College isn’t for everyone, but many people—especially in recent generations—feel pressured to get a degree to achieve success. One recent survey found that at least 4 in 5 high school students (86%) felt this pressure from friends and family, with nearly 3 in 4 (73%) saying their post-high school decisions are determined by a career path.

It is true that lifetime earnings for those with a bachelor’s degree are typically higher than for those with just a high school diploma. But people who don’t graduate college can make a good living. A little over half of workers nationwide don’t have a college degree, and there are many high-paying jobs for them to choose from.

Stacker used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the 50 highest-paying jobs out of nearly 500 that don’t require a college degree. Jobs are ranked by annual wages; those without annual wages available were not considered. Other experience and training requirements, as well as employment levels and projections, were also included in the analysis but don’t affect the rankings.

College enrollment has dropped off in the last few years after a historic high, partially thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are among those who aren’t sure if college is the best fit for you, whether due to the cost or other factors, you can rest easy knowing there are plenty of career paths available.

Whether you want a technical and mechanical career in repairs or to supervise a retail shop, there are many options for noncollege graduates. Just keep in mind that some of the careers listed here require other forms of education or licensure, including specialized training programs or apprenticeships.

You may also like: 5 ways to take the stress out of traveling for work

Canva

#50. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment

– Median annual wage, 2021: $61,730
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 69.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 52,800
— Expected change by 2031: 1,200 jobs added

Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock

#49. First-line supervisors of production and operating workers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $61,790
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 74.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 646,800
— Expected change by 2031: 12,200 jobs added

rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#48. Real estate brokers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,010
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 39.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 123,100
— Expected change by 2031: 7,100 jobs added

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#47. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants

– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,060
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 44.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 508,000
— Expected change by 2031: 102,600 jobs lost

Rebekah Zemansky // Shutterstock

#46. First-line supervisors of correctional officers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,220
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 57.7% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 55,900
— Expected change by 2031: 3,300 jobs lost

You may also like: Youngest billionaires in America

Canva

#45. Crane and tower operators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,240
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 89.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 45,100
— Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#44. Insurance appraisers, auto damage

– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,680
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 38.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 13,200
— Expected change by 2031: 700 jobs lost

Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock

#43. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door

– Median annual wage, 2021: $62,760
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 45,700
— Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added

socrates471 // Shutterstock

#42. Media and communication equipment workers, all other

– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,250
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 40.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Short-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 20,700
— Expected change by 2031: 1,000 jobs added

kittirat roekburi // Shutterstock

#41. Stationary engineers and boiler operators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,500
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 67.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 32,500
— Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs added

You may also like: 50 first jobs of famous actors

ded pixto // Shutterstock

#40. Wellhead pumpers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,740
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 80.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 18,000
— Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs added

Canva

#39. Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,840
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 73.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 11,800
— Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs added

Canva

#38. Railroad conductors and yardmasters

– Median annual wage, 2021: $63,960
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 34,300
— Expected change by 2031: 1,600 jobs added

Canva

#37. Boilermakers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $64,290
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 92.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Apprenticeship
– Number of jobs in 2021: 13,900
— Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost

Canva

#36. Fire inspectors and investigators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $64,600
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 54.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 15,500
— Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added

You may also like: Jobs with the lowest divorce rates

pio3 // Shutterstock

#35. Police and sheriff’s patrol officers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $64,610
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 43.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 684,900
— Expected change by 2031: 21,500 jobs added

JL IMAGES // Shutterstock

#34. Transit and railroad police

– Median annual wage, 2021: $64,930
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 43.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 3,500
— Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs added

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#33. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $65,080
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 38.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 314,300
— Expected change by 2031: 18,300 jobs lost

santi lumubol // Shutterstock

#32. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians

– Median annual wage, 2021: $65,380
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 66.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 131,700
— Expected change by 2031: 8,000 jobs added

Canva

#31. Chemical plant and system operators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $70,200
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 22,400
— Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs lost

