Flamingo Images // Shutterstock

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

You may also like: 100 Highest paying jobs in America

London Metropolitan Archives/Heritage Images // Getty Images

#50. Machinists

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $47,870
– #149 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 990

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.

LStockStudio // Shutterstock

#49. Brokerage clerks

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $47,880
– #91 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $58,460
– Employment: 44,720
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($75,240)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($73,770)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($69,860)
– Job description: Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.

Paolo Bona // Shutterstock

#48. Food service managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $49,040
– #321 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390

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.

GolF2532 // Shutterstock

#47. Security and fire alarm systems installers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $49,250
– #90 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $52,150
– Employment: 68,920
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($71,820)
— Anchorage, AK ($68,510)
— Rockford, IL ($65,040)
– Job description: Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

David Spates // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $49,270
– #206 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 840

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

#45. Dental laboratory technicians

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $49,790
– #31 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $45,230
– Employment: 30,800
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Idaho Falls, ID ($68,750)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($66,610)
— Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($63,030)
– Job description: Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

Hulton Archive // Getty Images

#44. Electricians

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $49,880
– #267 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,300

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.

Loveischiangrai // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $50,010
– #169 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 230

National
– Annual mean salary: $54,040
– Employment: 103,730
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Anchorage, AK ($85,110)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($77,260)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($76,940)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

Peter Braakmann // Shutterstock

#42. First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $50,620
– #69 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $54,420
– Employment: 22,640
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Oklahoma City, OK ($76,240)
— Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($75,500)
— Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($75,140)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Indypendenz // Shutterstock

#40 (tie). Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $50,870
– #93 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

National
– Annual mean salary: $51,440
– Employment: 105,400
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Wausau, WI ($57,620)
— Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($55,670)
— Canton-Massillon, OH ($55,520)
– Job description: Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks, and perform other duties related to mail handling within the postal service. Includes postal service mail sorters and processors employed by USPS contractors.

Canva

#40 (tie). Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $50,870
– #178 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 570

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.

welcomia // Shutterstock

#39. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $51,600
– #208 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 300

National
– Annual mean salary: $57,000
– Employment: 147,680
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($84,460)
— Fairbanks, AK ($81,920)
— Bismarck, ND ($78,350)
– Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.

Pixabay

#38. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $52,500
– #54 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 3,450

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.

Erin Deleon // Shutterstock

#37. Postal service mail carriers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $53,270
– #112 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 510

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.

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#36. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $53,300
– #246 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 770

National
– Annual mean salary: $65,230
– Employment: 503,390
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,040)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,100)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($86,180)
– Job description: Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

Shift Drive // Shutterstock

#35. Computer user support specialists

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $53,920
– #133 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,110

National
– Annual mean salary: $57,000
– Employment: 634,820
– Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($86,350)
— Napa, CA ($78,740)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,670)
– Job description: Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Carl Mydans // Library of Congress

#34. Tile and stone setters

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $53,940
– #30 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $48,490
– Employment: 38,150
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Champaign-Urbana, IL ($78,200)
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($69,740)
— Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY ($63,630)
– Job description: Apply hard tile, stone, and comparable materials to walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks.

Pxhere

#33. Maintenance workers, machinery

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $54,200
– #69 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

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

Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock

#32. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $54,250
– #231 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

National
– Annual mean salary: $74,410
– Employment: 114,930
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($114,820)
— Redding, CA ($112,850)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($111,810)
– Job description: Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

U.S. Air Force

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $54,830
– #211 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

National
– Annual mean salary: $83,170
– Employment: 69,000
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($187,890)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($181,340)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($176,050)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

rlat // Shutterstock

#30. Postal service clerks

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $55,010
– #19 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $51,200
– Employment: 86,950
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Monroe, MI ($58,120)
— El Centro, CA ($58,000)
— Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($57,330)
– Job description: Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.

Canva

#29. Construction and building inspectors

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $55,750
– #196 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $66,470
– Employment: 113,770
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($103,820)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($102,920)
— Salinas, CA ($98,360)
– Job description: Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.

DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock

#28. Chefs and head cooks

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $55,920
– #99 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 110

National
– Annual mean salary: $58,740
– Employment: 101,490
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($98,210)
— Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($90,840)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($86,460)
– Job description: Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Jat306 // Shutterstock

#27. Millwrights

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $56,270
– #67 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

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

Ramon Espelt Photography // Shutterstock

#26. Home appliance repairers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $57,100
– #6 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $43,810
– Employment: 27,640
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($65,040)
— Flint, MI ($64,100)
— Boulder, CO ($63,700)
– Job description: Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.

Pixabay

#25. Hazardous materials removal workers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $57,270
– #15 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

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

Pandu Agus Wismoyo // Unsplash

#24. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $57,290
– #143 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 250

National
– Annual mean salary: $69,040
– Employment: 128,300
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($95,680)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($89,710)
— Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO ($87,830)
– Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Leszek Glasner // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $57,860
– #169 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390

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).

GaudiLab // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $58,230
– #154 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 3,010

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.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#21. Advertising sales agents

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $58,670
– #91 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 280

National
– Annual mean salary: $68,040
– Employment: 110,040
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($112,850)
— Winston-Salem, NC ($104,930)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($92,370)
– Job description: Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

Stealth Communications // Wikimedia Commons

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $59,120
– #148 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 250

National
– Annual mean salary: $61,980
– Employment: 190,510
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Elmira, NY ($94,280)
— Springfield, MA-CT ($92,920)
— Fairbanks, AK ($87,940)
– Job description: Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers’ property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.

Unsplash

#18 (tie). Crane and tower operators

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $59,210
– #59 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

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

Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock

#18 (tie). First-line supervisors of correctional officers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $59,210
– #77 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $67,600
– Employment: 53,420
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($115,020)
— Trenton, NJ ($113,630)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($113,070)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

SritanaN // Shutterstock

#17. Industrial machinery mechanics

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $61,560
– #73 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,240

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.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#16. Insurance sales agents

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $62,360
– #172 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 640

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.

Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $63,390
– #234 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,250

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.

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#14. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $63,400
– #92 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,100

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.

Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $64,630
– #124 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,140

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.

Canva

#12. Tool and die makers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $65,930
– #9 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

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.

sculpies // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $66,650
– #208 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 960

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.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#10. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $66,940
– #154 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

National
– Annual mean salary: $70,650
– Employment: 287,150
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($97,980)
— Waterbury, CT ($92,160)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($88,750)
– Job description: Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $67,730
– #194 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,410

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.

Canva

#8. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $69,380
– #263 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 320

National
– Annual mean salary: $97,180
– Employment: 122,310
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($200,090)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($182,810)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($182,720)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

4 PM production // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $70,770
– #180 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 950

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.

Canva

#6. Transportation inspectors

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $72,640
– #56 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $81,320
– Employment: 27,360
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Portland-South Portland, ME ($119,270)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($117,900)
— Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($104,370)
– Job description: Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.

g-stockstudio // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $83,150
– #140 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 590

National
– Annual mean salary: $90,120
– Employment: 240,290
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($124,150)
— Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($122,460)
— Leominster-Gardner, MA ($119,130)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons

#4. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $92,300
– #193 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 230

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.

Skycolors // Shutterstock

#3. Commercial pilots

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $93,140
– #66 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

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.

Prath // Shutterstock

#2. Detectives and criminal investigators

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $98,020
– #38 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,300
– Employment: 105,980
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,380)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($127,090)
— Anchorage, AK ($126,530)
– Job description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#1. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $109,360
– #6 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $76,810
– Employment: 5,670
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($128,170)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($118,710)
— Napa, CA ($116,750)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.