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High wages and low employment or the other way around

April 08, 2015

Many occupations have a small number of workers earning high wages. Many other occupations have a large number of workers earning low wages. Occupations with median annual wages over $100,000 in May 2014 were mostly in management, healthcare, engineering, science, math, and law. These occupations typically had fewer than 100,000 workers, but there were exceptions. Financial managers and lawyers, for example, each employed more than 500,000 in May 2014.

Employment and median annual wages by occupation, May 2014
Occupation Employment Median annual wages

All Occupations

135,128,260 $35,540

Management Occupations

6,741,640 97,230

Chief Executives

246,240 173,320

General and Operations Managers

2,049,870 97,270

Legislators

55,020 20,180

Advertising and Promotions Managers

29,340 96,720

Marketing Managers

184,490 127,130

Sales Managers

358,920 110,660

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

56,920 101,510

Administrative Services Managers

268,730 83,790

Computer and Information Systems Managers

330,360 127,640

Financial Managers

518,030 115,320

Industrial Production Managers

167,200 92,470

Purchasing Managers

70,840 106,090

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

106,000 85,400

Compensation and Benefits Managers

16,380 108,070

Human Resources Managers

116,610 102,780

Training and Development Managers

29,870 101,930

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

4,300 68,050

Construction Managers

227,710 85,630

Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare Center/Program

47,150 45,260

Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School

231,800 89,540

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

131,070 88,390

Education Administrators, All Other

31,920 77,020

Architectural and Engineering Managers

179,320 130,620

Food Service Managers

198,610 48,560

Funeral Service Managers

8,330 68,870

Gaming Managers

3,870 67,310

Lodging Managers

31,740 47,680

Medical and Health Services Managers

310,320 92,810

Natural Sciences Managers

53,290 120,050

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents

17,930 65,800

Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers

171,140 54,270

Social and Community Service Managers

116,670 62,740

Emergency Management Directors

9,770 64,360

Managers, All Other

361,900 105,060

Business and Financial Operations Occupations

6,828,940 64,790

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

11,860 64,200

Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

11,250 55,080

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

110,560 52,270

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

288,430 60,980

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

266,280 62,220

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

13,690 63,420

Compliance Officers

246,970 64,950

Cost Estimators

209,130 60,050

Human Resources Specialists

456,170 57,420

Farm Labor Contractors

950 41,110

Labor Relations Specialists

79,780 56,950

Logisticians

125,670 73,870

Management Analysts

587,450 80,880

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

77,940 46,490

Fundraisers

55,230 52,430

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists

80,970 60,600

Training and Development Specialists

239,500 57,340

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

468,160 61,290

Business Operations Specialists, All Other

934,370 67,280

Accountants and Auditors

1,187,310 65,940

Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate

63,220 52,570

Budget Analysts

57,120 71,220

Credit Analysts

69,390 67,020

Financial Analysts

262,610 78,620

Personal Financial Advisors

196,490 81,060

Insurance Underwriters

91,720 64,220

Financial Examiners

36,830 76,310

Credit Counselors

29,600 42,110

Loan Officers

300,580 62,620

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

63,640 51,120

Tax Preparers

68,590 35,990

Financial Specialists, All Other

137,460 65,440

Computer and Mathematical Occupations

3,834,180 79,420

Computer and Information Research Scientists

24,210 108,360

Computer Systems Analysts

528,320 82,710

Information Security Analysts

80,180 88,890

Computer Programmers

302,150 77,550

Software Developers, Applications

686,470 95,510

Software Developers, Systems Software

382,400 102,880

Web Developers

121,020 63,490

Database Administrators

112,170 80,280

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

365,430 75,790

Computer Network Architects

140,080 98,430

Computer User Support Specialists

563,540 47,610

Computer Network Support Specialists

174,490 61,830

Computer Occupations, All Other

212,510 83,410

Actuaries

21,490 96,700

Mathematicians

3,130 103,720

Operations Research Analysts

86,950 76,660

Statisticians

26,970 79,990

Mathematical Technicians

1,060 54,140

Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other

1,600 66,560

Architecture and Engineering Occupations

2,418,020 75,780

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

88,900 74,520

Landscape Architects

18,110 64,570

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

11,610 60,930

Surveyors

41,970 57,050

Aerospace Engineers

69,080 105,380

Agricultural Engineers

2,450 71,730

Biomedical Engineers

20,080 86,950

Chemical Engineers

33,470 96,940

Civil Engineers

263,460 82,050

Computer Hardware Engineers

76,360 108,430

Electrical Engineers

174,550 91,410

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