You may also like: Former jobs of every Supreme Court justice

Canva

#30. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $70,720
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 80.1% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 3,000
— Expected change by 2031: No change

4 PM production // Shutterstock

#29. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $71,260
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 72.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 544,700
— Expected change by 2031: 19,800 jobs added

sculpies // Shutterstock

#28. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $72,010
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 81.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 735,500
— Expected change by 2031: 29,900 jobs added

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#27. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $73,060
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 62.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 847,600
— Expected change by 2031: 23,600 jobs lost

Canva

#26. Pile driver operators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $76,260
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 91.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 3,900
— Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added

You may also like: The most common jobs in America today

HannaTor // Shutterstock

#25. Gambling managers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $76,910
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 47.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 4,100
— Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added

Canva

#24. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment

– Median annual wage, 2021: $77,250
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 69.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 9,200
— Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added

Canva

#23. Athletes and sports competitors

– Median annual wage, 2021: $77,300
– Typical education needed: No formal educational credential
— 36.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 15,800
— Expected change by 2031: 5,700 jobs added

Christian Lagerek // Shutterstock

#22. Gas plant operators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $77,850
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 15,300
— Expected change by 2031: 1,400 jobs lost

Canva

#21. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $78,230
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 44.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 82,800
— Expected change by 2031: 3,400 jobs added

You may also like: 50 most common jobs in America 100 years ago

Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock

#20. Electrical power-line installers and repairers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $78,310
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 126,600
— Expected change by 2031: 4,000 jobs added

Oil and Gas Photographer // Shutterstock

#19. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $79,540
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 76.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 35,300
— Expected change by 2031: 1,000 jobs added

g-stockstudio // Shutterstock

#18. First-line supervisors of nonretail sales workers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $79,680
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 48.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 406,900
— Expected change by 2031: 1,400 jobs lost

APChanel // Shutterstock

#17. Locomotive engineers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $79,740
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 75.7% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 26,600
— Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs added

Canva

#16. Transportation inspectors

– Median annual wage, 2021: $79,770
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 64.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 24,900
— Expected change by 2031: 500 jobs added

You may also like: How the ‘Great Resignation’ has impacted 10 industries

Ken Wolter // Shutterstock

#15. Postmasters and mail superintendents

– Median annual wage, 2021: $80,250
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 36.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 12,300
— Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost

APChanel // Shutterstock

#14. Signal and track switch repairers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $80,570
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 79.3% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 6,800
— Expected change by 2031: 200 jobs added

michaeljung // Shutterstock

#13. Power plant operators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $80,850
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 62.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 29,200
— Expected change by 2031: 4,500 jobs lost

wonderlustpicstravel // Shutterstock

#12. Subway and streetcar operators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $81,180
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 73.8% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 10,600
— Expected change by 2031: 400 jobs added

Igor Kardasov // Shutterstock

#11. Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels

– Median annual wage, 2021: $81,640
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 71.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 36,800
— Expected change by 2031: 400 jobs added

You may also like: 50 most physical jobs in America

curraheeshutter // Shutterstock

#10. Ship engineers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $82,410
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 75.6% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 7,900
— Expected change by 2031: 100 jobs lost

Prath // Shutterstock

#9. Detectives and criminal investigators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $83,640
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 29.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 112,900
— Expected change by 2031: 800 jobs lost

Suwin // Shutterstock

#8. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay

– Median annual wage, 2021: $93,420
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 69.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 22,800
— Expected change by 2031: 1,100 jobs lost

Canva

#7. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $97,860
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 77.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Apprenticeship
– Number of jobs in 2021: 23,200
— Expected change by 2031: 700 jobs added

goodluz // Shutterstock

#6. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $98,230
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 60.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: 5 years or more
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 150,700
— Expected change by 2031: 12,700 jobs added

