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

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#50. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $44,470
– #303 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $52,090
– Employment: 253,010
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,320)
— New Bedford, MA ($75,110)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($72,460)
– Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock

#49. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $44,960
– #141 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 680

National
– Annual mean salary: $44,580
– Employment: 549,200
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Odessa, TX ($85,040)
— Fairbanks, AK ($80,520)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($67,990)
– Job description: Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.

Canva

#48. Conveyor operators and tenders

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $45,260
– #3 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $37,540
– Employment: 23,160
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Wheeling, WV-OH ($65,840)
— Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($49,320)
— Tuscaloosa, AL ($45,260)
– Job description: Control or tend conveyors or conveyor systems that move materials or products to and from stockpiles, processing stations, departments, or vehicles. May control speed and routing of materials or products.

Canva

#47. Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $45,620
– #1 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $34,600
– Employment: 14,060
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Tuscaloosa, AL ($45,620)
— Richmond, VA ($44,410)
— Logan, UT-ID ($44,380)
– Job description: Operate or tend machines to wash or clean products, such as barrels or kegs, glass items, tin plate, food, pulp, coal, plastic, or rubber, to remove impurities.

Avatar_023 // Shutterstock

#46. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,250
– #211 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 110

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.

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Pixabay

#45. Surveying and mapping technicians

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,600
– #112 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.

Canva

#44. Computer numerically controlled tool operators

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,980
– #62 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $44,300
– Employment: 149,120
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($69,040)
— Waco, TX ($60,570)
— Springfield, MA-CT ($59,760)
– Job description: Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.

Pixabay

#43. Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,060
– #12 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $41,320
– Employment: 33,150
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Springfield, MA-CT ($64,160)
— Greeley, CO ($62,670)
— Wichita, KS ($57,200)
– Job description: Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.

Rob Kim // Getty Images

#42. First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,150
– #142 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 880

National
– Annual mean salary: $47,300
– Employment: 1,063,110
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($62,180)
— Yakima, WA ($61,710)
— Sheboygan, WI ($61,610)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#41. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,590
– #272 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 460

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.

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#40. First-line supervisors of housekeeping and janitorial workers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,790
– #76 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $45,500
– Employment: 141,260
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($72,260)
— New Haven, CT ($65,830)
— Lima, OH ($65,190)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate work activities of cleaning personnel in hotels, hospitals, offices, and other establishments.

Hunter Bliss Images // Shutterstock

#39. Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $48,020
– #21 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $40,960
– Employment: 116,190
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Shreveport-Bossier City, LA ($64,900)
— Rockford, IL ($55,380)
— Pine Bluff, AR ($55,330)
– Job description: Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.

rlat // Shutterstock

#38. Postal service clerks

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $48,830
– #294 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

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.

kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock

#37. Stationary engineers and boiler operators

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,120
– #106 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $68,170
– Employment: 29,550
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($106,910)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,970)
— Springfield, IL ($102,660)
– Job description: Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.

Pixabay

#36. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,280
– #87 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 250

National
– Annual mean salary: $46,690
– Employment: 397,550
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fairbanks, AK ($75,080)
— Wheeling, WV-OH ($74,970)
— Anchorage, AK ($73,790)
– Job description: Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

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Nicola Forenza // Shutterstock

#35. Legal secretaries and administrative assistants

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,760
– #72 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

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.

Canva

#34. Automotive body and related repairers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $50,160
– #113 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

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.

Jat306 // Shutterstock

#33. Millwrights

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $50,680
– #104 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $59,080
– Employment: 44,400
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Elmira, NY ($94,190)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($90,570)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($85,090)
– Job description: Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images

#32. Machinists

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,610
– #81 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $47,800
– Employment: 360,340
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($68,950)
— Anchorage, AK ($64,610)
— Farmington, NM ($64,190)
– Job description: Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,700
– #311 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 420

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.

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Erin Deleon // Shutterstock

#30. Postal service mail carriers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,880
– #313 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 270

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.

Daniel Tausis // Unsplash

#29. Firefighters

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $52,170
– #125 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 330

National
– Annual mean salary: $56,360
– Employment: 311,350
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,680)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($109,480)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($105,670)
– Job description: Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $52,200
– #135 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

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.

welcomia // Shutterstock

#27. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $52,840
– #179 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 240

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.

Hulton Archive // Getty Images

#26. Electricians

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $53,350
– #220 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 500

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.

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Canva

#25. Continuous mining machine operators

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $53,400
– #5 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $58,340
– Employment: 14,990
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN ($105,170)
— Wheeling, WV-OH ($64,140)
— Salt Lake City, UT ($61,170)
– Job description: Operate self-propelled mining machines that rip coal, metal and nonmetal ores, rock, stone, or sand from the mine face and load it onto conveyors, shuttle cars, or trucks in a continuous operation.

GaudiLab // Shutterstock

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $53,450
– #285 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,080

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.

Canva

#23. Construction and building inspectors

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $53,820
– #220 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

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.

Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $55,000
– #209 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

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.

Pressmaster // Shutterstock

#21. Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $58,370
– #29 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $52,950
– Employment: 54,960
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Salem, OR ($73,530)
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($71,970)
— Greeley, CO ($71,560)
– Job description: Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#20. Insurance sales agents

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $58,720
– #204 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 230

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.

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#19. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $59,070
– #135 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

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.

Pxhere

#18. Maintenance workers, machinery

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $59,280
– #24 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $51,960
– Employment: 65,240
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Florence, SC ($80,250)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($78,290)
— San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($69,070)
– Job description: Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

Shift Drive // Shutterstock

#17. Computer user support specialists

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $60,400
– #47 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 460

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.

SritanaN // Shutterstock

#16. Industrial machinery mechanics

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $60,480
– #90 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,130

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.

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Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock

#15. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $60,850
– #200 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

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.

G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock

#14. Production, planning, and expediting clerks

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $61,120
– #14 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 150

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.

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $61,270
– #290 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 600

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.

goodluz // Shutterstock

#12. Real estate sales agents

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $61,460
– #64 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

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.

g-stockstudio // Shutterstock

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $62,620
– #327 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

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.

Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock

#10. Property, real estate, and community association managers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $64,380
– #120 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $73,210
– Employment: 219,800
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($117,770)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,800)
— Boulder, CO ($107,230)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).

4 PM production // Shutterstock

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $67,600
– #237 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 500

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.

sculpies // Shutterstock

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $69,280
– #163 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 790

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.

Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $70,810
– #85 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,000

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.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#6. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $71,020
– #112 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

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.

Paolo Bona // Shutterstock

#5. Food service managers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $76,370
– #25 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

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.

U.S. Air Force

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

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $77,600
– #107 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

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.

Canva

#3. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $88,610
– #166 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

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.

Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock

#2. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $101,630
– #5 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,740
– Employment: 27,590
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($122,730)
— Baton Rouge, LA ($111,530)
— Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($111,140)
– Job description: Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons

#1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Tuscaloosa, AL
– Annual mean salary: $116,330
– #31 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

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.