133,990 95,790

Environmental Engineers

53,240 83,360

Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors

24,530 81,830

Industrial Engineers

236,990 81,490

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

7,570 92,930

Materials Engineers

24,990 87,690

Mechanical Engineers

270,700 83,060

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

8,200 90,160

Nuclear Engineers

16,520 100,470

Petroleum Engineers

33,740 130,050

Engineers, All Other

124,570 94,240

Architectural and Civil Drafters

91,520 49,970

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

29,390 58,790

Mechanical Drafters

64,070 52,200

Drafters, All Other

14,270 49,990

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians

11,230 63,780

Civil Engineering Technicians

71,300 48,340

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians

137,040 59,820

Electro-Mechanical Technicians

14,430 53,070

Environmental Engineering Technicians

18,080 48,170

Industrial Engineering Technicians

65,680 53,370

Mechanical Engineering Technicians

47,560 53,530

Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

67,640 61,580

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

50,750 40,770

Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

1,144,440 61,450

Animal Scientists

2,350 61,110

Food Scientists and Technologists

14,170 61,480

Soil and Plant Scientists

15,150 59,920

Biochemists and Biophysicists

31,350 84,940

Microbiologists

20,670 67,790

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

18,970 58,270

Biological Scientists, All Other

32,230 74,720

Conservation Scientists

19,210 61,860

Foresters

9,140 57,980

Epidemiologists

5,420 67,420

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

100,740 79,930

Life Scientists, All Other

9,400 69,100

Astronomers

1,660 105,410

Physicists

16,790 109,600

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

10,850 87,980

Chemists

85,970 73,480

Materials Scientists

6,900 91,980

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

88,740 66,250

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

34,000 89,910

Hydrologists

6,580 78,370

Physical Scientists, All Other

23,030 94,030

Economists

18,680 95,710

Survey Researchers

15,410 49,760

Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists

104,730 68,900

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

1,110 76,950

Psychologists, All Other

11,980 92,110

Sociologists

2,240 72,810

Urban and Regional Planners

35,820 66,940

Anthropologists and Archeologists

7,040 59,280

Geographers

1,260 76,420

Historians

3,220 55,870

Political Scientists

5,640 104,920

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

32,010 75,630

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

20,640 35,140

Biological Technicians

72,640 41,290

Chemical Technicians

63,760 44,180

Geological and Petroleum Technicians

16,020 54,810

Nuclear Technicians

6,380 74,690

Social Science Research Assistants

27,780 39,460

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

33,760 42,190

Forensic Science Technicians

13,570 55,360

Forest and Conservation Technicians

30,310 35,260

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

67,140 44,650

Community and Social Service Occupations

1,930,750 41,290

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

85,180 39,270

Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors

246,280 53,370

Marriage and Family Therapists

30,150 48,040

Mental Health Counselors

120,010 40,850

Rehabilitation Counselors

103,890 34,380

Counselors, All Other

28,240 44,830

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

286,520 42,120

Healthcare Social Workers

145,920 51,930

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

109,460 41,380

Social Workers, All Other

61,410 59,100

Health Educators

57,020 50,430

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

86,810 49,060

Social and Human Service Assistants

354,800 29,790

Community Health Workers

47,880 34,870

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

93,710 41,420

Clergy

46,510 43,950

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

18,850 38,480

Religious Workers, All Other

8,110 29,620

Legal Occupations

1,052,900 76,860

Lawyers

603,310 114,970

Judicial Law Clerks

11,660 48,640

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

14,140 87,980

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

6,710 57,180

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

28,090 115,140

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

272,580 48,350

Court Reporters

18,330 49,860

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

52,960 43,080

Legal Support Workers, All Other

45,120 53,740

Education, Training, and Library Occupations

8,435,780 46,660

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

85,030 74,090

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

35,410 72,010

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

54,010 65,190

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

7,190 73,720

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

36,650 94,130

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

9,890 86,260

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

52,750 74,580

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

1,850 84,090

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

10,890 81,780

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

21,470 73,080

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

5,300 77,470

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