You may also like: Richest women in America

Lovely Bird // Shutterstock

#5. Power distributors and dispatchers

– Median annual wage, 2021: $98,530
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 62.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 9,700
— Expected change by 2031: 600 jobs lost

Canva

#4. First-line supervisors of police and detectives

– Median annual wage, 2021: $99,330
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 37.4% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: Less than 5 years
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 132,300
— Expected change by 2031: 3,700 jobs added

Skycolors // Shutterstock

#3. Commercial pilots

– Median annual wage, 2021: $99,640
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 18.2% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Moderate-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 47,700
— Expected change by 2031: 2,400 jobs added

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#2. Nuclear power reactor operators

– Median annual wage, 2021: $104,260
– Typical education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
— 62.5% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: Long-term
– Number of jobs in 2021: 4,800
— Expected change by 2031: 1,300 jobs lost

Kokulina // Shutterstock

#1. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance

– Median annual wage, 2021: $134,750
– Typical education needed: Postsecondary nondegree award
— 67.9% of workers in this job don’t have a degree
— Typical related experience required: None
— Typical on-the-job training required: None
– Number of jobs in 2021: 4,400
— Expected change by 2031: 300 jobs added

You may also like: Jobs with the highest fatality rates in the US

In-store shopping across the U.S. is making a comeback after the COVID-19 pandemic thwarted many opportunities for shoppers. In May 2022, in-store sales grew 13.4% from May 2021 levels, according to CNN. With the pressures of inflation, consumers want more social interaction and fewer delivery charges.

But where are the best places to go shopping in person?

Cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, or Chicago offer shoppers the usual staples such as shopping malls, farmers markets, and unique boutiques that sell local designers’ clothes or great gift ideas. Other cities are expanding their offerings, such as Boston and Houston, where new stores are opening or have already opened their doors for business.

Other shopping destinations target tourists and levy a steep sales tax. For example, New Orleans and Seattle levy over 9% sales tax for goods. “Overall, the average combined state and local sales tax is 6.57%,” according to an AARP report comparing U.S. states’ sales taxes. However, Philadelphia, arguably a tourist city for its historical landmarks, does not levy a sales tax on clothes or shoes.

CouponBirds used data from the Census Bureau, city and state governments, news coverage, and other resources to compare shopping cultures and trends across 10 major U.S. cities.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP // Getty Images

New York

Retail shopping in New York City—in areas such as SoHo, Union Square, Greenwich Village, or Times Square—is a very important economic source for the city. With a 2021 population of 8.47 million residents, the taxable retail sales jumped from $48.8 billion in 2021 to $62.3 billion in 2022. For most retail sales, the total tax rate is 8.875%, including local and state levies.

New, experimental ways of selling goods are getting a trial run in New York City. “In 2023, the trend for concept stores is the digital transformation of brick-and-mortar stores,” according to Behavior Analytics Retail. For example, Nike offers a shopping app that helps people choose and find the best shoes or a gift for someone else. Shoppers can also scan their feet, upload the data to the app, and have custom shoes shipped to their homes.

Retailers from other cities are also expanding to New York, with LA landmark Cult Gaia arriving in SoHo. Other stores offer customers services beyond just selling items. For instance, Nordstrom offers a high-end restaurant as well as bars—one called Shoe Bar, tucked away in its basement full of shoes. And American Girl has an interactive and innovative location at Rockefeller Plaza, with hair styling, ear piercing, and manicures.

Erwin Widmer // Shutterstock

Minneapolis

With 40 million visitors to the Mall of America each year, the Minneapolis outlet offers 500 retail stores and hundreds of events for locals and tourists alike. There’s even a theme park with roller coaster rides. The mall recycles more than 60% of its waste, doesn’t have central heating, uses over 30,000 live plants as air purifiers, and offers electric vehicle charging stations.

Shopping in Minneapolis may also take visitors to local thrift shops or farmers markets. Women may find trendy indie wear or jewelry, and men may find sophisticated clothes, shoes, or T-shirts. Most farmers markets are seasonal and only open on the weekends, although one is open during the week.

