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Most common jobs in Lexington

The 10 largest occupations in America employ 30.5 million workers, representing 21% of all workers. Keeping America’s economy moving would be impossible without office workers, package handlers, food prep workers, and truck drivers. And what would the sick do without the millions of hospital workers, nurses, and home health aides?

Stacker compiled a list of the most common jobs in Lexington using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by total employment as of May 2020. While much has changed during the coronavirus pandemic, the jobs featured here give a holistic view at the most popular industries in your area and how many jobs are supported.

Keep reading to see which jobs in Lexington are the most common.

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#49 (tie). Machinists

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 990 (3.844 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $47,870 (#149 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 360,340 (2.59 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $47,800
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($68,950)
— Anchorage, AK ($64,610)
— Farmington, NM ($64,190)
– Job description: Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#49 (tie). Billing and posting clerks

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 990 (3.830 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $36,310 (#280 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 445,160 (3.2 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $41,610
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($57,240)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($53,200)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($51,800)
– Job description: Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.

Lopolo // Shutterstock

#47 (tie). Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,050 (4.074 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $58,190 (#174 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 599,520 (4.31 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $64,990
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bakersfield, CA ($101,970)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($89,200)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($88,220)
– Job description: Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

fizkes // Shutterstock

#47 (tie). Management analysts

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,050 (4.057 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $82,790 (#212 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 734,000 (5.277 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $97,580
– 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.

Pressmaster // Shutterstock

#45. Animal caretakers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,060 (4.098 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $24,820 (#243 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 193,660 (1.392 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $28,380
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($41,370)
— Salinas, CA ($39,840)
— Ames, IA ($39,450)
– Job description: Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.

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Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos // Flickr

#45. Counter and rental clerks

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,060 (4.086 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $28,900 (#298 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 368,300 (2.648 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $34,700
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Leominster-Gardner, MA ($51,690)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($46,630)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($46,380)
– Job description: Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and accept payment.

Pressmaster // Shutterstock

#45. Market research analysts and marketing specialists

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,060 (4.102 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $53,760 (#296 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 690,160 (4.962 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $73,970
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($117,900)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,720)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($96,150)
– Job description: Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

#43. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,100 (4.264 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $63,400 (#92 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 417,440 (3.001 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $61,100
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,100)
— Fairbanks, AK ($94,280)
— Kankakee, IL ($93,420)
– Job description: Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

Shift Drive // Shutterstock

#42. Computer user support specialists

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,110 (4.294 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $53,920 (#133 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 634,820 (4.564 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $57,000
– Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($86,350)
— Napa, CA ($78,740)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($78,670)
– Job description: Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

4 PM production // Shutterstock

#41. Automotive service technicians and mechanics

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,120 (4.323 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $41,790 (#266 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 620,110 (4.458 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $46,760
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fairbanks, AK ($66,060)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($64,630)
— California-Lexington Park, MD ($64,420)
– Job description: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

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Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,140 (4.423 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $64,630 (#124 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 977,070 (7.024 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $70,490
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($115,620)
— Lawrence, KS ($97,910)
— Boulder, CO ($94,870)
– Job description: Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.

Pixabay

#39. Construction laborers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,150 (4.436 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $38,580 (#183 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 971,330 (6.983 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $43,000
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI ($66,670)
— Kankakee, IL ($65,730)
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($63,860)
– Job description: Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris, and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.

Canva

#38. Cooks, institution and cafeteria

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,210 (4.676 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $29,580 (#167 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 387,300 (2.784 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $29,940
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($46,970)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($44,240)
— Fairbanks, AK ($43,890)
– Job description: Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.

B Brown // Shutterstock

#37. Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,230 (4.744 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $59,720 (#163 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 991,000 (7.124 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $67,340
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Napa, CA ($99,170)
— Fresno, CA ($96,200)
— Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($95,500)
– Job description: Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

SritanaN // Shutterstock

#36. Industrial machinery mechanics

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,240 (4.795 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $61,560 (#73 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 385,980 (2.775 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $57,350
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($84,180)
— San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($84,150)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($77,580)
– Job description: Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

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Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock

#34 (tie). First-line supervisors of production and operating workers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,250 (4.846 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $63,390 (#234 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 599,900 (4.313 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $66,800
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Baton Rouge, LA ($101,930)
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($100,590)
— Longview, WA ($99,590)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of production and operating workers, such as inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators. Excludes team or work leaders.