14,160 80,720

Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary

6,100 74,750

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

9,150 68,950

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

13,710 90,870

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

4,440 71,320

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

17,050 73,790

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

37,930 68,690

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

16,900 67,880

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

11,030 65,320

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

168,090 90,210

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

56,840 66,100

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

59,980 59,720

Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary

4,540 66,580

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

14,890 57,200

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

15,990 109,980

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

10,970 62,440

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

97,500 64,300

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

29,470 62,550

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

76,320 60,160

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

30,880 59,490

History Teachers, Postsecondary

23,640 66,840

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

23,210 63,630

Graduate Teaching Assistants

126,030 31,570

Home Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

3,620 63,390

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

18,650 58,280

Vocational Education Teachers, Postsecondary

121,200 48,360

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

189,490 62,330

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

352,420 28,120

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

158,240 50,600

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

1,353,020 54,120

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

630,620 54,940

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School

14,000 54,090

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

960,380 56,310

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

81,560 55,200

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

24,080 54,000

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School

200,820 54,570

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

94,820 56,760

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

135,520 57,810

Special Education Teachers, All Other

39,620 54,520

Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors

65,990 49,590

Self-Enrichment Education Teachers

202,360 36,020

Teachers and Instructors, All Other, Except Substitute Teachers

269,760 41,390

Substitute Teachers

622,600 26,200

Archivists

5,360 49,120

Curators

11,200 51,280

Museum Technicians and Conservators

9,950 39,940

Librarians

133,150 56,170

Library Technicians

94,260 31,680

Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialists

8,960 44,070

Farm and Home Management Advisors

8,900 46,520

Instructional Coordinators

133,780 61,550

Teacher Assistants

1,192,590 24,430

Education, Training, and Library Workers, All Other

109,600 37,890

Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations

1,793,700 45,180

Art Directors

33,140 85,610

Craft Artists

4,760 31,080

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

12,100 43,890

Multimedia Artists and Animators

29,000 63,630

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

7,700 58,250

Commercial and Industrial Designers

29,410 64,620

Fashion Designers

17,840 64,030

Floral Designers

45,050 24,750

Graphic Designers

197,540 45,900

Interior Designers

45,010 48,400

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers

93,000 26,590

Set and Exhibit Designers

10,460 49,810

Designers, All Other

6,890 49,310

Actors

59,210 (1)

Producers and Directors

97,300 69,100

Athletes and Sports Competitors

11,520 43,350

Coaches and Scouts

211,760 30,640

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials

17,510 24,090

Dancers

11,240 (1)

Choreographers

6,030 44,250

Music Directors and Composers

21,880 48,180

Musicians and Singers

38,900 (1)

Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other

15,780 (1)

Radio and Television Announcers

30,220 29,790

Public Address System and Other Announcers

7,450 25,730

Broadcast News Analysts

4,310 61,450

Reporters and Correspondents

42,280 36,000

Public Relations Specialists

208,030 55,680

Editors

97,350 54,890

Technical Writers

48,210 69,030

Writers and Authors

43,500 58,850

Interpreters and Translators

49,460 43,590

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

25,530 45,860

Audio and Video Equipment Technicians

60,200 41,780

Broadcast Technicians

26,600 36,560

Radio Operators

1,100 46,380

Sound Engineering Technicians

13,750 49,870

Photographers

52,250 30,490

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture

18,310 48,080

Film and Video Editors

24,460 57,210

Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other

17,650 68,910

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

7,854,380 61,710

Chiropractors

29,830 66,720

Dentists, General

97,990 149,540

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

5,120 (2)

Orthodontists

6,190 (2)

Prosthodontists

630 100,280

Dentists, All Other Specialists

5,450 170,110

Dietitians and Nutritionists

59,490 56,950

Optometrists

33,340 101,410

Pharmacists

290,780 120,950

Anesthesiologists

30,060 (2)