The city, which has 425,336 residents as of 2021, saw $5.3 billion in taxable retail sales in 2020. The local sales tax rate—including state, county, and city taxes—is 7.525%.

Liu Guanguan/China News Service //Getty Images

San Francisco

San Francisco offers a wide variety of shopping choices throughout the city. Local Take, for example, sells unique handmade gifts and San Francisco-inspired items. There’s also San Francisco Mercantile, which sells over 100 different items from local makers and designers.

Fillmore Street, Japantown, Mission District, and Haight Street are great shopping districts with their own local flair. The Westfield San Francisco Centre, Union Square, Pier 39, and Hayes Valley also offer a range of name-brand and boutique stores. For food shopping, Heart of the City Farmers Market is a farmer-run nonprofit outfit with plenty of fresh and organic options.

The city of 815,000 had $11.1 billion in taxable retail sales in 2021. The total sales tax rate in San Francisco is 8.625%.

Andriy Blokhin // Shutterstock

New Orleans

New Orleans is a tourist city, especially when Mardi Gras season and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival come around. Carnival season and Mardi Gras offer tourists a glimpse into the spirit of New Orleans but also shopping extravaganzas for the parades. At Jazz Fest, local and nationally known craft vendors showcase art, clothing, festival posters and more.

There are many shopping options during the year, too, such as the French Market, Magazine Street, or the Riverwalk outlets. The French Market is one of the oldest markets in New Orleans and offers a wide range of souvenirs, gifts, local products, and artwork. Don’t forget to stop by Cafe Du Monde for some beignets, cafe au lait, or a hot chocolate. Magazine Street sells international clothing, local art, and pottery. The Riverwalk outlet is a mall that sells items from national and international brands, such as Kate Spade, for a more commercial feel.

In this city of 377,000 people, the sales tax rate is 9.45%, including state and county taxes. In the French Quarter, there is an additional surcharge to pay for additional police patrols, for a total tax rate of 9.695%.

Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe // Getty Images

Boston

Boston, a city of 655,000, offers sophisticated style for shoppers, especially on Newbury Street. There are outlets and other retail centers at Copley Place, 100 Huntington Avenue, or Downtown Crossing. Tourist attractions and even more shopping are at Prudential Center or Faneuil Hall Marketplace. For fresh produce, try the open-air Haymarket.

The state’s sales tax rate is 6.25%, and there is no additional local or county sales tax.

Joel Lerner/Xinhua // Getty Images

Chicago

Chicago shopping offers visitors and locals a luxurious treat at the Oak Street District, where shoppers can choose from Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, or Chanel. For one-of-a-kind boutiques, try Vince, St. John Knits Boutique, or Tod’s. For more boutique shopping, try the Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, or Andersonville neighborhoods. The Magnificent Mile is famous for its 450 retailers, including flagship and department stores, boutiques, and innovative technology. There’s the Green City Market for fresh produce and baked bread and a few thrift stores.

In this city of 2.7 million, the local, county, state, and special sales taxes add up to a rate of 10.25%.

Sean Pavone // Shutterstock

Los Angeles

Shopping in LA can be an adventure in luxury boutiques, grand-scale retail stores, and trendy rock ‘n’ roll shops. Nearby Beverly Hills is home to the famous Rodeo Drive, part of the so-called Golden Triangle that offers high-end shopping from Missoni, Gucci, and Burberry, among many other high-end brands. Sunset Strip, called “The Strip,” showers shoppers with various restaurants, hotels, and amazing clothing and accessory options.

It’s almost impossible to completely encompass all the options in this city of 3.9 million, with sales from household-name designers to the most exclusive boutiques. When you need a break, try Hollywood Farmers Market in the Fairfax District for fresh produce, and find Your Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen for refreshments from a Black-owned business in downtown LA.

The 2021 population was 3.85 million, and the total local sales tax rate is 9.5%.