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#34 (tie). Carpenters

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,250 (4.851 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $47,010 (#182 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 699,300 (5.027 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $54,200
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($82,950)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($82,300)
— Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($79,870)
– Job description: Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.

Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock

#33. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,260 (4.889 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $46,480 (#116 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 549,200 (3.948 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $44,580
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Odessa, TX ($85,040)
— Fairbanks, AK ($80,520)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($67,990)
– Job description: Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.

Dragana Gordic // Shutterstock

#32. Pharmacy technicians

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,270 (4.898 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $32,730 (#277 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 415,310 (2.986 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $36,450
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($56,620)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($56,020)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($52,810)
– Job description: Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

Hulton Archive // Getty Images

#31. Electricians

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,300 (5.022 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $49,880 (#267 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 656,510 (4.72 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $61,550
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($106,680)
— Trenton, NJ ($90,210)
— Kankakee, IL ($88,530)
– Job description: Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

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Milkovasa // Shutterstock

#30. Medical assistants

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,330 (5.138 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $36,200 (#130 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 710,200 (5.106 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $36,930
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($53,960)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($53,660)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($52,520)
– Job description: Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

Canva

#29. Farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,340 (5.191 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $28,020 (#89 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 36,820 (0.265 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $31,060
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($48,160)
— Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($42,990)
— Boise City, ID ($41,900)
– Job description: Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.

Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#28. Maids and housekeeping cleaners

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,430 (5.520 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $23,300 (#275 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 795,590 (5.72 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $28,010
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($44,640)
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($41,370)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($40,490)
– Job description: Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial establishments, such as hotels and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner. Duties may include making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming.

Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,470 (5.707 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $97,400 (#146 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,476,800 (10.617 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $114,270
– 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.

Fusionstudio // Shutterstock

#26. Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,610 (6.216 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $40,540 (#47 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 727,640 (5.231 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $37,210
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fairbanks, AK ($52,310)
— California-Lexington Park, MD ($50,180)
— Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($49,530)
– Job description: Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment.

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Canva

#25. Food preparation workers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,620 (6.273 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $22,540 (#324 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 793,590 (5.705 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $26,820
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($37,330)
— Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($36,120)
— Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($35,860)
– Job description: Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

Jorge Royan // Wikimedia Commons

#24. Cooks, restaurant

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,760 (6.801 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $28,020 (#166 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,109,650 (7.977 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $29,530
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($45,200)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($39,950)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($39,450)
– Job description: Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

ImageFlow // Shutterstock

#23. Accountants and auditors

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,920 (7.438 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $70,850 (#210 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,274,620 (9.163 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $81,660
– 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.

New Africa // Shutterstock

#22. Receptionists and information clerks

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 1,940 (7.520 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $29,820 (#209 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 968,420 (6.962 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $32,410
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Napa, CA ($43,270)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($42,160)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($41,840)
– Job description: Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.

Paul.J.West // Shutterstock

#21. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 2,000 (7.758 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $31,860 (#95 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,272,840 (9.151 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $30,630
– Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($42,110)
— New Bedford, MA ($41,780)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($41,160)
– Job description: Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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The Boston Globe // Getty Images

#20. Elementary school teachers, except special education

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 2,100 (8.142 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $56,840 (#187 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,364,870 (9.812 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $65,420
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Merced, CA ($99,360)
— Kingston, NY ($93,780)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($92,910)
– Job description: Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

nullplus // Shutterstock

#19. Light truck drivers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 2,350 (9.094 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $46,890 (#22 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 929,470 (6.682 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $41,050
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($52,420)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($51,890)
— Anchorage, AK ($51,590)
– Job description: Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle.

