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Highest-paying jobs in Birmingham

Stacker collected information on the highest-paying jobs in Birmingham-Hoover, AL, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by average annual salary with information up to date as of May 2020. Job descriptions are from O*NET.

In Birmingham, the annual mean wage is $50,960 or 9.5% lower than national mean of $56,310, while the highest-paying occupation makes $268,510. Read on to see which jobs make the list.

Fae // Wikimedia Commons

#50. Psychology teachers, postsecondary

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $91,950
– #32 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,960
– Employment: 36,520
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($199,070)
— Bakersfield, CA ($131,290)
— Fresno, CA ($129,550)
– Job description: Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock

#49. Computer programmers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $92,380
– #58 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,500

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.

Dragon Images // Shutterstock

#48. Insurance underwriters

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $93,980
– #11 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 310

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.

Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock

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

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $94,420
– #176 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 3,320

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.

Canva

#46. Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $94,490
– #8 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $100,140
– Employment: 6,270
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($127,900)
— Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($111,530)
— Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($110,390)
– Job description: Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.

Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock

#45. Physical therapists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $96,270
– #71 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 830

National
– Annual mean salary: $91,680
– Employment: 220,870
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— El Centro, CA ($143,500)
— Modesto, CA ($123,370)
— Visalia-Porterville, CA ($119,510)
– Job description: Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#44. Database administrators and architects

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $97,340
– #67 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 730

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

#43. Architects, except landscape and naval

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $98,000
– #20 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 430

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.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#42. Nurse practitioners

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $98,930
– #322 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,210

National
– Annual mean salary: $114,510
– Employment: 211,280
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($188,070)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($177,800)
— Salinas, CA ($155,310)
– Job description: Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

fizkes // Shutterstock

#41. Management analysts

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $99,010
– #66 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,390

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.

USACE NY // Flickr

#40. Construction managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $99,650
– #150 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,790

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.

Skycolors // Shutterstock

#39. Commercial pilots

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $99,970
– #49 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 110

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

Canva

#38. Mechanical engineers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $100,680
– #50 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 610

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.

IBM Research // Flickr

#37. Computer network architects

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $102,180
– #121 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 470

National
– Annual mean salary: $119,230
– Employment: 159,350
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($161,950)
— Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($152,060)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($148,250)
– Job description: Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons

#36. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $102,650
– #101 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390

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.

BDUK fibre // flickr

#35. Electronics engineers, except computer

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $103,230
– #83 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

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.

Canva

#34. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $104,420
– #42 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,450

National
– Annual mean salary: $124,890
– Employment: 200,040
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($211,500)
— Jackson, MS ($195,830)
— Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($176,930)
– Job description: Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#33. Insurance sales agents

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $105,840
– #2 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,490

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.

Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock

#32. Industrial production managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $106,330
– #239 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 530

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

#31. Electrical engineers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $106,710
– #70 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,110

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

#30. Physics teachers, postsecondary

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $106,940
– #20 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

National
– Annual mean salary: $101,290
– Employment: 13,670
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Rochester, NY ($160,370)
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($148,480)
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($141,180)
– Job description: Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Canva

#29. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $107,430
– #24 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $97,330
– Employment: 23,780
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($123,730)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,700)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($121,330)
– Job description: Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#28. Training and development managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $107,520
– #79 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $125,920
– Employment: 38,710
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($178,590)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,570)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,750)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#27. Computer science teachers, postsecondary

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $109,230
– #20 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $98,680
– Employment: 32,230
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($153,430)
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($150,480)
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($143,650)
– Job description: Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

SeventyFour // Shutterstock

#26. Computer hardware engineers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $109,360
– #55 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#25. Purchasing managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $111,680
– #131 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 180

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.

Lovely Bird // Shutterstock

#24. Power distributors and dispatchers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $112,160
– #4 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 160

National
– Annual mean salary: $93,260
– Employment: 9,940
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($141,200)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($126,870)
— Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($120,200)
– Job description: Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.

