Canva

Highest paying jobs in Lexington that require a bachelor’s degree

While college and university tuition costs may be skyrocketing, many still believe a bachelor’s degree is essential to landing a high-paying job in the United States. Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs that typically require a bachelors in Lexington using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage.

Whether highly technical, scientific, or based in finance or the arts, all the jobs require keeping up to date with the latest developments in culture, commerce, or tech.

Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs that require a bachelor degree in Lexington.

Toa55 // Shutterstock

#50. Landscape architects

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $64,470
– #58 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $75,440
– Employment: 20,730
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($119,400)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($97,390)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($95,980)
– Job description: Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.

ernestoeslava // Pixabay

#49. Compliance officers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $64,700
– #238 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 430

National
– Annual mean salary: $75,620
– Employment: 327,360
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Flagstaff, AZ ($99,640)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($98,030)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($96,850)
– Job description: Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

LightField Studios // Shutterstock

#48. Interpreters and translators

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $64,910
– #20 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 230

National
– Annual mean salary: $58,140
– Employment: 56,920
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($90,160)
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($82,150)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($80,780)
– Job description: Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

GaudiLab // Shutterstock

#47. Technical writers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $66,710
– #101 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $78,590
– Employment: 48,880
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,240)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($111,020)
— Trenton, NJ ($96,270)
– Job description: Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

sabthai // Shutterstock

#46. Budget analysts

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $67,540
– #140 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $82,690
– Employment: 49,260
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,870)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($104,650)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($101,450)
– Job description: Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

Pakorn Khantiyaporn // Shutterstock

#45. Logisticians

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $67,600
– #214 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 270

National
– Annual mean salary: $79,830
– Employment: 184,230
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($116,200)
— California-Lexington Park, MD ($112,040)
— Lake Charles, LA ($110,510)
– Job description: Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.

Rickmouser45 // Wikimedia Commons

#44. Coaches and scouts

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $67,760
– #18 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 480

National
– Annual mean salary: $47,100
– Employment: 208,180
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($125,720)
— Athens-Clarke County, GA ($101,700)
— Baton Rouge, LA ($92,360)
– Job description: Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes’ strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes’ technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

Aleksandar Karanov // Shutterstock

#43. Occupational health and safety specialists

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $68,950
– #199 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 210

National
– Annual mean salary: $78,110
– Employment: 95,960
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($112,250)
— Kennewick-Richland, WA ($107,790)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($101,190)
– Job description: Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

Dragon Images // Shutterstock

#42. Insurance underwriters

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $69,440
– #91 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $80,390
– Employment: 101,790
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC ($119,010)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($109,060)
— Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($105,470)
– Job description: Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

EU2017EE // Flickr

#41. Information security analysts

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $70,140
– #187 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

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.

ImageFlow // Shutterstock

#40. Accountants and auditors

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $70,850
– #210 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,920

National
– Annual mean salary: $81,660
– Employment: 1,274,620
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Salinas, CA ($111,680)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($105,720)
— Midland, TX ($103,120)
– Job description: Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

Geraldshields11 // Wikimedia Commons

#39. Labor relations specialists

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $71,380
– #79 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $74,870
– Employment: 70,050
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($113,270)
— Spartanburg, SC ($111,380)
— Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($103,990)
– Job description: Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.

Pressmaster // Shutterstock

#38. Public relations specialists

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $72,330
– #41 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 350

National
– Annual mean salary: $71,940
– Employment: 244,550
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($104,370)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($96,630)
— Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($92,160)
– Job description: Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

Dmytro Zinkevych // Shutterstock

#37. Social and community service managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $73,980
– #119 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 270

National
– Annual mean salary: $75,140
– Employment: 155,800
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Yuba City, CA ($96,530)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,650)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($94,900)
– Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

aslysun // Shutterstock

#36. Chemists

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $75,400
– #117 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $86,410
– Employment: 82,940
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Peoria, IL ($134,990)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($130,860)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($122,250)
– Job description: Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock

#35. Computer programmers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $77,330
– #158 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 300

National
– Annual mean salary: $95,640
– Employment: 178,140
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,420)
— Midland, TX ($119,390)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,530)
– Job description: Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

IBM Research // Flickr

#34. Computer network architects

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $77,510
– #225 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

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.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#33. Architects, except landscape and naval

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $78,280
– #136 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 350

