education requirement were excluded, as were job titles that grouped several positions together. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage. Job descriptions are from O*NET.

Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs in Montgomery that don’t require a college degree.

You may also like: 100 Highest paying jobs in America

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#50. Automotive body and related repairers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $44,160
– #238 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $49,430
– Employment: 137,120
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($81,730)
— Midland, TX ($76,760)
— Raleigh, NC ($75,460)
– Job description: Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

Avatar_023 // Shutterstock

#49. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $44,520
– #239 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $51,890
– Employment: 119,380
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($99,130)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($89,730)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,080)
– Job description: Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

Canva

#48. Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $45,530
– #73 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 420

National
– Annual mean salary: $43,790
– Employment: 91,930
– Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Salt Lake City, UT ($80,010)
— Fort Collins, CO ($63,680)
— Wichita Falls, TX ($59,520)
– Job description: Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.

Nicola Forenza // Shutterstock

#47. Legal secretaries and administrative assistants

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $45,600
– #122 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

National
– Annual mean salary: $52,750
– Employment: 160,950
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($76,350)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($76,220)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($73,740)
– Job description: Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.

Dragon Images // Shutterstock

#46. Procurement clerks

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $45,720
– #92 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $45,400
– Employment: 61,000
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ ($55,550)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($55,320)
— East Stroudsburg, PA ($55,240)
– Job description: Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#45. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,530
– #291 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 250

National
– Annual mean salary: $61,100
– Employment: 417,440
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,100)
— Fairbanks, AK ($94,280)
— Kankakee, IL ($93,420)
– Job description: Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

Hulton Archive // Getty Images

#44. Electricians

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,770
– #312 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 690

National
– Annual mean salary: $61,550
– Employment: 656,510
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,680)
— Trenton, NJ ($90,210)
— Kankakee, IL ($88,530)
– Job description: Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

4 PM production // Shutterstock

#43. Automotive service technicians and mechanics

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,060
– #121 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 720

National
– Annual mean salary: $46,760
– Employment: 620,110
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fairbanks, AK ($66,060)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($64,630)
— California-Lexington Park, MD ($64,420)
– Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

Brian S. Hagberg // Wikimedia Commons

#42. Self-enrichment teachers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,670
– #62 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $47,930
– Employment: 222,700
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fairbanks, AK ($74,220)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($73,900)
— Salinas, CA ($65,580)
– Job description: Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Pixabay

#41. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,790
– #179 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,960

National
– Annual mean salary: $48,710
– Employment: 1,797,710
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Barnstable Town, MA ($65,170)
— Danville, IL ($63,230)
— Lewiston, ID-WA ($62,250)
– Job description: Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers’ license. Includes tow truck drivers.

Pixabay

#40. Photographers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $48,430
– #40 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $50,290
– Employment: 41,600
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Logan, UT-ID ($75,100)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($74,620)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($72,690)
– Job description: Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject’s appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

David Spates // Shutterstock

#39. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $48,490
– #219 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 540

National
– Annual mean salary: $53,410
– Employment: 344,020
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fairbanks, AK ($91,840)
— Napa, CA ($82,650)
— Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($76,440)
– Job description: Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

Kitawit Jitaton // Shutterstock

#38. Telecommunications line installers and repairers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,140
– #118 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $61,860
– Employment: 122,480
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fresno, CA ($93,060)
— Salinas, CA ($91,790)
— Champaign-Urbana, IL ($89,000)
– Job description: Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.

Shift Drive // Shutterstock

#37. Computer user support specialists

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,620
– #232 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 620

National
– Annual mean salary: $57,000
– Employment: 634,820
– Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($86,350)
— Napa, CA ($78,740)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,670)
– Job description: Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock

#36. Chefs and head cooks

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,960
– #167 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $58,740
– Employment: 101,490
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($98,210)
— Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($90,840)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($86,460)
– Job description: Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

SritanaN // Shutterstock

#35. Industrial machinery mechanics

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $50,310
– #306 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 570

National
– Annual mean salary: $57,350
– Employment: 385,980
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($84,180)
— San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($84,150)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,580)
– Job description: Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

welcomia // Shutterstock

#34. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,190
– #219 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 150

National
– Annual mean salary: $57,000
– Employment: 147,680
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($84,460)
— Fairbanks, AK ($81,920)
— Bismarck, ND ($78,350)
– Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.

Indypendenz // Shutterstock

#32 (tie). Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,290
– #74 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

National
– Annual mean salary: $51,440
– Employment: 105,400
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Wausau, WI ($57,620)
— Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($55,670)
— Canton-Massillon, OH ($55,520)
– Job description: Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks, and perform other duties related to mail handling within the postal service. Includes postal service mail sorters and processors employed by USPS contractors.

Pixabay

#32 (tie). Surveying and mapping technicians

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,290
– #65 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $49,770
– Employment: 53,370
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($86,090)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($82,010)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($79,790)
– Job description: Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

rlat // Shutterstock

#31. Postal service clerks

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,840
– #166 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

National
– Annual mean salary: $51,200
– Employment: 86,950
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Monroe, MI ($58,120)
— El Centro, CA ($58,000)
— Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($57,330)
– Job description: Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.

Erin Deleon // Shutterstock

#30. Postal service mail carriers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $52,150
– #280 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 440

National
– Annual mean salary: $53,180
– Employment: 333,570
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bismarck, ND ($56,520)
— Burlington, NC ($55,750)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($55,680)
– Job description: Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot. Includes postal service mail carriers employed by USPS contractors.

Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images

#29. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $52,520
– #300 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 640

National
– Annual mean salary: $70,490
– Employment: 977,070
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($115,620)
— Lawrence, KS ($97,910)
— Boulder, CO ($94,870)
– Job description: Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.