Brandon Bell // Getty Images

Houston

Posh shoppers in Houston can visit fancy stores like those from Elizabeth Anthony, I W Marks Jewelers, or Abejas Boutique. To get ready to make an entrance at a fancy event, try some of the luxury brands at the Galleria mall or in the River Oaks District. There’s plenty to eat, too, from all sorts of culinary and ethnic traditions.

The city of 2.3 million has a total local sales tax rate of 8.25%.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group // Getty Images

Philadelphia

Mall shoppers can head to the Fashion District Philadelphia, Market Street, or The Shops at Liberty Place. But to shop like a local, try the Bourse, Fabric Row, or Chestnut Hill neighborhoods for tree-lined streets of boutiques. Rittenhouse Row is Philly’s five-star destination, and West Market Parkway District is more residential, with newer shops opening for the growing population. Old City offers other boutiques like Vagabond and Sugarcube. The 68-year-old shopping center Bala Cynwyd is getting an $8 million facelift.

The city of 1.6 million has a total local sales tax rate of 9%, but there’s no sales tax on most clothes or shoes.

steve estvanik // Shutterstock

Seattle

Many people think of Pike Place Market or Capitol Hill for Seattle-inspired gifts and funky boutiques, but there are other quirks to this lively shopping town. The Refind Closet, a new resale store in the Madison Park neighborhood, gives shoppers previews of new-to-you items in live fashion shows on Instagram.

In the Ballard neighborhood, shoppers will find fashion boutiques, vintage stores, a farmers market, and home goods and gifts. Sundays on Ballard Avenue showcases local vendors’ baked goods, meats, and apparel. For mall shoppers, try Pacific Place, Westlake Center, or University Village.

The city of 715,000 has a total local sales tax rate of 10.25%.

This story originally appeared on CouponBirds and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

It’s shocking that 2023 still sees vast gender disparity in entire industries. Unfortunately, the STEM and sub-industries like Web3 see it the most. 

If you haven’t heard, Web3 is the latest cryptocurrency technology for a blockchain-based internet. 

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found that only 13% of Web3 companies included any women on their founding teams. Another key finding was that only 3% of Web3 company founding teams consisted of all women. 

Talk about archaic, for such a progressive industry. 

We dove into the report to understand the severity of that disparity and what companies can do about it. Let’s start with some of the report’s key findings on founders:

• 13% of Web3 company founding teams have at least one woman
• 3% of Web3 company founding teams encompass all women
• 93% of Web3 founders are men

These findings above remain consistent not only in North America, but also in the Asia-Pacific and Europe. Now, this disparity unfortunately continues even when you look at the wider workforce of Web3 companies:

• 73% of Web3 companies’ entire workforce are men
• 88% of technical roles at Web3 companies are held by men

BCG also examined the role of women in Web3 founding teams by startup stage and funding amount. Sadly, the bigger the investment, the less likely a woman was to sit on the founding team. Only 7% of Web3 companies with $1B invested had women in the founding teams. Similarly, companies that received between $500M to $999M had men as founding teams.

STEM companies show similar results. While the US Census demonstrates more women achieving STEM roles, the disparity is still present. The BCG’s report backs this as well:

• 33% of STEM company workforces are women
• 25% of technical roles at STEM companies are held by women

What does BCG propose we do about it? Luckily, the early nature of Web3 offers time to rectify the gender disparity. Here are some strategies discussed:

• Monitor the data: Granular, objective data collection will keep track of female representation within a company’s workforce and founders. 

• Include women on VC investment teams: All-male investment teams are more likely to garner all-make founding teams. 

• Create inclusive brand experiences: The Web3 experience should cater to a broad audience. 

• Stay close to regulators: Collaborate with government and organizational entities to shape regulations for this new industry.

• Build mentorship and support opportunities: Diverse networks and mentorship opportunities can keep companies in check with gender equality. 

Read BCG’s full press release.