Pixabay

#23. Compensation and benefits managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $114,350
– #49 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $137,160
– Employment: 16,340
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($194,810)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($184,050)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($180,840)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock

#22. Sales engineers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $116,460
– #31 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $117,270
– Employment: 63,780
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($163,860)
— Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($158,140)
— Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($155,490)
– Job description: Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#21. Education administrators, postsecondary

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $117,360
– #67 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $115,200
– Employment: 140,880
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Ithaca, NY ($205,810)
— Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC ($178,210)
— Charlottesville, VA ($176,040)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

dokurose // Shutterstock

#20. Actuaries

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $119,410
– #21 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $123,180
– Employment: 22,480
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($156,910)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($148,230)
— San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX ($142,550)
– Job description: Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

Canva

#19. Sales managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $120,930
– #210 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,180

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.

Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force

#18. Pharmacists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $123,400
– #225 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,470

National
– Annual mean salary: $125,460
– Employment: 315,470
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Madera, CA ($165,350)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($162,540)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($161,120)
– Job description: Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr

#17. Marketing managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $124,670
– #157 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 450

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.

Matej Kastelic // Shutterstock

#16. Business teachers, postsecondary

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $124,740
– #23 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 160

National
– Annual mean salary: $107,270
– Employment: 79,810
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Ann Arbor, MI ($174,050)
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($172,650)
— Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($149,740)
– Job description: Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#15. Human resources managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $127,120
– #82 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 560

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.

Pixabay

#14. General and operations managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $128,840
– #60 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 9,910

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.

Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons

#13. Computer and information systems managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $130,150
– #151 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,410

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.

Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Lawyers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $131,990
– #68 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,440

National
– Annual mean salary: $148,910
– Employment: 658,120
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($231,610)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,920)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($186,070)
– Job description: Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Pixabay

#11. Advertising and promotions managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $137,260
– #13 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $147,560
– Employment: 22,490
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Boulder, CO ($220,420)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($185,490)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($181,540)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

Kzenon // Shutterstock

#10. Optometrists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $142,150
– #30 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $125,440
– Employment: 36,690
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Columbia, SC ($228,340)
— New Haven, CT ($186,950)
— Evansville, IN-KY ($182,980)
– Job description: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

Canva

#9. Financial managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $147,310
– #58 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,510

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.

Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons

#8. Personal financial advisors

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $153,070
– #23 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 750

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.

Pixabay

#7. Architectural and engineering managers

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $159,380
– #56 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 560

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.

LightField Studios // Shutterstock

#6. Psychiatrists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $178,200
– #79 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $217,100
– Employment: 25,540
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($297,710)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($289,580)
— Kansas City, MO-KS ($287,220)
– Job description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

Canva

#5. Dentists, general

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $186,780
– #128 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $180,830
– Employment: 95,920
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($286,540)
— North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($278,790)
— Portland-South Portland, ME ($278,390)
– Job description: Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Canva

#4. Nurse anesthetists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $204,740
– #21 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $189,190
– Employment: 41,960
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Duluth, MN-WI ($271,940)
— Ann Arbor, MI ($262,890)
— Green Bay, WI ($239,140)
– Job description: Administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Maurizio Pesce // flickr

#3. Chief executives

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $216,260
– #66 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 290

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.

Canva

#2. Family medicine physicians

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $227,720
– #112 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $214,370
– Employment: 98,590
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA ($309,800)
— Napa, CA ($302,040)
— Gadsden, AL ($292,110)
– Job description: Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

Unsplash

#1. Surgeons, except ophthalmologists

Birmingham-Hoover, AL
– Annual mean salary: $268,510
– #38 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

National
– Annual mean salary: $251,650
– Employment: 37,900
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($305,480)
— Akron, OH ($297,710)
— Lincoln, NE ($296,150)
– Job description: Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.