Highest paying jobs in Portland, Oregon that require a graduate degree
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Highest paying jobs in Portland, Oregon that require a graduate degree
Those with graduate degrees earn more on average than those without them—but not all jobs are equal. And while rising tuition costs are enough to turn people away from the prospect of a master’s or doctoral degree, many high-paying professions still require such degrees to get in the door. Stacker compiled a list of the highest- paying jobs that require a graduate degree in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage.
The best way to guarantee a high return on investment in a graduate degree is to be aware of professions that pay top-dollar for that added educational investment. Keep reading to see where a graduate degree is required—and can earn you the most.
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U.S. Air Force
#50. Epidemiologists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $85,950 (#16 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 50
National
– Annual mean salary: $83,620 (7,500 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($134,580)
— Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($122,520)
— Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($121,560)
Job description: Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.
uroburos // pixabay
#49. Geography teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $86,460 (#8 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 40
National
– Annual mean salary: $87,160 (3,720 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($133,830)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($106,760)
— Austin-Round Rock, TX ($103,790)
Job description: Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Canva
#48. Audiologists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $86,620 (#33 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 70
National
– Annual mean salary: $89,230 (13,300 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Reno, NV ($151,460)
— Tulsa, OK ($128,620)
— Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($127,210)
Job description: Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.
Fae // Wikimedia Commons
#47. Psychology teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $88,250 (#40 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 190
National
– Annual mean salary: $89,960 (36,520 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($199,070)
— Bakersfield, CA ($131,290)
— Fresno, CA ($129,550)
Job description: Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Canva
#45 (tie). Speech-language pathologists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $89,890 (#56 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 1,000
National
– Annual mean salary: $83,240 (148,450 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Modesto, CA ($128,540)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($120,920)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($115,480)
Job description: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
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Kenny Holston // flickr
#45 (tie). Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $89,890 (#8 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 150
National
– Annual mean salary: $75,430 (14,730 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($135,560)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($108,140)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($100,260)
Job description: Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Knight Foundation // Wikimedia Commons
#44. Urban and regional planners
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $90,010 (#20 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 680
National
– Annual mean salary: $79,410 (38,190 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($109,910)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($108,860)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($107,810)
Job description: Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Simon Fraser Universtiy // flickr
#43. Instructional coordinators
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $90,040 (#16 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 790
National
– Annual mean salary: $70,160 (174,900 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New Haven, CT ($111,440)
— Warner Robins, GA ($110,800)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($104,000)
Job description: Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#42. Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $90,180 (#10 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 30
National
– Annual mean salary: $88,790 (9,960 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($143,090)
— Rochester, NY ($133,150)
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($121,010)
Job description: Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women’s studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock
#41. Occupational therapists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $90,940 (#87 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 770
National
– Annual mean salary: $87,480 (126,610 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— The Villages, FL ($115,920)
— Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($115,060)
— Modesto, CA ($112,870)
Job description: Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual’s environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
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Aykut Erdogdu // Shutterstock
#40. Physical therapists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $91,690 (#139 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 1,670
National
– Annual mean salary: $91,680 (220,870 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— El Centro, CA ($143,500)
— Modesto, CA ($123,370)
— Visalia-Porterville, CA ($119,510)
Job description: Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Shane Global // flickr
#39. Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $93,560 (#10 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 230
National
– Annual mean salary: $80,410 (22,790 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($129,500)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($122,220)
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($118,390)
Job description: Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
ESB Professional // Shutterstock
#38. Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $94,520 (#27 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 40
National
– Annual mean salary: $104,710 (11,750 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($147,900)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($138,440)
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($135,290)
Job description: Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
National Eye Institute // Flickr
#37. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $95,190 (#59 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 1,780
National
– Annual mean salary: $101,800 (126,110 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($143,800)
— New Haven, CT ($142,330)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($136,230)
Job description: Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#36. Physics teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $97,520 (#30 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 80
National
– Annual mean salary: $101,290 (13,670 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Rochester, NY ($160,370)
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($148,480)
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($141,180)
Job description: Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
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Irina.stelea // Wikimedia Commons
