Tip

Get the second highest value in a column

I recently had the need to retrieve the second highest value in a column. Here are the steps I used: 

 
  
select
  max(SALARY)
from
  EMPLOYEE
where
  SALARY < (select max(SALARY) from EMPLOYEE)

Note -- If you want the entire record, try this:

select * from EMPLOYEE where SALARY = (
   select
     max(SALARY)
   from
     EMPLOYEE
   where
     SALARY < (select max(SALARY) from EMPLOYEE)

==================================
MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC
==================================

The Best Web Links: tips, tutorials and more.

Visit the ITKnowledge Exchange and get answers to your developing questions fast.

Ask the Experts yourself: Our application development gurus are waiting to answer your programming questions.


This was first published in July 2005

Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

Back to top