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

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Nicola Forenza // Shutterstock

#49 (tie). Legal secretaries and administrative assistants

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $30,630
– #286 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

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

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#49 (tie). Interviewers, except eligibility and loan

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $30,630
– #231 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $37,640
– Employment: 173,800
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,750)
— Port St. Lucie, FL ($53,170)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($51,340)
– Job description: Interview persons by telephone, mail, in person, or by other means for the purpose of completing forms, applications, or questionnaires. Ask specific questions, record answers, and assist persons with completing form. May sort, classify, and file forms.

Canva

#48. Tire repairers and changers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $30,680
– #159 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $31,790
– Employment: 98,560
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY ($45,000)
— Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($43,670)
— Stockton-Lodi, CA ($43,240)
– Job description: Repair and replace tires.

fizkes // Shutterstock

#47. Public safety telecommunicators

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $31,010
– #272 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $45,800
– Employment: 93,290
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($96,230)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,100)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($79,340)
– Job description: Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

PxHere

#46. Structural metal fabricators and fitters

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $31,330
– #189 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $44,750
– Employment: 69,550
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Longview, WA ($71,950)
— Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY ($60,760)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($58,230)
– Job description: Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.

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Sean Rayford // Getty Images

#45. Security guards

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $31,590
– #221 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

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.

FrameStockFootages // Shutterstock

#44. First-line supervisors of personal service and entertainment and recreation workers, except gambling services

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $31,700
– #363 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $45,820
– Employment: 174,860
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL ($61,470)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($59,540)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($59,030)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of entertainment and recreation related workers.

U.S. Air Force photo // Airman 1st Class Greg Erwin

#43. Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $31,800
– #287 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $42,140
– Employment: 137,510
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($64,780)
— Portsmouth, NH-ME ($64,240)
— Harrisonburg, VA ($61,990)
– Job description: Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials. Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities.

LuckView // Shutterstock

#42. Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $32,250
– #231 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

National
– Annual mean salary: $38,650
– Employment: 179,300
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($50,080)
— Rome, GA ($49,580)
— Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($49,140)
– Job description: Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

ESB Basic // Shutterstock

#41. Customer service representatives

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $32,500
– #305 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 400

National
– Annual mean salary: $38,510
– Employment: 2,833,250
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($49,930)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($47,720)
— Midland, MI ($47,250)
– Job description: Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.

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Zivica Kerkez // Shutterstock

#40. Loan interviewers and clerks

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $32,840
– #311 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $42,780
– Employment: 204,100
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Danbury, CT ($53,960)
— North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($52,670)
— Boulder, CO ($52,430)
– Job description: Interview loan applicants to elicit information; investigate applicants’ backgrounds and verify references; prepare loan request papers; and forward findings, reports, and documents to appraisal department. Review loan papers to ensure completeness, and complete transactions between loan establishment, borrowers, and sellers upon approval of loan.

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#39. Billing and posting clerks

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $32,920
– #360 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $41,610
– Employment: 445,160
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($57,240)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($53,200)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($51,800)
– Job description: Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.

4 PM production // Shutterstock

#38. Automotive service technicians and mechanics

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $33,170
– #386 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

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

Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

#37. Carpenters

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $33,760
– #375 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

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.

Canva

#36. Physical therapist aides

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $34,020
– #28 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,110
– Employment: 45,790
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Savannah, GA ($53,640)
— Akron, OH ($49,570)
— Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($49,470)
– Job description: Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

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#35. Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $34,890
– #375 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 150

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.

Canva

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

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $34,990
– #209 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

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

Fusionstudio // Shutterstock

#33. Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $35,010
– #258 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $37,210
– Employment: 727,640
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fairbanks, AK ($52,310)
— California-Lexington Park, MD ($50,180)
— Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($49,530)
– Job description: Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.

Pixabay

#32. Maintenance and repair workers, general

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $35,390
– #347 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 300

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.

London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images

#31. Machinists

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $35,640
– #345 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

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.

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Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#30. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $35,960
– #350 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 340

National
– Annual mean salary: $44,100
– Employment: 1,443,940
– Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($56,700)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($55,720)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($55,720)
– Job description: Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

ALPA PROD // Shutterstock

#29. Medical secretaries and administrative assistants

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $36,200
– #198 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $39,000
– Employment: 597,100
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($55,220)
— Salinas, CA ($53,900)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($52,020)
– Job description: Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.

Rob Kim // Getty Images

#28. First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $36,920
– #381 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 550

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

G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock

#27. Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $37,510
– #192 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 790

National
– Annual mean salary: $40,420
– Employment: 1,850,360
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($56,080)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($52,480)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($51,930)
– Job description: Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#26. Dental assistants

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $37,860
– #278 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $42,310
– Employment: 312,140
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($58,570)
— Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($56,240)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($54,550)
– Job description: Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

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#25. Computer numerically controlled tool operators

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $37,980
– #203 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#24. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $40,140
– #360 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

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.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#23. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $40,800
– #346 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390

National
– Annual mean salary: $50,090
– Employment: 676,440
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($75,950)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($74,820)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($74,520)
– Job description: Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images

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

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $41,000
– #375 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

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.

SritanaN // Shutterstock

#21. Industrial machinery mechanics

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $41,870
– #374 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

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

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nullplus // Shutterstock

#20. Light truck drivers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $42,190
– #87 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

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.

Canva

#19. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $42,560
– #283 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

National
– Annual mean salary: $55,280
– Employment: 402,870
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($96,440)
— Barnstable Town, MA ($93,620)
— Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($93,320)
– Job description: Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

Avatar_023 // Shutterstock

#18. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $43,080
– #262 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

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.

Kot500 // Shutterstock

#17. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $44,420
– #305 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

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.

Daniel Tausis // Unsplash

#16. Firefighters

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $45,070
– #185 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

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

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#15. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $45,510
– #244 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 580

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.

Canva

#14. Tool and die makers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $45,920
– #153 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

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

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#13. Driver/sales workers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,460
– #1 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $31,870
– Employment: 420,890
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Gadsden, AL ($46,460)
— Cumberland, MD-WV ($45,780)
— Medford, OR ($45,310)
– Job description: Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry. May also take orders, collect payment, or stock merchandise at point of delivery.

David Spates // Shutterstock

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

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $46,890
– #243 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

Canva

#11. Automotive body and related repairers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $47,460
– #166 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

Daniel M Ernst // Shutterstock

#10. Eligibility interviewers, government programs

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $48,050
– #106 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

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

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $49,080
– #383 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

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.

Hulton Archive // Getty Images

#8. Electricians

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $50,880
– #251 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 160

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.

Erin Deleon // Shutterstock

#7. Postal service mail carriers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,390
– #347 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

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.

GaudiLab // Shutterstock

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

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,410
– #324 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 350

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.

Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock

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

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $51,840
– #226 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

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

4 PM production // Shutterstock

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

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $55,140
– #381 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

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

sculpies // Shutterstock

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

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $61,960
– #287 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

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

Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock

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

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $62,950
– #242 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 190

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.

Paolo Bona // Shutterstock

#1. Food service managers

Gadsden, AL
– Annual mean salary: $67,890
– #59 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

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.