#35. History teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $98,540 (#13 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 110
National
– Annual mean salary: $85,630 (20,450 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Fresno, CA ($146,320)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($141,390)
— Rochester, NY ($128,550)
Job description: Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Petekub // Shutterstock
#34. Economists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $98,960 (#27 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 130
National
– Annual mean salary: $120,880 (17,520 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($153,610)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($148,980)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($142,580)
Job description: Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Worawee Meepian // Shutterstock
#33. Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $99,280 (#38 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 160
National
– Annual mean salary: $102,050 (14,570 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA ($145,340)
— Kansas City, MO-KS ($139,930)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($139,150)
Job description: Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
Matej Kastelic // Shutterstock
#32. Business teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $99,870 (#51 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 360
National
– Annual mean salary: $107,270 (79,810 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Ann Arbor, MI ($174,050)
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($172,650)
— Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($149,740)
Job description: Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#31. Biological science teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $100,600 (#35 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 230
National
– Annual mean salary: $101,320 (51,500 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($195,730)
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($161,980)
— Salt Lake City, UT ($147,290)
Job description: Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#30. Education administrators, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $100,830 (#132 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 960
National
– Annual mean salary: $115,200 (140,880 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Ithaca, NY ($205,810)
— Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC ($178,210)
— Charlottesville, VA ($176,040)
Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Lucky Business // Shutterstock
#29. Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $101,340 (#21 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 170
National
– Annual mean salary: $94,630 (21,530 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($140,380)
— Salt Lake City, UT ($136,630)
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($136,080)
Job description: Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#28. Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $104,210 (#10 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 40
National
– Annual mean salary: $98,740 (5,590 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($133,450)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($127,900)
— Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($109,560)
Job description: Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#27. Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $104,860 (#14 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 390
National
– Annual mean salary: $86,760 (49,550 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($147,770)
— Fresno, CA ($129,330)
— Ann Arbor, MI ($126,580)
Job description: Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#26. Engineering teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $107,010 (#24 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 180
National
– Annual mean salary: $114,130 (38,520 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($162,430)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($142,380)
— Austin-Round Rock, TX ($141,860)
Job description: Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
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Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#25. Economics teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $107,930 (#34 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 60
National
– Annual mean salary: $123,720 (13,080 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($180,450)
— Rochester, NY ($175,010)
— Pittsburgh, PA ($171,450)
Job description: Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#24. Computer science teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $108,580 (#22 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 170
National
– Annual mean salary: $98,680 (32,230 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($153,430)
— College Station-Bryan, TX ($150,480)
— San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($143,650)
Job description: Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Suzanne M. Day // Wikimedia Commons
#23. Nurse midwives
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $113,840 (#15 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 130
National
– Annual mean salary: $115,540 (7,120 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($191,440)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($171,000)
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,870)
Job description: Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.
David Bibo // Wikimedia Commons
#22. Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $117,320 (#51 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 1,890
National
– Annual mean salary: $103,010 (262,480 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Modesto, CA ($154,970)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($146,070)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($145,590)
Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
Ohiodominican // Wikimedia Commons
#21. Physician assistants
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $118,260 (#98 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 780
National
– Annual mean salary: $116,080 (125,280 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Salinas, CA ($168,220)
— Waterbury, CT ($165,230)
— Portsmouth, NH-ME ($158,020)
Job description: Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#20. Nurse practitioners
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $118,330 (#93 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 1,420
National
– Annual mean salary: $114,510 (211,280 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($188,070)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($177,800)
— Salinas, CA ($155,310)
Job description: Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Kzenon // Shutterstock
#19. Optometrists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $120,130 (#83 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 250
National
– Annual mean salary: $125,440 (36,690 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Columbia, SC ($228,340)
— New Haven, CT ($186,950)
— Evansville, IN-KY ($182,980)
Job description: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
Wikimedia Commons
#18. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $120,660 (#6 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 920
National
– Annual mean salary: $89,290 (111,320 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Santa Rosa, CA ($138,550)
— Jefferson City, MO ($133,640)
— Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($125,020)
Job description: Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
indukas // Shutterstock
#17. Physicists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $121,940 (#30 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 40
National