Family and General Practitioners

124,810 180,180

Internists, General

48,390 (2)

Obstetricians and Gynecologists

21,740 (2)

Pediatricians, General

31,010 163,350

Psychiatrists

25,080 181,880

Surgeons

41,070 (2)

Physicians and Surgeons, All Other

311,320 (2)

Physician Assistants

91,670 95,820

Podiatrists

8,910 120,700

Occupational Therapists

110,520 78,810

Physical Therapists

200,670 82,390

Radiation Therapists

16,380 80,090

Recreational Therapists

17,950 44,000

Respiratory Therapists

119,410 56,730

Speech-Language Pathologists

126,500 71,550

Exercise Physiologists

6,660 46,270

Therapists, All Other

11,770 55,900

Veterinarians

62,470 87,590

Registered Nurses

2,687,310 66,640

Nurse Anesthetists

36,590 153,780

Nurse Midwives

5,110 96,970

Nurse Practitioners

122,050 95,350

Audiologists

12,250 73,060

Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners, All Other

35,310 73,400

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

161,710 59,430

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

160,460 38,370

Dental Hygienists

196,520 71,520

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

51,080 54,330

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

59,760 67,530

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

20,320 72,100

Radiologic Technologists

193,400 55,870

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

33,130 67,090

Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

235,760 31,700

Dietetic Technicians

28,690 25,780

Pharmacy Technicians

368,760 29,810

Psychiatric Technicians

64,540 31,130

Respiratory Therapy Technicians

10,610 47,810

Surgical Technologists

98,450 43,350

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

93,300 31,070

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

36,470 35,230

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

695,610 42,490

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

184,740 35,900

Opticians, Dispensing

73,110 34,280

Orthotists and Prosthetists

7,830 64,040

Hearing Aid Specialists

5,570 43,010

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

96,170 41,420

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

65,130 69,210

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

13,990 48,120

Athletic Trainers

22,400 43,370

Genetic Counselors

2,180 67,500

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other

40,840 49,430

Healthcare Support Occupations

3,940,500 26,440

Home Health Aides

799,080 21,380

Psychiatric Aides

72,860 26,220

Nursing Assistants

1,427,740 25,100

Orderlies

52,420 24,650

Occupational Therapy Assistants

32,230 56,950

Occupational Therapy Aides

8,570 26,550

Physical Therapist Assistants

76,910 54,410

Physical Therapist Aides

48,730 24,650

Massage Therapists

87,670 37,180

Dental Assistants

314,330 35,390

Medical Assistants

584,970 29,960

Medical Equipment Preparers

50,550 32,260

Medical Transcriptionists

61,210 34,750

Pharmacy Aides

41,240 23,200

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

71,060 23,790

Phlebotomists

111,950 30,670

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

98,980 34,620

Protective Service Occupations

3,297,180 37,180

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

45,150 57,970

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

101,420 80,930

First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers

59,870 70,670

First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other

67,310 45,830

Firefighters

308,790 45,970

Fire Inspectors and Investigators

11,370 56,130

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

1,630 36,430

Bailiffs

16,310 38,150

Correctional Officers and Jailers

434,420 39,780

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

108,720 79,870

Fish and Game Wardens

5,820 50,880

Parking Enforcement Workers

8,680 36,570

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

638,810 56,810

Transit and Railroad Police

3,380 51,690

Animal Control Workers

13,450 32,560

Private Detectives and Investigators

26,880 44,570

Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators

10,030 29,840

Security Guards

1,077,520 24,410

Crossing Guards

66,310 24,750

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

135,070 19,090

Transportation Security Screeners

43,220 38,090

Protective Service Workers, All Other

113,020 28,440

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

12,277,720 19,130

Chefs and Head Cooks

118,130 41,610

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

867,340 29,560

Cooks, Fast Food

519,910 18,540

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

402,800 23,440

Cooks, Private Household

560 22,940

Cooks, Restaurant

1,104,790 22,490

Cooks, Short Order

180,800 20,190

Cooks, All Other

18,600 24,970

Food Preparation Workers

850,220 19,560

Bartenders

579,700 19,050

Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food

3,131,390 18,410

Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop

476,470 18,740

Waiters and Waitresses

2,445,230 18,730

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

250,840 19,900

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers

410,460 18,760

Dishwashers

502,280 18,780

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop

372,670 18,720

Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other

45,520 20,510

Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations

4,371,450 23,270

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers

168,960 36,270

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

101,190 43,160

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

2,137,730 22,840

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

929,540 20,120

Building Cleaning Workers, All Other

15,620 28,440

Pest Control Workers

67,640 30,660

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

868,770 24,290

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

23,790 31,240

Tree Trimmers and Pruners

39,640 32,960

Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other

18,570 28,800

Personal Care and Service Occupations

4,154,360 21,260

Gaming Supervisors

24,100 49,420

Slot Supervisors

7,000 33,270

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

161,990 35,250

Animal Trainers

11,170 25,770

Nonfarm Animal Caretakers

161,820 20,340

Gaming Dealers

96,060 18,560

Gaming and Sports Book Writers and Runners

12,160 22,560

Gaming Service Workers, All Other

16,220 24,240

Motion Picture Projectionists

6,290 20,830

Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers

113,700 18,760

Amusement and Recreation Attendants

274,230 18,880

Costume Attendants

6,270 41,670

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants

17,830 19,940

Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other

17,580 22,440

Embalmers

3,650 41,720

Funeral Attendants

34,950 23,080

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors

25,160 47,250

Barbers

14,140 25,410

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

343,140 23,120

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

2,610 44,310

Manicurists and Pedicurists

79,090 19,620

Shampooers

16,560 18,760

Skincare Specialists

38,290 29,050

Baggage Porters and Bellhops

44,170 20,930

Concierges

31,050 28,170

Tour Guides and Escorts

35,100 23,930

Travel Guides

3,090 35,100

Childcare Workers

582,970 19,730

Personal Care Aides

1,257,000 20,440

Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

241,000 34,980

Recreation Workers

321,110 22,620

Residential Advisors

95,750 24,340

Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other

59,090 21,500

Sales and Related Occupations

14,248,470 25,360

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

1,199,770 37,860

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

248,770 71,600

Cashiers

3,398,330 19,060

Gaming Change Persons and Booth Cashiers

19,580 23,340

Counter and Rental Clerks

437,610 23,860

Parts Salespersons

231,240 29,440

Retail Salespersons

4,562,160 21,390

Advertising Sales Agents

154,220 47,890

Insurance Sales Agents

374,700 47,860

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

316,340 72,070

Travel Agents

64,750 34,800

Sales Representatives, Services, All Other

826,650 51,670

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

335,540 75,140

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

1,394,640 55,020

Demonstrators and Product Promoters

83,600 24,520

Models

5,140 19,970

Real Estate Brokers

38,720 57,360

Real Estate Sales Agents

157,660 40,990

Sales Engineers

68,080 96,340

Telemarketers

234,520 22,740

Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers

7,610 21,530

Sales and Related Workers, All Other

88,830 30,160

Office and Administrative Support Occupations

21,638,470 32,520

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

1,404,070 50,780

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

108,890 26,550

Telephone Operators

10,220 35,140

Communications Equipment Operators, All Other

2,370 40,080

Bill and Account Collectors

346,960 33,700

Billing and Posting Clerks

490,860 34,410

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

1,575,060 36,430

Gaming Cage Workers

16,350 25,810

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

166,400 39,700

Procurement Clerks

70,190 39,930

Tellers

514,520 25,760

Financial Clerks, All Other

37,510 39,220

Brokerage Clerks

57,240 47,520

Correspondence Clerks

7,580 35,460

Court, Municipal, and License Clerks

128,490 35,460

Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks

46,320 34,550

Customer Service Representatives

2,511,130 31,200

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs

122,400 42,200

File Clerks

148,280 27,580

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks

241,140 20,610

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan

190,710 30,790

Library Assistants, Clerical

100,800 23,910

Loan Interviewers and Clerks

212,440 36,880

New Accounts Clerks

52,260 34,000

Order Clerks

190,390 31,180

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

135,270 38,040

Receptionists and Information Clerks

981,150 26,760

Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks

138,260 33,510

Information and Record Clerks, All Other

175,530 37,700

Cargo and Freight Agents

77,480 41,380

Couriers and Messengers

71,760 26,640

Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

96,390 37,410

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance

190,330 36,690

Meter Readers, Utilities

36,210 37,580

Postal Service Clerks

71,910 55,590

Postal Service Mail Carriers

307,490 57,200

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators

121,590 54,520

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

297,050 45,670

Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks

661,530 29,930

Stock Clerks and Order Fillers

1,878,860 22,850

Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping

69,430 28,570

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

713,730 51,270

Legal Secretaries

212,910 42,770

Medical Secretaries

516,050 32,240

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

2,207,220 33,240

Computer Operators

58,060 39,590

Data Entry Keyers

205,950 28,870

Word Processors and Typists

81,300 36,700

Desktop Publishers

13,310 38,200

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks

252,670 36,740

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

99,190 27,890

Office Clerks, General

2,889,970 28,670

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer

66,530 28,510

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

10,500 34,980

Statistical Assistants

14,110 42,070

Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other

234,180 32,460

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations

447,130 20,250

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

18,530 44,880

Agricultural Inspectors

13,800 43,090

Animal Breeders

1,110 40,000

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products

