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Highest paying jobs in Montgomery that require a bachelor’s degree

While college and university tuition costs may be skyrocketing, many still believe a bachelor’s degree is essential to landing a high-paying job in the United States. Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs that typically require a bachelors in Montgomery using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage.

Whether highly technical, scientific, or based in finance or the arts, all the jobs require keeping up to date with the latest developments in culture, commerce, or tech.

Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs that require a bachelor degree in Montgomery.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#50. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $59,050
– #264 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $96,540
– Employment: 440,300
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($156,380)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($155,340)
— Missoula, MT ($122,420)
– Job description: Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.

industryviews // Shutterstock

#49. Career/technical education teachers, postsecondary

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $61,720
– #68 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 190

National
– Annual mean salary: $61,710
– Employment: 105,830
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($139,970)
— Madison, WI ($102,430)
— Salinas, CA ($96,970)
– Job description: Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.

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#48. Dietitians and nutritionists

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $61,810
– #129 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $64,150
– Employment: 66,330
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($95,140)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($95,060)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($93,640)
– Job description: Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.

Rido // Shutterstock

#47. Human resources specialists

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $61,940
– #189 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 560

National
– Annual mean salary: $69,430
– Employment: 647,810
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($96,090)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,680)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($90,130)
– Job description: Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.

Csomos Attila // Shutterstock

#46. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $62,490
– #94 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $112,110
– Employment: 27,890
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($188,400)
— Tulsa, OK ($186,490)
— Midland, TX ($167,040)
– Job description: Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth’s internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

fizkes // Shutterstock

#45. Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $62,620
– #73 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 380

National
– Annual mean salary: $62,040
– Employment: 53,150
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($100,250)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($98,480)
— Waterbury, CT ($97,230)
– Job description: Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

EU2017EE // Flickr

#44. Information security analysts

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $63,500
– #192 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $107,580
– Employment: 138,000
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($147,160)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($136,910)
— Idaho Falls, ID ($130,620)
– Job description: Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

ernestoeslava // Pixabay

#43. Compliance officers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $64,870
– #236 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 310

National
– Annual mean salary: $75,620
– Employment: 327,360
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Flagstaff, AZ ($99,640)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($98,030)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($96,850)
– Job description: Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

Aleksandar Karanov // Shutterstock

#42. Occupational health and safety specialists

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $65,330
– #245 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $78,110
– Employment: 95,960
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($112,250)
— Kennewick-Richland, WA ($107,790)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($101,190)
– Job description: Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#41. Registered nurses

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $65,380
– #278 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 3,660

National
– Annual mean salary: $80,010
– Employment: 2,986,500
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,200)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($146,870)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($142,140)
– Job description: Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

Dmytro Zinkevych // Shutterstock

#40. Social and community service managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $66,480
– #228 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 260

National
– Annual mean salary: $75,140
– Employment: 155,800
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Yuba City, CA ($96,530)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,650)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($94,900)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

comzeal images // Shutterstock

#39. Loan officers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $66,820
– #242 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 350

National
– Annual mean salary: $76,930
– Employment: 308,700
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Eau Claire, WI ($129,900)
— Stockton-Lodi, CA ($121,100)
— Tyler, TX ($114,690)
– Job description: Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, loan underwriters, and payday loan officers.

aslysun // Shutterstock

#38. Chemists

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $67,080
– #156 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

National
– Annual mean salary: $86,410
– Employment: 82,940
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Peoria, IL ($134,990)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($130,860)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($122,250)
– Job description: Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Kzenon // Shutterstock

#37. Training and development specialists

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $69,080
– #80 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

National
– Annual mean salary: $67,440
– Employment: 318,040
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Decatur, AL ($101,590)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($99,070)
— Savannah, GA ($94,820)
– Job description: Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

ImageFlow // Shutterstock

#36. Accountants and auditors

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $69,350
– #247 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,260

National
– Annual mean salary: $81,660
– Employment: 1,274,620
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Salinas, CA ($111,680)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($105,720)
— Midland, TX ($103,120)
– Job description: Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

Dragon Images // Shutterstock

#35. Insurance underwriters

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $70,450
– #85 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $80,390
– Employment: 101,790
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC ($119,010)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($109,060)
— Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($105,470)
– Job description: Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

guruXOX // Shutterstock

#34. Producers and directors

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $71,350
– #48 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $96,690
– Employment: 119,490
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($135,160)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($128,250)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($122,140)
– Job description: Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock

#33. Network and computer systems administrators

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $72,000
– #261 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 410

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,460
– Employment: 339,560
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($134,260)
— Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($116,840)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($111,790)
– Job description: Install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

Canva

#32. Environmental engineers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $74,040
– #143 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $96,890
– Employment: 50,260
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($128,000)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,210)
— Baton Rouge, LA ($114,890)
– Job description: Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Pakorn Khantiyaporn // Shutterstock

#31. Logisticians

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $74,100
– #150 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 120

National
– Annual mean salary: $79,830
– Employment: 184,230
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($116,200)
— California-Lexington Park, MD ($112,040)
— Lake Charles, LA ($110,510)
– Job description: Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.