– Annual mean salary: $137,700 (16,160 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($170,690)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($164,420)
— New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($159,290)
Job description: Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
NNSA // Flickr
#16. Law teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $123,440 (#13 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 120
National
– Annual mean salary: $134,760 (14,930 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN ($190,320)
— Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($180,020)
— Tallahassee, FL ($164,590)
Job description: Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
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Austin Community College // Flickr
#15. Veterinarians
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $137,620 (#17 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 990
National
– Annual mean salary: $108,350 (73,710 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($169,220)
— Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($150,370)
— Akron, OH ($150,330)
Job description: Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Grace Nichols // U.S. Air Force
#14. Pharmacists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $138,570 (#42 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 2,740
National
– Annual mean salary: $125,460 (315,470 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Madera, CA ($165,350)
— Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($162,540)
— Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($161,120)
Job description: Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#13. Lawyers
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $142,110 (#44 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 4,580
National
– Annual mean salary: $148,910 (658,120 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($231,610)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($201,920)
— Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($186,070)
Job description: Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Sebastian Duda // Shutterstock
#12. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $148,100 (#32 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 110
National
– Annual mean salary: $131,850 (28,550 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($211,940)
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($210,160)
— Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL ($185,950)
Job description: Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#11. Computer and information research scientists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $150,090 (#3 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 170
National
– Annual mean salary: $130,890 (30,220 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($170,890)
— San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($163,330)
— Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($150,090)
Job description: Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
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#10. Podiatrists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $154,650 (#20 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 50
National
– Annual mean salary: $151,110 (9,710 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA ($229,330)
— Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($226,260)
— Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($221,380)
Job description: Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
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#9. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $176,930 (#3 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 3,720
National
– Annual mean salary: $124,890 (200,040 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($211,500)
— Jackson, MS ($195,830)
— Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($176,930)
Job description: Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
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#8. Pediatricians, general
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $181,010 (#39 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 360
National
– Annual mean salary: $184,570 (27,550 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($280,860)
— State College, PA ($275,730)
— Salt Lake City, UT ($275,610)
Job description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.
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#7. Psychiatrists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $214,440 (#59 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 140
National
– Annual mean salary: $217,100 (25,540 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($297,710)
— Santa Rosa, CA ($289,580)
— Kansas City, MO-KS ($287,220)
Job description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.
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#6. Dentists, general
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $223,210 (#43 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 950
National
– Annual mean salary: $180,830 (95,920 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($286,540)
— North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL ($278,790)
— Portland-South Portland, ME ($278,390)
Job description: Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
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#5. Nurse anesthetists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $224,950 (#8 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 150
National
– Annual mean salary: $189,190 (41,960 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Duluth, MN-WI ($271,940)
— Ann Arbor, MI ($262,890)
— Green Bay, WI ($239,140)
Job description: Administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
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#4. General internal medicine physicians
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $239,170 (#40 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 240
National
– Annual mean salary: $210,960 (50,600 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Rochester, MN ($315,830)
— Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($314,080)
— Wichita Falls, TX ($311,260)
Job description: Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.
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#3. Obstetricians and gynecologists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $245,960 (#25 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 150
National
– Annual mean salary: $239,120 (18,900 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($294,450)
— Tulsa, OK ($294,400)
— Albuquerque, NM ($292,740)
Job description: Provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general care to women. May perform both medical and gynecological surgery functions.
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#2. Anesthesiologists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $269,610 (#13 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 410
National
– Annual mean salary: $271,440 (28,590 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Pittsburgh, PA ($307,390)
— Duluth, MN-WI ($306,350)
— Tallahassee, FL ($303,600)
Job description: Administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery.
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#1. Surgeons, except ophthalmologists
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
– Annual mean salary: $285,020 (#12 highest pay among all metros)
– Employment: 140
National
– Annual mean salary: $251,650 (37,900 employed)
– Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
– Metros with highest average pay:
— Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($305,480)
— Akron, OH ($297,710)
— Lincoln, NE ($296,150)
Job description: Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
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