Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

Highest paying jobs in Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson.

AboutLife // Shutterstock

#50. Writers and authors

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $61,010
– #68 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $78,680
– Employment: 44,240
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Portland-South Portland, ME ($114,740)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($110,890)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($108,010)
– Job description: Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

FrameStockFootages // Shutterstock

#49. Special effects artists and animators

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $61,430
– #49 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 30

National
– Annual mean salary: $88,080
– Employment: 26,460
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($110,370)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($102,560)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($100,510)
– Job description: Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

comzeal images // Shutterstock

#48. Loan officers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $61,860
– #294 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 760

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.

tomeqs // Shutterstock

#47. Clergy

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $62,240
– #25 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

National
– Annual mean salary: $56,560
– Employment: 52,260
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($91,410)
— Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($89,050)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($83,480)
– Job description: Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.

Csomos Attila // Shutterstock

#46. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $62,480
– #95 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

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.

Canva

#45. Environmental engineers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $62,620
– #161 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 290

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.

Bureau of Land Management // Wikimedia Commons

#44. Surveyors

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $62,970
– #118 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

National
– Annual mean salary: $70,260
– Employment: 43,710
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Redding, CA ($112,110)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($106,150)
— Fresno, CA ($105,130)
– Job description: Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth’s surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.

Dmytro Zinkevych // Shutterstock

#43. Social and community service managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $64,360
– #257 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 240

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.

ImageFlow // Shutterstock

#42. Accountants and auditors

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $65,760
– #316 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,170

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.

Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#41. Registered nurses

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $66,100
– #269 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 8,900

National
– Annual mean salary: $80,010
– Employment: 2,986,500
– 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.

Aleksandar Karanov // Shutterstock

#40. Occupational health and safety specialists

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $67,020
– #223 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

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.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#39. Art directors

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $67,280
– #94 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

National
– Annual mean salary: $114,490
– Employment: 40,950
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($147,070)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($144,660)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($142,260)
– Job description: Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

Pakorn Khantiyaporn // Shutterstock

#38. Logisticians

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $68,240
– #208 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 150

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.

Flamingo Images // Shutterstock

#37. Credit analysts

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $68,820
– #123 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 80

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.

Arjuna Kodisinghe // Shutterstock

#36. Network and computer systems administrators

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $70,070
– #287 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 630

National
– Annual mean salary: $89,460
– Employment: 339,560
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($134,260)
— Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($116,840)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($111,790)
– Job description: Install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

Mongta Studio // Shutterstock

#35. Cost estimators

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $70,620
– #110 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 440

National
– Annual mean salary: $72,960
– Employment: 199,360
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,530)
— Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL ($104,270)
— Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($101,020)
– Job description: Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

PIYAWAT WONGOPASS // Shutterstock

#34. Computer programmers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $70,890
– #204 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 330

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.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#33. Industrial engineers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $73,230
– #314 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 360

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

#32. Architects, except landscape and naval

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $73,410
– #157 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

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.

EU2017EE // Flickr

#31. Information security analysts

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $74,550
– #182 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 190

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.

fizkes // Shutterstock

#30. Management analysts

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $76,280
– #278 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 760

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.

PR Image Factory // Shutterstock

#29. Operations research analysts

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $76,750
– #110 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 120

National
– Annual mean salary: $92,280
– Employment: 96,220
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($146,830)
— Salinas, CA ($124,950)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($123,370)
– Job description: Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

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

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $80,020
– #87 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 460

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.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#27. Training and development managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $80,280
– #127 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

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.

TopRank Online Marketing // Flickr

#26. Marketing managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $81,630
– #268 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

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

#25. Database administrators and architects

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $81,770
– #166 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

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

#24. Civil engineers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $83,340
– #228 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 570

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.

Geraldshields11 // Wikimedia Commons

#23. Labor relations specialists

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $83,980
– #30 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.

U.S. Department of State // Wikimedia Commons

#22. Atmospheric and space scientists

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $86,280
– #46 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.

Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock

#21. Financial examiners

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $88,880
– #37 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

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.

Roman Samborskyi // Shutterstock

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

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $89,260
– #232 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,040

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.

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#19. Purchasing managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $90,960
– #186 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

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.

BDUK fibre // flickr

#18. Electronics engineers, except computer

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $91,170
– #144 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

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

#17. Construction managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $91,890
– #219 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.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#16. Human resources managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $93,230
– #291 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

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

#15. Mechanical engineers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $96,030
– #76 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

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

#14. Electrical engineers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $96,160
– #160 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

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.

Almonroth // Wikimedia Commons

#13. Computer and information systems managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $99,510
– #322 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 360

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.

IBM Research // Flickr

#12. Computer network architects

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $100,460
– #135 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 150

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.

NTNU // Flickr

#11. Natural sciences managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $101,410
– #120 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 60

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

#10. General and operations managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $102,750
– #235 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 4,870

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.

Canva

#9. Financial managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $102,870
– #326 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,130

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.

Financial Times // Wikimedia Commons

#8. Personal financial advisors

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $109,640
– #130 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 220

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.

Canva

#7. Sales managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $109,660
– #280 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 310

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.

Sunshine Seeds // Shutterstock

#6. Industrial production managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $111,650
– #191 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

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.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#5. Medical and health services managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $113,390
– #156 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 920

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.

dokurose // Shutterstock

#4. Actuaries

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $113,460
– #37 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

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.

Stock Rocket // Shutterstock

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

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $115,600
– #26 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

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.

Pixabay

#2. Architectural and engineering managers

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $120,100
– #252 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 140

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

Jackson, MS
– Annual mean salary: $137,010
– #264 highest pay among all metros
– Employment: 120

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.