All Occupations
Salary data for 40 occupations across 30 US metro areas, anchored to BLS OEWS 2026 wage data. Click any occupation to see national median, top-paying cities, and COL-adjusted rankings.
How to Read This Data
Figures on this site are anchored to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey — the federal government's annual survey of wages across US metros, covering roughly 1.1 million employers and 900 occupations. Core occupations track the published OEWS metro wage tables; broader roles are modeled estimates calibrated to BLS wage ratios (each occupation page labels which applies). The median annual salary is the single most representative figure: half of workers in that role earn more, half earn less. The 25th and 90th percentiles bracket the range from early-career to experienced top performers.
The gap between median and 90th percentile tells you how much room there is to grow within a role. For Software Developer, that gap is typically 50–80% — meaning a top performer can expect to earn significantly more than the median with experience and specialization. Some roles (registered nurses, electricians, teachers) have tighter distributions due to union or licensure structures; others (software developers, physicians, lawyers) have much wider spreads based on specialty and employer.
Click any occupation to see the full breakdown by metro area, including cost-of-living-adjusted rankings. The COL-adjusted figure is often the most useful for planning a move: it tells you what your purchasing power would be at US-average prices. A Software Developer earning $175K in San Francisco may have less real purchasing power than one earning $125K in Raleigh — a counterintuitive result that falls directly out of housing costs.
The occupational categories on this page cover the six largest labor sectors in the US economy. Technology roles (software developers, data scientists, ML engineers) dominate the high-wage side of the distribution and concentrate in a handful of metros — San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Austin, and Boston typically pay 30–60% above national median. Healthcare occupations pay more uniformly across the country because demand tracks population, not industry clusters; registered nurses and physicians see tighter pay spreads between metros than technology roles. Finance roles concentrate in New York, Chicago, and Charlotte. Skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) offer strong pay in most metros — often matching or beating entry-level professional roles — with lower educational requirements but higher demand.
Don't over-index on the national median for any single role. The 25th-to-90th percentile range is usually wider than newcomers expect, and the distribution reflects where someone falls on skill, tenure, and employer size — not just the role title. Entry-level and senior roles often carry the same job title but differ in pay by 2–3×. Use the percentile breakdowns on each occupation page to calibrate where your own experience fits, then layer in cost-of-living and tax differences to see which metros actually optimize for your situation.
Technology
Software Developer
15-1252Software developers design, build, and maintain applications and systems. They write code, debug software, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver technology solutions.
Data Scientist
15-2051Data scientists analyze complex datasets to extract actionable insights and build predictive models. They combine statistics, machine learning, and domain expertise to drive data-driven decisions.
DevOps Engineer
15-1244DevOps engineers bridge development and operations, managing CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure automation, and system reliability. They ensure fast, stable software delivery at scale.
Product Manager
11-2021Product managers define product vision, roadmap, and requirements for technology products. They work across engineering, design, and business stakeholders to bring valuable products to market.
UX Designer
27-1021UX designers create intuitive, accessible user experiences for digital products. They conduct user research, build wireframes and prototypes, and collaborate with engineers to implement designs.
Cybersecurity Analyst
15-1212Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from digital threats by monitoring networks, investigating incidents, and implementing security controls. They are essential defenders against an expanding threat landscape.
Cloud Architect
15-1299Cloud architects design and oversee an organization's cloud computing strategy, including cloud adoption plans, application design, and cloud management. They ensure scalability, security, and cost efficiency.
Machine Learning Engineer
15-2041Machine learning engineers build and deploy ML models and AI systems at scale. They bridge data science research and production software engineering to create reliable ML pipelines.
Database Administrator
15-1242Database administrators manage and maintain database systems, ensuring data integrity, performance, and availability. They handle backups, security, and optimization of database environments.
Network Engineer
15-1241Network engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks including LANs, WANs, and cloud networks. They ensure reliable, secure, and performant network infrastructure.
Healthcare
Registered Nurse
29-1141Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
Physician
29-1228Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other health conditions. They examine patients, order and interpret tests, prescribe treatments, and counsel patients on preventive care.