Canva

#28. Fire inspectors and investigators

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $53,260
– #52 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $67,680
– Employment: 14,010
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,790)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($123,610)
— Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($102,370)
– Job description: Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

Canva

#27. Construction and building inspectors

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $53,430
– #223 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 110

National
– Annual mean salary: $66,470
– Employment: 113,770
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,920)
— Salinas, CA ($98,360)
– Job description: Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.

GolF2532 // Shutterstock

#26. Security and fire alarm systems installers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $54,950
– #45 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $52,150
– Employment: 68,920
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($71,820)
— Anchorage, AK ($68,510)
— Rockford, IL ($65,040)
– Job description: Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Paolo Bona // Shutterstock

#25. Food service managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $55,240
– #223 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 280

National
– Annual mean salary: $61,000
– Employment: 197,010
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,610)
— Trenton, NJ ($95,640)
— Waterbury, CT ($88,100)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

sculpies // Shutterstock

#24. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $55,630
– #362 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 820

National
– Annual mean salary: $72,990
– Employment: 614,080
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,870)
— Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($103,930)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($100,620)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock

#23. Production, planning, and expediting clerks

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $55,970
– #50 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $52,000
– Employment: 362,090
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($69,410)
— Pine Bluff, AR ($68,850)
— Portsmouth, NH-ME ($66,920)
– Job description: Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.

Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons

#22. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $56,220
– #189 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $61,980
– Employment: 190,510
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Elmira, NY ($94,280)
— Springfield, MA-CT ($92,920)
— Fairbanks, AK ($87,940)
– Job description: Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers’ property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.

GaudiLab // Shutterstock

#21. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $56,370
– #204 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,960

National
– Annual mean salary: $62,010
– Employment: 1,427,260
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($78,770)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($77,030)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($75,820)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock

#20. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $57,000
– #59 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $54,040
– Employment: 103,730
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Anchorage, AK ($85,110)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($77,260)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($76,940)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

#19. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $57,140
– #340 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,060

National
– Annual mean salary: $73,500
– Employment: 1,278,670
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Danbury, CT ($112,810)
— Napa, CA ($101,850)
— Santa Fe, NM ($93,680)
– Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#18. Advertising sales agents

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $57,630
– #100 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 150

National
– Annual mean salary: $68,040
– Employment: 110,040
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($112,850)
— Winston-Salem, NC ($104,930)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($92,370)
– Job description: Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

Canva

#17. Tool and die makers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $57,790
– #50 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $55,520
– Employment: 61,190
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Flint, MI ($74,390)
— New Haven, CT ($73,530)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,420)
– Job description: Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists’ hand tools.

ryanivy308 // Pixabay

#16. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $58,030
– #123 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $63,350
– Employment: 55,200
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($96,510)
— Jackson, TN ($92,200)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($86,640)
– Job description: Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock

#15. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $60,030
– #304 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 910

National
– Annual mean salary: $66,800
– Employment: 599,900
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Baton Rouge, LA ($101,930)
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($100,590)
— Longview, WA ($99,590)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#14. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $61,760
– #96 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 400

National
– Annual mean salary: $65,230
– Employment: 503,390
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,040)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,100)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($86,180)
– Job description: Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

4 PM production // Shutterstock

#13. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $63,140
– #325 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 670

National
– Annual mean salary: $73,100
– Employment: 475,000
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($95,680)
— Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($93,140)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,810)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash

#12. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $63,520
– #96 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 160

National
– Annual mean salary: $69,040
– Employment: 128,300
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($95,680)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,710)
— Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($87,830)
– Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock

#11. First-line supervisors of correctional officers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $65,720
– #59 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

National
– Annual mean salary: $67,600
– Employment: 53,420
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($115,020)
— Trenton, NJ ($113,630)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,070)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

U.S. Air Force

#10. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $66,050
– #162 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $83,170
– Employment: 69,000
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($187,890)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($181,340)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,050)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#9. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $68,290
– #143 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 320

National
– Annual mean salary: $70,650
– Employment: 287,150
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,980)
— Waterbury, CT ($92,160)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,750)
– Job description: Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.

g-stockstudio // Shutterstock

#8. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $68,640
– #269 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

National
– Annual mean salary: $90,120
– Employment: 240,290
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($124,150)
— Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($122,460)
— Leominster-Gardner, MA ($119,130)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#7. Insurance sales agents

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $68,660
– #106 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 440

National
– Annual mean salary: $69,100
– Employment: 409,950
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,540)
— Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($105,840)
— Fond du Lac, WI ($105,190)
– Job description: Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

Prath // Shutterstock

#6. Detectives and criminal investigators

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $69,200
– #202 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,300
– Employment: 105,980
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,380)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,090)
— Anchorage, AK ($126,530)
– Job description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

goodluz // Shutterstock

#5. Real estate sales agents

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $78,210
– #17 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 180

National
– Annual mean salary: $62,990
– Employment: 168,740
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Salinas, CA ($106,280)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($101,300)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($98,580)
– Job description: Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.

Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons

#4. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $79,040
– #283 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

National
– Annual mean salary: $105,100
– Employment: 132,210
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($163,580)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($137,680)
— Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($136,410)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

Skycolors // Shutterstock

#3. Commercial pilots

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $80,010
– #88 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $110,830
– Employment: 37,120
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($153,990)
— Medford, OR ($152,730)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($152,290)
– Job description: Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.

Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock

#2. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $81,600
– #73 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 350

National
– Annual mean salary: $74,410
– Employment: 114,930
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($114,820)
— Redding, CA ($112,850)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($111,810)
– Job description: Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

Canva

#1. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $86,370
– #186 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $97,180
– Employment: 122,310
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($200,090)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,810)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($182,720)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.