Out of 121 cities, Atlanta ranks 91st in its share of well-paying jobs that don't require four-year degrees, says a Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland study. About 21% of jobs in Atlanta hit the benchmark of paying above the national median wage of $37,500 with no college needed. By comparison, the best metro area is Toledo, Ohio, where 34% of all its jobs don't require bachelor's degrees. The worst is Washington, D.C., with a share of 14.6%. The study took the cost of living into account to make a fair comparison.

Other cities within a day’s drive of Atlanta that fared better include St. Louis, which ranked No. 5; Lexington, Ky., at No. 8.; Chattanooga, Tenn., at No. 32; Augusta, at No. 59; and Charlotte, N.C., at No. 60.