Canva

#30. Mechanical engineers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $75,540
– #287 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

National
– Annual mean salary: $95,560
– Employment: 293,960
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,760)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,190)
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($123,700)
– Job description: Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Canva

#29. Computer systems analysts

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $76,520
– #272 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 240

National
– Annual mean salary: $99,020
– Employment: 574,450
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,970)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,350)
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($124,070)
– Job description: Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#28. Art directors

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $77,430
– #76 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $114,490
– Employment: 40,950
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($147,070)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($144,660)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($142,260)
– Job description: Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock

#27. Computer programmers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $79,260
– #146 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 490

National
– Annual mean salary: $95,640
– Employment: 178,140
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,420)
— Midland, TX ($119,390)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,530)
– Job description: Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#26. Industrial engineers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $79,940
– #264 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 400

National
– Annual mean salary: $93,610
– Employment: 290,190
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Billings, MT ($125,760)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($123,710)
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,510)
– Job description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#25. Database administrators and architects

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $84,020
– #154 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 500

National
– Annual mean salary: $101,090
– Employment: 133,630
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,340)
— Trenton, NJ ($126,540)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($120,430)
– Job description: Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#24. Architects, except landscape and naval

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $84,430
– #92 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,470
– Employment: 103,900
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,930)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,510)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($112,110)
– Job description: Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

possohh // Shutterstock

#23. Emergency management directors

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $87,560
– #27 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $84,310
– Employment: 10,210
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,820)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($138,590)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($122,610)
– Job description: Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

fizkes // Shutterstock

#22. Management analysts

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $87,620
– #152 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 350

National
– Annual mean salary: $97,580
– Employment: 734,000
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Dothan, AL ($163,720)
— Barnstable Town, MA ($157,490)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($135,250)
– Job description: Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

BDUK fibre // flickr

#21. Electronics engineers, except computer

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $88,830
– #155 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $112,320
– Employment: 122,320
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($148,210)
— Austin-Round Rock, TX ($134,110)
— Idaho Falls, ID ($131,740)
– Job description: Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#20. Medical and health services managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $88,860
– #347 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $118,800
– Employment: 402,540
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($174,010)
— Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($171,430)
— Madera, CA ($168,090)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

Canva

#19. Civil engineers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $90,460
– #135 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 520

National
– Annual mean salary: $95,440
– Employment: 300,850
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($125,910)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($121,970)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($119,860)
– Job description: Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.

Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock

#18. Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $90,700
– #214 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 670

National
– Annual mean salary: $114,270
– Employment: 1,476,800
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($157,480)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($144,740)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($140,930)
– Job description: Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

USACE NY // Flickr

#17. Construction managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $91,500
– #224 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 250

National
– Annual mean salary: $107,260
– Employment: 285,640
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Napa, CA ($161,780)
— Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($154,800)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($153,490)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

Canva

#16. Electrical engineers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $91,750
– #203 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $105,990
– Employment: 185,220
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,480)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($130,150)
— Idaho Falls, ID ($125,700)
– Job description: Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#15. Human resources managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $91,920
– #299 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $134,580
– Employment: 156,600
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($194,040)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,890)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($179,870)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock

#14. Financial examiners

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $92,520
– #29 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $92,730
– Employment: 68,210
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,230)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($125,050)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($124,620)
– Job description: Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

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

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $93,490
– #115 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $99,680
– Employment: 288,150
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Rochester, NY ($150,650)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,850)
— Battle Creek, MI ($141,310)
– Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.

IBM Research // Flickr

#12. Aerospace engineers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $94,330
– #60 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $121,110
– Employment: 60,630
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($151,410)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($142,260)
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($135,490)
– Job description: Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

SeventyFour // Shutterstock

#11. Computer hardware engineers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $102,270
– #70 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $126,140
– Employment: 64,710
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($179,570)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($171,540)
— Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($153,780)
– Job description: Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock

#10. Industrial production managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $104,650
– #255 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 230

National
– Annual mean salary: $118,190
– Employment: 179,570
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($171,890)
— Florence, SC ($167,660)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($155,320)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

Canva

#9. Sales managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $106,880
– #292 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $147,580
– Employment: 390,170
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($207,070)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,700)
— Trenton, NJ ($186,960)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons

#8. Computer and information systems managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $109,970
– #284 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 380

National
– Annual mean salary: $161,730
– Employment: 457,290
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($235,040)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($212,480)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($201,320)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#7. Purchasing managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $111,070
– #133 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $132,660
– Employment: 70,960
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($181,240)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,300)
— Morgantown, WV ($167,740)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.

Pixabay

#6. General and operations managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $117,990
– #114 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,880

National
– Annual mean salary: $125,740
– Employment: 2,347,420
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($183,170)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($175,990)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,370)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

Pixabay

#5. Architectural and engineering managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $118,260
– #255 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 120

National
– Annual mean salary: $158,100
– Employment: 195,900
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($226,920)
— Amarillo, TX ($199,940)
— Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,610)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Canva

#4. Financial managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $121,290
– #204 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 590

National
– Annual mean salary: $151,510
– Employment: 653,080
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($214,670)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($210,180)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($192,310)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr

#3. Marketing managers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $123,710
– #159 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $154,470
– Employment: 270,200
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($213,180)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($211,210)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($196,260)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm’s profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm’s customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons

#2. Personal financial advisors

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $158,070
– #17 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

National
– Annual mean salary: $122,490
– Employment: 218,050
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Gainesville, FL ($206,120)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($169,850)
— Tyler, TX ($169,690)
– Job description: Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients’ assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

Maurizio Pesce // flickr

#1. Chief executives

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $205,010
– #100 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 110

National
– Annual mean salary: $197,840
– Employment: 202,360
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($293,000)
— Midland, TX ($269,360)
— Sioux Falls, SD ($263,770)
– Job description: Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.