36,100 19,910

Agricultural Equipment Operators

26,100 26,910

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse

269,650 19,060

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

31,540 22,930

Agricultural Workers, All Other

5,270 27,380

Fishers and Related Fishing Workers

400 35,250

Forest and Conservation Workers

6,870 27,160

Fallers

6,090 34,490

Logging Equipment Operators

26,010 35,190

Log Graders and Scalers

2,780 35,430

Logging Workers, All Other

2,730 35,460

Construction and Extraction Occupations

5,290,270 41,380

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

496,370 60,990

Boilermakers

17,210 59,860

Brickmasons and Blockmasons

59,340 47,650

Stonemasons

11,250 37,880

Carpenters

617,060 40,820

Carpet Installers

26,050 35,880

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles

9,830 36,670

Floor Sanders and Finishers

4,510 35,770

Tile and Marble Setters

31,590 38,980

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

152,570 36,760

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

3,250 39,090

Construction Laborers

852,870 31,090

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

54,940 38,660

Pile-Driver Operators

3,470 51,510

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

344,510 43,510

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

85,020 38,100

Tapers

16,820 46,630

Electricians

566,930 51,110

Glaziers

42,820 38,410

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

24,180 33,720

Insulation Workers, Mechanical

28,660 42,990

Painters, Construction and Maintenance

204,600 35,950

Paperhangers

3,570 32,930

Pipelayers

41,080 37,000

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

372,570 50,660

Plasterers and Stucco Masons

20,760 37,550

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

18,530 50,020

Roofers

103,650 35,760

Sheet Metal Workers

132,530 45,070

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

60,010 48,200

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

5,170 40,020

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters

23,570 28,830

Helpers--Carpenters

38,900 26,600

Helpers--Electricians

68,280 27,940

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons

11,570 25,910

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

51,350 27,710

Helpers--Roofers

11,640 26,060

Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other

19,190 28,010

Construction and Building Inspectors

88,410 56,040

Elevator Installers and Repairers

20,590 78,620

Fence Erectors

20,990 31,510

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

42,250 38,520

Highway Maintenance Workers

140,650 36,580

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

14,820 51,840

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

24,350 34,810

Segmental Pavers

1,130 32,180

Construction and Related Workers, All Other

31,190 35,400

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

20,760 48,410

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

26,480 53,160

Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining

62,080 44,970

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

19,160 43,540

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

7,970 52,140

Continuous Mining Machine Operators

11,540 48,440

Mine Cutting and Channeling Machine Operators

6,960 50,260

Mining Machine Operators, All Other

2,470 49,150

Rock Splitters, Quarry

3,630 33,240

Roof Bolters, Mining

5,710 54,860

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas

73,450 35,780

Helpers--Extraction Workers

24,130 34,480

Extraction Workers, All Other

5,320 41,140

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

5,244,670 42,110

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

434,810 62,150

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

110,940 36,560

Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

13,310 47,950

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

213,620 55,190

Avionics Technicians

17,150 56,910

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

17,380 39,220

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

14,160 56,000

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

65,900 54,640

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

22,120 71,400

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

11,460 31,020

Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers

26,590 36,090

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

60,160 42,560

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

116,830 56,990

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

137,140 40,320

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

15,670 32,590

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

633,390 37,120

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

243,080 43,630

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

35,320 36,150

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

119,280 47,580

Rail Car Repairers

20,080 54,020

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

20,210 37,340

Motorcycle Mechanics

15,420 34,010

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics

29,220 32,120

Bicycle Repairers

10,520 26,370

Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians

10,990 35,630

Tire Repairers and Changers

100,510 23,730

Mechanical Door Repairers

17,220 37,080

Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

41,290 53,140

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

261,390 44,630

Home Appliance Repairers

33,270 35,410

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

313,880 48,630

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

90,730 42,640

Millwrights

39,290 50,460

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

1,730 44,910

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

114,540 65,930

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

114,420 54,450

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers

3,150 40,020