Physical Therapist
29-1123Physical therapists help patients improve movement and manage pain after injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. They develop individualized treatment plans using exercise, manual therapy, and patient education.
Pharmacist
29-1051Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and provide expertise on their safe use. They advise patients on drug interactions, side effects, and proper medication management.
Medical Assistant
31-9092Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings to support physicians and other health professionals. They are critical to the smooth operation of medical offices.
Dental Hygienist
29-2021Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive care. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and work alongside dentists in clinical settings.
Radiologic Technologist
29-2034Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. They prepare patients, operate imaging equipment, and ensure image quality for physician review.
Nurse Practitioner
29-1171Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialty healthcare. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently in most states.
Finance
Financial Analyst
13-2051Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities, analyze financial data, and prepare reports to help businesses and individuals make financial decisions. They model financial performance and assess risk.
Accountant
13-2011Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. They also assess financial operations, recommend best practices, and help businesses run efficiently.
Investment Banker
13-2099Investment bankers advise corporations and governments on financial transactions including mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising. They structure complex deals and provide strategic financial guidance.
Actuary
15-2011Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. They are essential in insurance, pension, and risk management industries.
Financial Advisor
13-2052Financial advisors help clients manage their finances, including investments, taxes, estate planning, and retirement. They assess financial situations and develop long-term strategies aligned with client goals.
Tax Manager
13-2082Tax managers oversee tax planning, compliance, and reporting for organizations. They interpret tax law, minimize tax liability, and coordinate with external auditors and regulatory bodies.
Business
Marketing Manager
11-2021Marketing managers plan, direct, and coordinate marketing programs to generate demand for products and services. They manage campaigns, budgets, and teams across digital and traditional channels.
HR Manager
11-3121HR managers plan and coordinate an organization's workforce strategy, including recruiting, employee relations, compensation, and compliance. They bridge organizational leadership and employee needs.
Operations Manager
11-1021Operations managers oversee daily business operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure quality. They manage processes, teams, and resources to meet organizational objectives.
Business Analyst
13-1111Business analysts identify business needs, analyze data, and recommend solutions to improve processes and systems. They bridge business stakeholders and technical teams to deliver effective solutions.
Project Manager
11-9199Project managers plan, execute, and close projects within scope, time, and budget constraints. They coordinate teams, manage risks, and communicate progress to stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Sales Manager
11-2022Sales managers direct sales teams, set quotas, analyze sales data, and develop strategies to achieve revenue targets. They mentor sales representatives and build relationships with key accounts.
Legal & Education
Lawyer
23-1011Lawyers advise clients on their legal rights and represent them in civil and criminal proceedings. They research legal issues, draft documents, and negotiate on behalf of clients in various practice areas.
Paralegal
23-2011Paralegals assist lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and managing case files. They perform substantive legal work under attorney supervision across practice areas.
Elementary School Teacher
25-2021Elementary school teachers instruct students in foundational academic subjects including reading, math, and science. They develop lesson plans, assess student progress, and create supportive learning environments.
College Professor
25-1099College professors teach courses in their discipline, conduct research, and advise students. They contribute to curriculum development, publish scholarly work, and provide academic mentorship.
School Counselor
21-1012School counselors support students' academic, career, and personal development. They provide guidance on college planning, career exploration, and social-emotional well-being.
Skilled Trades
Electrician
47-2111Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They read blueprints, ensure code compliance, and troubleshoot electrical issues.
Plumber
47-2152Plumbers install and repair piping systems for water, gas, and sewage in residential and commercial buildings. They read blueprints, inspect systems, and ensure compliance with building codes.
Welder
51-4121Welders use heat to join metal parts for construction, manufacturing, and repair projects. They work with various welding techniques including MIG, TIG, and stick welding across industries.
HVAC Technician
49-9021HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They diagnose issues, service equipment, and ensure systems meet energy efficiency standards.
Construction Manager
11-9021Construction managers plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish. They manage budgets, timelines, subcontractors, and ensure projects meet safety and quality standards.