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,470
– Employment: 103,900
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,930)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,510)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($112,110)
– Job description: Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

Csomos Attila // Shutterstock

#32. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $78,830
– #64 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $112,110
– Employment: 27,890
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($188,400)
— Tulsa, OK ($186,490)
— Midland, TX ($167,040)
– Job description: Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth’s internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

comzeal images // Shutterstock

#31. Loan officers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $79,480
– #105 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 680

National
– Annual mean salary: $76,930
– Employment: 308,700
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Eau Claire, WI ($129,900)
— Stockton-Lodi, CA ($121,100)
— Tyler, TX ($114,690)
– Job description: Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, loan underwriters, and payday loan officers.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#30. Industrial engineers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $80,130
– #261 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 980

National
– Annual mean salary: $93,610
– Employment: 290,190
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Billings, MT ($125,760)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($123,710)
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,510)
– Job description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#29. Database administrators and architects

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $80,890
– #169 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 180

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.

Canva

#28. Computer systems analysts

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $81,690
– #207 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 470

National
– Annual mean salary: $99,020
– Employment: 574,450
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,970)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,350)
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($124,070)
– Job description: Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

fizkes // Shutterstock

#27. Management analysts

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $82,790
– #212 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,050

National
– Annual mean salary: $97,580
– Employment: 734,000
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Dothan, AL ($163,720)
— Barnstable Town, MA ($157,490)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($135,250)
– Job description: Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

USACE NY // Flickr

#26. Construction managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $83,910
– #291 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 250

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.

Canva

#25. Civil engineers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $84,020
– #216 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 600

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.

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

#24. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $84,780
– #167 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 260

National
– Annual mean salary: $99,680
– Employment: 288,150
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Rochester, NY ($150,650)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,850)
— Battle Creek, MI ($141,310)
– Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.

BDUK fibre // flickr

#23. Electronics engineers, except computer

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $85,350
– #172 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

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

Canva

#22. Electrical engineers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $86,400
– #245 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 450

National
– Annual mean salary: $105,990
– Employment: 185,220
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,480)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($130,150)
— Idaho Falls, ID ($125,700)
– Job description: Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock

#21. Financial examiners

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $88,610
– #38 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $92,730
– Employment: 68,210
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($130,230)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($125,050)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($124,620)
– Job description: Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

Canva

#20. Mechanical engineers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $88,720
– #160 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 720

National
– Annual mean salary: $95,560
– Employment: 293,960
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,760)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,190)
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($123,700)
– Job description: Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Canva

#19. Environmental engineers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $90,460
– #84 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $96,890
– Employment: 50,260
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($128,000)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,210)
— Baton Rouge, LA ($114,890)
– Job description: Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#18. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $90,880
– #44 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 560

National
– Annual mean salary: $96,540
– Employment: 440,300
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($156,380)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($155,340)
— Missoula, MT ($122,420)
– Job description: Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.

Flamingo Images // Shutterstock

#17. Credit analysts

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $91,730
– #25 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $86,170
– Employment: 72,090
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Danbury, CT ($126,820)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($122,540)
— Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($119,980)
– Job description: Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.

Canva

#16. Materials engineers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $96,630
– #49 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

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

#14 (tie). Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $97,400
– #146 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,470

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.

Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons

#14 (tie). Personal financial advisors

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $97,400
– #172 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 240

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

Pixabay

#13. General and operations managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $100,740
– #247 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 4,940

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.

Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock

#12. Industrial production managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $102,610
– #270 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

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.

TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr

#11. Marketing managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $104,290
– #222 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 280

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.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#10. Human resources managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $104,790
– #224 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 150

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.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#9. Medical and health services managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $109,300
– #190 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 850

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.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#8. Purchasing managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $109,600
– #143 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

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.

Canva

#7. Sales managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $116,100
– #243 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 570

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.

Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons

#6. Computer and information systems managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $116,200
– #250 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 540

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.

Canva

#5. Financial managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $119,120
– #222 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 910

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.

Bradley Evans // U.S. Navy

#4. Chemical engineers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $119,510
– #21 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

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.

NTNU // Flickr

#3. Natural sciences managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $132,290
– #55 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

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.

Pixabay

#2. Architectural and engineering managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $142,050
– #138 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 340

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.

Maurizio Pesce // flickr

#1. Chief executives

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Annual mean salary: $197,170
– #131 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 380

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.