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Highest paying jobs in Louisville that require a graduate degree

Those with graduate degrees earn more on average than those without them—but not all jobs are equal. And while rising tuition costs are enough to turn people away from the prospect of a master’s or doctoral degree, many high-paying professions still require such degrees to get in the door. Stacker compiled a list of the highest- paying jobs that require a graduate degree in LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage.

The best way to guarantee a high return on investment in a graduate degree is to be aware of professions that pay top-dollar for that added educational investment. Keep reading to see where a graduate degree is required—and can earn you the most.

Photographee.eu // Shutterstock

#39. Rehabilitation counselors

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $38,700 (#161 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 230

National
– Annual mean salary: $42,080 (100,260 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— California-Lexington Park, MD ($74,170)
— Trenton, NJ ($66,330)
— Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA ($64,940)

Job description: Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#38. Farm and home management educators

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $47,070 (#16 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $54,870 (8,090 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Athens-Clarke County, GA ($86,660)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($67,800)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($67,630)

Job description: Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Daxiao Productions // Shutterstock

#37. Marriage and family therapists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $47,990 (#79 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 250

National
– Annual mean salary: $56,890 (60,850 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Provo-Orem, UT ($89,560)
— St. George, UT ($85,290)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($81,890)

Job description: Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

DGLimages // Shutterstock

#36. Mental health and substance abuse social workers

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $51,470 (#106 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 480

National
– Annual mean salary: $54,540 (116,780 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Madera, CA ($92,870)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($91,480)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($89,730)

Job description: Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

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#35. Healthcare social workers

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $51,980 (#265 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 810

National
– Annual mean salary: $60,470 (176,110 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($100,410)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,980)
— Salinas, CA ($95,690)

Job description: Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

KSai23 // Shutterstock

#34. Chiropractors

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $53,000 (#130 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $83,830 (34,760 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA ($273,530)
— Raleigh, NC ($149,430)
— New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($139,970)

Job description: Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

VH-studio // Shutterstock

#33. Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $57,700 (#168 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 1,050

National
– Annual mean salary: $62,320 (292,230 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($91,420)
— El Centro, CA ($91,110)
— Fresno, CA ($90,860)

Job description: Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

Simon Fraser Universtiy // flickr

#32. Instructional coordinators

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $58,980 (#245 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 470

National
– Annual mean salary: $70,160 (174,900 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New Haven, CT ($111,440)
— Warner Robins, GA ($110,800)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($104,000)

Job description: Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.

Suzannekweiss // Wikimedia Commons

#31. Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $64,070 (#103 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 110

National
– Annual mean salary: $84,060 (61,100 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL ($145,990)
— Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($120,040)
— Savannah, GA ($117,610)

Job description: Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

COD Newsroom // Flickr

#30. English language and literature teachers, postsecondary

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $70,120 (#62 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $81,340 (64,800 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($141,420)
— Fresno, CA ($130,580)
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($121,510)

Job description: Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Fabrice Florin // flickr

#29. Education teachers, postsecondary

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $74,400 (#47 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 120

National
– Annual mean salary: $75,010 (57,560 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Salt Lake City, UT ($104,950)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($103,700)
— Stockton-Lodi, CA ($100,980)

Job description: Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

National Eye Institute // Flickr

#28. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $74,940 (#111 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 270

National
– Annual mean salary: $101,800 (126,110 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($143,800)
— New Haven, CT ($142,330)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($136,230)

Job description: Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

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#27. Orthotists and prosthetists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $75,150 (#22 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $74,120 (9,550 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Jackson, MS ($122,240)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($94,190)
— Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($88,210)

Job description: Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.

ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock

#26. Occupational therapists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $78,320 (#248 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 560

National
– Annual mean salary: $87,480 (126,610 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— The Villages, FL ($115,920)
— Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($115,060)
— Modesto, CA ($112,870)

Job description: Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual’s environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

David Bibo // Wikimedia Commons

#25. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $81,350 (#293 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 1,090

National
– Annual mean salary: $103,010 (262,480 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Modesto, CA ($154,970)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($146,070)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($145,590)

Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.