Medical Equipment Repairers

41,430 45,660

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners

7,660 33,150

Watch Repairers

2,390 35,450

Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other

11,180 52,090

Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

1,282,920 36,170

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

3,710 48,800

Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers

30,840 31,860

Commercial Divers

3,620 45,890

Fabric Menders, Except Garment

710 23,930

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

17,090 38,600

Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers

3,280 29,600

Riggers

20,350 41,570

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

7,880 60,640

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

126,980 25,390

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other

138,460 37,220

Production Occupations

8,934,050 31,720

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

592,830 55,520

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

40,630 48,340

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers

14,930 32,980

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers

207,330 29,910

Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers

46,990 32,760

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

38,330 38,310

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

78,050 36,570

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators

18,770 28,950

Team Assemblers

1,125,160 28,370

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters

1,650 30,060

Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other

238,720 26,380

Bakers

173,730 23,600

Butchers and Meat Cutters

137,050 28,660

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers

150,310 23,350

Slaughterers and Meat Packers

86,070 25,560

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders

18,890 27,680

Food Batchmakers

120,850 26,770

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

36,850 27,590

Food Processing Workers, All Other

43,690 23,780

Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic

148,040 36,440

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic

24,960 47,500

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

72,520 32,610

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

21,340 33,710

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

33,370 39,900

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

190,250 30,680

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

17,470 34,500

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

70,130 32,660

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

42,570 36,260

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

22,110 37,100

Machinists

392,700 39,980

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders

20,850 41,140

Pourers and Casters, Metal

9,690 32,410

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

6,140 46,180

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

3,770 41,390

Foundry Mold and Coremakers

11,870 31,340

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

128,540 28,810

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

98,160 34,140

Tool and Die Makers

75,950 48,890

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

369,610 37,420

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

55,360 35,180

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

20,980 35,320

Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

13,070 45,020

Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

35,900 30,210

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

10,860 35,420

Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other

22,100 32,130

Prepress Technicians and Workers

36,180 37,200

Printing Press Operators

166,750 35,100

Print Binding and Finishing Workers

51,430 29,500

Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers

199,330 20,320

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials

50,150 20,150

Sewing Machine Operators

142,070 21,920

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers

7,710 23,770

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders

3,550 24,750

Sewers, Hand

5,960 23,630

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

20,200 26,460

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders

11,510 24,930

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

14,370 25,590

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

22,760 27,270

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

25,740 26,250

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers

19,770 32,970

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

5,440 41,310

Upholsterers

29,770 31,890

Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other

16,110 26,460

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

88,170 31,580

Furniture Finishers

15,320 28,810

Model Makers, Wood

1,360 30,940

Patternmakers, Wood

950 37,980

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood

46,320 27,040

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

70,810 27,450

Woodworkers, All Other

6,940 28,100

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

7,400 82,500

Power Distributors and Dispatchers

11,180 78,240

Power Plant Operators

40,300 70,070

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

37,550 56,330

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

111,640 44,100

Chemical Plant and System Operators

37,490 55,900

Gas Plant Operators

16,320 64,100

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

41,700 62,830

Plant and System Operators, All Other

11,610 55,230

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

64,710 48,090

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

43,310 38,590

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

29,980 33,070

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand

29,320 28,340

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

122,670 34,340

