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Highest-paying jobs in Louisville

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

In Louisville, the annual mean wage is $49,200 or 12.6% lower than national mean of $56,310, while the highest-paying occupation makes $279,830. Read on to see which jobs make the list.

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#50. Civil engineers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $88,850
– #159 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,190

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

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#49. Speech-language pathologists

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

National
– Annual mean salary: $83,240
– Employment: 148,450
– 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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#48. Statisticians

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

National
– Annual mean salary: $97,170
– Employment: 38,860
– 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.

EU2017EE // Flickr

#47. Information security analysts

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $91,360
– #126 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 420

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

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

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $92,070
– #56 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

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

BDUK fibre // flickr

#45. Electronics engineers, except computer

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $92,130
– #138 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

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

USACE NY // Flickr

#44. Construction managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $92,350
– #213 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 630

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

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#43. Transportation inspectors

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $92,660
– #20 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

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.

TaLaNoVa // Shutterstock

#42. Sales engineers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $93,390
– #95 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 160

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

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#41. Materials engineers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $93,660
– #57 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $100,550
– Employment: 24,740
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($134,530)
— Boulder, CO ($131,510)
— Albuquerque, NM ($130,470)
– Job description: Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock

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

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $93,720
– #181 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 5,550

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

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#39. Medical and health services managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $95,300
– #305 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,810

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

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#38. Funeral home managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $95,930
– #7 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $91,530
– Employment: 10,010
– Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($128,250)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($112,350)
— Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($102,030)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the services or resources of funeral homes. Includes activities such as determining prices for services or merchandise and managing the facilities of funeral homes.

Kelly Ogden // Wikimedia Commons

#37. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $98,580
– #140 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 740

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.

Jacob L. // Shutterstock

#36. Database administrators and architects

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $99,030
– #53 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 530

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

luchschenF // Shutterstock

#35. Biochemists and biophysicists

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

National
– Annual mean salary: $104,810
– Employment: 32,010
– 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.

U.S. Department of State // Wikimedia Commons

#34. Atmospheric and space scientists

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $100,360
– #23 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

National
– Annual mean salary: $100,550
– Employment: 10,210
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($128,100)
— Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($123,080)
— Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($121,200)
– Job description: Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

IBM Research // Flickr

#33. Computer network architects

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $100,650
– #134 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 470

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

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#32. Training and development managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $103,420
– #89 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

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

Pixabay

#31. Advertising and promotions managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $103,660
– #49 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

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

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#30. General and operations managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $104,050
– #224 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 10,770

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

Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy

#29. Chemical engineers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $105,760
– #50 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 110

National
– Annual mean salary: $114,820
– Employment: 25,770
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Midland, TX ($158,110)
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($147,310)
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($140,750)
– Job description: Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#28. Nurse practitioners

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

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

Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock

#27. Industrial production managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $111,110
– #198 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,090

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

Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock

#26. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $111,140
– #3 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 260

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,740
– Employment: 27,590
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($122,730)
— Baton Rouge, LA ($111,530)
— Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($111,140)
– Job description: Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons

#25. Personal financial advisors

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $111,610
– #122 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 950

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

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#24. Podiatrists

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

National
– Annual mean salary: $151,110
– Employment: 9,710
– 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.

NTNU // Flickr

#23. Natural sciences managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $114,160
– #91 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $154,930
– Employment: 75,870
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($221,460)
— Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($214,020)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($205,120)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

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#22. Sales managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $116,060
– #244 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,100

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

Pixabay

#21. Compensation and benefits managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $116,230
– #42 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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

Petekub // Shutterstock

#20. Economists

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

National
– Annual mean salary: $120,880
– Employment: 17,520
– 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

#19. Lawyers

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

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

Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force

#18. Pharmacists

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

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

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#17. Purchasing managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $119,440
– #93 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 260

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

Pixabay

#16. Architectural and engineering managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $120,800
– #247 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 520

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

Jacob L. // Shutterstock

#15. Human resources managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $121,290
– #113 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 500

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

Canva

#14. Financial managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $121,930
– #199 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,190

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

Canva

#13. Dentists, general

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

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

dokurose // Shutterstock

#12. Actuaries

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $127,950
– #11 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

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

Sebastian Duda // Shutterstock

#11. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates

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

National
– Annual mean salary: $131,850
– Employment: 28,550
– 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.

Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons

#10. Computer and information systems managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $135,510
– #129 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,500

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

Kzenon // Shutterstock

#9. Optometrists

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

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

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#8. Computer and information research scientists

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

National
– Annual mean salary: $130,890
– Employment: 30,220
– 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.

TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr

#7. Marketing managers

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $142,410
– #74 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 750

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

Canva

#6. Nurse anesthetists

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

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

Canva

#5. Pediatricians, general

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

National
– Annual mean salary: $184,570
– Employment: 27,550
– 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.

Maurizio Pesce // flickr

#4. Chief executives

Louisville, KY-IN
– Annual mean salary: $177,980
– #184 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 810

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

Canva

#3. General internal medicine physicians

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

National
– Annual mean salary: $210,960
– Employment: 50,600
– 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

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

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

Unsplash

#1. Surgeons, except ophthalmologists

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

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