Worawee Meepian // Shutterstock

#24. Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $81,900 (#52 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $102,050 (14,570 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($145,340)
— Kansas City, MO-KS ($139,930)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($139,150)

Job description: Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.

Knight Foundation // Wikimedia Commons

#23. Urban and regional planners

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $85,130 (#29 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 30

National
– Annual mean salary: $79,410 (38,190 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($109,910)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($108,860)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($107,810)

Job description: Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock

#22. Physical therapists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $85,700 (#266 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 920

National
– Annual mean salary: $91,680 (220,870 employed)
– 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.

Wikimedia Commons

#21. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $87,100 (#89 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 350

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,290 (111,320 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($138,550)
— Jefferson City, MO ($133,640)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($125,020)

Job description: Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons

#20. Physician assistants

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $87,420 (#297 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 320

National
– Annual mean salary: $116,080 (125,280 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Salinas, CA ($168,220)
— Waterbury, CT ($165,230)
— Portsmouth, NH-ME ($158,020)

Job description: Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#19. Education administrators, postsecondary

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $88,780 (#172 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 320

National
– Annual mean salary: $115,200 (140,880 employed)
– 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.

Austin Community College // Flickr

#18. Veterinarians

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $88,850 (#216 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 360

National
– Annual mean salary: $108,350 (73,710 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($169,220)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($150,370)
— Akron, OH ($150,330)

Job description: Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

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#17. Speech-language pathologists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $89,050 (#65 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 610

National
– Annual mean salary: $83,240 (148,450 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Modesto, CA ($128,540)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($120,920)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($115,480)

Job description: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

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#16. Statisticians

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $90,050 (#37 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $97,170 (38,860 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($127,080)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($120,850)
— Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($118,900)

Job description: Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

luchschenF // Shutterstock

#15. Biochemists and biophysicists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $99,140 (#14 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $104,810 (32,010 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($145,020)
— Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($132,280)
— Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($131,720)

Job description: Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#14. Nurse practitioners

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $105,840 (#245 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 1,090

National
– Annual mean salary: $114,510 (211,280 employed)
– 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.

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#13. Podiatrists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $112,190 (#53 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $151,110 (9,710 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA ($229,330)
— Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($226,260)
— Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($221,380)

Job description: Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.

Petekub // Shutterstock

#12. Economists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $118,180 (#11 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $120,880 (17,520 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($153,610)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($148,980)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($142,580)

Job description: Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons

#11. Lawyers

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $118,580 (#139 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 2,350

National
– Annual mean salary: $148,910 (658,120 employed)
– 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.

Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force

#10. Pharmacists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $119,370 (#290 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 1,500

National
– Annual mean salary: $125,460 (315,470 employed)
– 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.

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#9. Dentists, general

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $127,510 (#244 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 210

National
– Annual mean salary: $180,830 (95,920 employed)
– 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.

Sebastian Duda // Shutterstock

#8. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $130,290 (#40 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $131,850 (28,550 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($211,940)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($210,160)
— Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL ($185,950)

Job description: Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.

Kzenon // Shutterstock

#7. Optometrists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $135,820 (#48 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 140

National
– Annual mean salary: $125,440 (36,690 employed)
– 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.

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#6. Computer and information research scientists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $139,620 (#9 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $130,890 (30,220 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($170,890)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($163,330)
— Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($150,090)

Job description: Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

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#5. Nurse anesthetists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $148,780 (#93 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $189,190 (41,960 employed)
– 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.

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#4. Pediatricians, general

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $158,860 (#56 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 120

National
– Annual mean salary: $184,570 (27,550 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($280,860)
— State College, PA ($275,730)
— Salt Lake City, UT ($275,610)

Job description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.

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#3. General internal medicine physicians

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $208,040 (#73 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $210,960 (50,600 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Rochester, MN ($315,830)
— Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($314,080)
— Wichita Falls, TX ($311,260)

Job description: Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.

LightField Studios // Shutterstock

#2. Psychiatrists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $262,140 (#16 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $217,100 (25,540 employed)
– 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.

Unsplash

#1. Surgeons, except ophthalmologists

LouisvilleJefferson County, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $279,830 (#22 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 120

National
– Annual mean salary: $251,650 (37,900 employed)
– 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.