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand

15,520 25,920

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

62,570 32,040

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

67,490 32,100

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders

20,590 34,900

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

489,750 35,330

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers

23,200 36,870

Dental Laboratory Technicians

35,320 36,830

Medical Appliance Technicians

13,290 35,580

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

27,610 28,890

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

381,760 26,410

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

90,590 31,460

Painters, Transportation Equipment

49,950 40,770

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

16,280 28,750

Semiconductor Processors

23,580 34,680

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

28,800 24,600

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders

18,210 31,340

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders

17,360 26,910

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders

8,070 28,280

Etchers and Engravers

8,630 29,250

Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic

34,610 29,820

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

92,170 35,260

Tire Builders

17,680 42,540

Helpers--Production Workers

420,520 23,610

Production Workers, All Other

217,500 28,260

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations

9,249,310 29,530

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

5,750 47,760

First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand

171,720 46,690

First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators

197,000 54,930

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

75,760 118,140

Commercial Pilots

38,170 75,620

Air Traffic Controllers

22,860 122,340

Airfield Operations Specialists

7,050 49,180

Flight Attendants

98,510 42,290

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians

19,350 24,080

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

158,050 37,470

Bus Drivers, School or Special Client

499,440 28,850

Driver/Sales Workers

405,810 22,250

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

1,625,290 39,520

Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers

797,010 29,570

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs

178,260 23,210

Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other

58,210 28,910

Locomotive Engineers

38,470 54,500

Locomotive Firers

1,610 46,740

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

3,900 43,880

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators

21,060 52,360

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

42,900 54,770

Subway and Streetcar Operators

11,300 62,130

Rail Transportation Workers, All Other

3,640 59,480

Sailors and Marine Oilers

27,640 39,100

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

30,690 72,340

Motorboat Operators

4,060 37,120

Ship Engineers

10,060 68,100

Bridge and Lock Tenders

3,280 48,120

Parking Lot Attendants

136,440 19,800

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants

104,750 20,900

Traffic Technicians

6,490 43,430

Transportation Inspectors

24,350 69,170

Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants

16,380 23,380

Transportation Workers, All Other

39,890 33,790

Conveyor Operators and Tenders

38,830 31,220

Crane and Tower Operators

44,540 50,720

Dredge Operators

1,900 40,950

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators

47,470 39,830

Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining

4,220 50,290

Hoist and Winch Operators

2,840 39,580

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

521,840 31,340

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

321,740 20,670

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand

2,400,490 24,430

Machine Feeders and Offbearers

104,340 29,290

Packers and Packagers, Hand

693,170 20,330

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

4,700 56,280

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers

12,170 43,500

Wellhead Pumpers

12,720 47,340

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

115,170 33,660

Mine Shuttle Car Operators

2,630 55,000

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders

12,490 41,180

Material Moving Workers, All Other

22,910 30,830
Footnotes:

(1) Wage estimate not available. Not shown on chart.

(2) Wage greater than $187,200 per year. Not shown on chart.

Among the occupations with employment over 1 million, many had median annual wages of less than $25,000. These occupations often were in retail sales and food preparation and serving. Three occupations with employment over 1 million and relatively high wages are registered nurses, general managers, and accountants and auditors.

Life, physical, and social science occupations include many with low employment and high wages. Examples are astronomers, economists, and physicists. The food preparation and serving group has many low-paying occupations, and some employ large numbers of workers; these include cooks, food preparation and serving workers, and waiters and waitresses. Occupations with both low employment and low wages include shampooers, locker room attendants, models, motion picture projectionists, and door-to-door sales workers.

These data are from the Occupational Employment Statistics program. See "Occupational Employment and Wages — May 2014" (HTML) (PDF) to learn more. These estimates do not include the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers, or unpaid family workers. Half the workers earn more, and half earn less, than the median wage.

SUGGESTED CITATION

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, High wages and low employment or the other way around at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2015/high-earnings-and-low-employment-or-the-other-way-around.htm (visited March 29, 2024).

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