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 2,410 (9.309 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $67,730 (#194 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,278,670 (9.192 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $73,500
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Danbury, CT ($112,810)
— Napa, CA ($101,850)
— Santa Fe, NM ($93,680)
– Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Sean Rayford // Getty Images

#17. Security guards

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 2,560 (9.890 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $27,680 (#325 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,054,400 (7.58 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $34,360
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Idaho Falls, ID ($66,030)
— San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($61,090)
— Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($51,850)
– Job description: Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Pixabay

#16. Maintenance and repair workers, general

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 2,640 (10.229 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $42,550 (#160 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,357,630 (9.76 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $43,790
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($58,140)
— Yuba City, CA ($57,930)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($54,820)
– Job description: Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.

Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#15. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 2,720 (10.532 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $39,730 (#237 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,443,940 (10.381 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $44,100
– Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($56,700)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($55,720)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($55,720)
– Job description: Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

Unsplash

#14. Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 2,960 (11.448 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $28,870 (#208 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,990,510 (14.31 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $31,410
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($44,110)
— Barnstable Town, MA ($43,860)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($42,250)
– Job description: Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.

GaudiLab // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 3,010 (11.650 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $58,230 (#154 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,427,260 (10.261 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $62,010
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bremerton-Silverdale, WA ($78,770)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($77,030)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($75,820)
– Job description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

#12. Nursing assistants

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 3,100 (11.982 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $29,660 (#217 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,371,050 (9.857 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $32,050
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($48,420)
— Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($43,960)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($42,200)
– Job description: Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

Pixabay

#11. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 3,450 (13.368 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $52,500 (#54 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,797,710 (12.924 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $48,710
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Barnstable Town, MA ($65,170)
— Danville, IL ($63,230)
— Lewiston, ID-WA ($62,250)
– Job description: Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers’ license. Includes tow truck drivers.

G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock

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

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 3,630 (14.066 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $39,120 (#134 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,850,360 (13.302 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $40,420
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($56,080)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($52,480)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($51,930)
– Job description: Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#9. Waiters and waitresses

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 4,060 (15.709 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $22,400 (#255 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 1,944,240 (13.977 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $27,470
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Urban Honolulu, HI ($62,630)
— Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI ($57,210)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($43,160)
– Job description: Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.

The Boston Globe // Getty Images

#8. Stockers and order fillers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 4,200 (16.256 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $28,180 (#274 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 2,210,960 (15.895 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $31,010
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Odessa, TX ($39,130)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($39,040)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($38,580)
– Job description: Receive, store, and issue merchandise, materials, equipment, and other items from stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard to fill shelves, racks, tables, or customers’ orders. May operate power equipment to fill orders. May mark prices on merchandise and set up sales displays.

Pixabay

#7. General and operations managers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 4,940 (19.114 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $100,740 (#247 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 2,347,420 (16.876 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $125,740
– 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.

Ruslan Galiullin // Shutterstock

#6. Office clerks, general

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 5,510 (21.320 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $34,850 (#226 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 2,788,090 (20.044 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $37,770
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($49,560)
— Napa, CA ($47,570)
— Boulder, CO ($47,160)
– Job description: Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.

ESB Basic // Shutterstock

#5. Customer service representatives

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 6,240 (24.144 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $34,450 (#230 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 2,833,250 (20.368 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $38,510
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($49,930)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($47,720)
— Midland, MI ($47,250)
– Job description: Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#4. Retail salespersons

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 6,590 (25.513 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $28,140 (#270 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 3,659,670 (26.31 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $30,940
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($43,160)
— Carson City, NV ($40,030)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($39,160)
– Job description: Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.

Dean Drobot // Shutterstock

#3. Cashiers

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 6,650 (25.725 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $23,200 (#255 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 3,333,100 (23.962 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $25,710
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($35,970)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($34,480)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($34,320)
– Job description: Receive and disburse money in establishments other than financial institutions. May use electronic scanners, cash registers, or related equipment. May process credit or debit card transactions and validate checks.

Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#2. Registered nurses

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 7,430 (28.748 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $64,310 (#299 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 2,986,500 (21.47 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $80,010
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($149,200)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($146,870)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($142,140)
– Job description: Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

Pixabay

#1. Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand

Lexington-Fayette, KY
– Employment: 9,090 (35.180 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $31,010 (#260 highest pay among all metros)

National
– Employment: 2,805,200 (20.167 per 1,000 jobs)
– Annual mean salary: $33,710
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($42,690)
— Fairbanks, AK ($41,900)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($41,820)
– Job description: Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified.