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

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nullplus // Shutterstock

#50. Light truck drivers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $39,640
– #160 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 280

National
– Annual mean salary: $41,050
– Employment: 929,470
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($52,420)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($51,890)
— Anchorage, AK ($51,590)
– Job description: Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle.

Brian S. Hagberg // Wikimedia Commons

#49. Self-enrichment teachers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $40,130
– #164 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

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.

Dragon Images // Shutterstock

#48. Social and human service assistants

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $40,200
– #87 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $38,230
– Employment: 399,920
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Yuba City, CA ($60,070)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($55,910)
— Merced, CA ($53,300)
– Job description: Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

Canva

#47. Computer numerically controlled tool operators

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $40,500
– #163 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 120

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.

Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

#46. Carpenters

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $40,540
– #306 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $54,200
– Employment: 699,300
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,950)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($82,300)
— Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($79,870)
– Job description: Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.

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#45. Crane and tower operators

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $40,580
– #131 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $64,010
– Employment: 44,060
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($89,250)
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($84,670)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($84,410)
– Job description: Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Sean Rayford // Getty Images

#44. Security guards

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $41,420
– #31 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 270

National
– Annual mean salary: $34,360
– Employment: 1,054,400
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Idaho Falls, ID ($66,030)
— San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($61,090)
— Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($51,850)
– Job description: Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Daniel M Ernst // Shutterstock

#43. Eligibility interviewers, government programs

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $42,490
– #165 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $47,990
– Employment: 138,820
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($81,300)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($69,580)
— Napa, CA ($66,690)
– Job description: Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing.

Jat306 // Shutterstock

#42. Millwrights

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $42,550
– #131 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

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.

Canva

#41. Automotive body and related repairers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $42,580
– #262 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

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.

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Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $42,820
– #204 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 350

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.

Pixabay

#39. Maintenance and repair workers, general

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $42,830
– #149 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 510

National
– Annual mean salary: $43,790
– Employment: 1,357,630
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($58,140)
— Yuba City, CA ($57,930)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($54,820)
– Job description: Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.

Vera Larina // Shutterstock

#38. Sheet metal workers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $43,680
– #202 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $55,320
– Employment: 128,220
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fairbanks, AK ($132,900)
— Kankakee, IL ($91,140)
— Olympia-Tumwater, WA ($87,030)
– Job description: Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.

Stokkete // Shutterstock

#37. File clerks

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $45,880
– #7 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $36,140
– Employment: 91,560
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Ames, IA ($54,020)
— Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($49,630)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($48,110)
– Job description: File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.

Kot500 // Shutterstock

#36. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,450
– #261 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

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.

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Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#35. Payroll and timekeeping clerks

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,550
– #141 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $48,290
– Employment: 133,870
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($64,470)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($63,300)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($62,600)
– Job description: Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees’ time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

Pixabay

#34. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,910
– #144 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 350

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.

David Spates // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,090
– #240 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

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.

Shift Drive // Shutterstock

#32. Computer user support specialists

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,710
– #275 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

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.

Hunter Bliss Images // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $48,900
– #11 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

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.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection // Wikimedia Commons

#30. Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,200
– #47 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 110

National
– Annual mean salary: $44,860
– Employment: 188,450
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($64,710)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($60,510)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($58,920)
– Job description: Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.

welcomia // Shutterstock

#29. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,290
– #254 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

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.

Elliot Brown // Flickr

#28. Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,460
– #1 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $32,130
– Employment: 25,480
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Decatur, AL ($49,460)
— Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($38,670)
— Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($36,580)
– Job description: Set up, operate, or tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine sliver, such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers. Includes slubber machine and drawing frame operators.

Avatar_023 // Shutterstock

#27. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,750
– #166 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

Hulton Archive // Getty Images

#26. Electricians

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $50,180
– #262 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 470

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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Paolo Bona // Shutterstock

#25. Food service managers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $50,460
– #304 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

Pixabay

#24. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $50,490
– #97 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,200

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.

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#23. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,440
– #223 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 320

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.

Erin Deleon // Shutterstock

#22. Postal service mail carriers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $52,170
– #277 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

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.

G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock

#21. Production, planning, and expediting clerks

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $52,180
– #110 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

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rlat // Shutterstock

#20. Postal service clerks

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $52,970
– #90 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

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.

GaudiLab // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $53,190
– #291 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 470

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.

ryanivy308 // Pixabay

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $54,270
– #154 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

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.

Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $54,360
– #280 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

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.

Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $54,530
– #193 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

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).

London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images

#15. Machinists

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $56,790
– #23 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 440

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.

Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $58,070
– #165 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

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.

SritanaN // Shutterstock

#13. Industrial machinery mechanics

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $58,540
– #118 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 660

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.

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $58,770
– #323 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 710

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.

Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock

#11. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $60,910
– #199 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

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.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#10. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $60,970
– #227 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.

g-stockstudio // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $63,160
– #323 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

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.

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#8. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $63,250
– #75 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

Pixabay

#7. Hazardous materials removal workers

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $64,240
– #6 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $49,170
– Employment: 44,010
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Knoxville, TN ($79,260)
— Salinas, CA ($72,170)
— Kennewick-Richland, WA ($70,300)
– Job description: Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.

sculpies // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $65,100
– #235 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 380

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.

Canva

#5. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $66,720
– #275 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

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.

Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock

#4. Chemical equipment operators and tenders

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $67,980
– #9 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 520

National
– Annual mean salary: $53,330
– Employment: 93,060
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Billings, MT ($77,010)
— Hattiesburg, MS ($73,780)
— Baton Rouge, LA ($71,630)
– Job description: Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.

Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $73,530
– #56 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 640

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.

4 PM production // Shutterstock

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

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $75,390
– #96 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 330

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.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#1. Insurance sales agents

Decatur, AL
– Annual mean salary: $91,310
– #13 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

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.