Find your perfect college degree
Studying the highest-paying college major may lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities. On the other hand, less lucrative fields may leave students struggling to make ends meet. Failing to research, understand, and evaluate the highest-paying college majors before making your choice could result in years of financial strain and limited career growth.
College Majors that Lead to Top-Paying Jobs
In terms of highest-paying college majors, fields related to health sciences and computer engineering offer promising average starting salaries.
Chemical engineering and computer science are also among the top-tier popular majors with high mid-career wages. A major like business administration still provides average starting wages and promises career growth.
Earning a degree means spending a considerable amount of time, money, effort, and energy, so expecting a financial advantage in the long run is natural. Here are the top high-paying degrees and potential career choices for college students.
| Degree | Median Annual Wage | Potential Jobs | Potential Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, Human Physiology, Health Sciences | $239,200 | Medical Researcher, Physician Assistant, Health Educator | Strong job growth, laboratory, and research opportunities |
| Computer Engineering | $138,080 | Software Engineer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Network Architect | In-demand skills, opportunities in various industries |
| Chemical Engineering | $112,100 | Process Engineer, Production Manager, Research Scientist | Diverse career paths, research and development roles |
| Business Administration | $206,680 | Business Analyst, Operations Manager, Marketing Coordinator | Potential advancement to executive roles in entrepreneurship, especially with an MBA |
| Computer Science and Information Systems | $169,510 | Software Developer, Data Scientist, Information Security Analyst | High demand, potential for remote work and freelancing |
| Electrical Engineering | $109,010 | Electrical Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Electronics Designer | Cutting-edge technology, opportunities in various sectors |
| Architectural Studies and General Engineering | $165,370 | Architect, Construction Manager, Urban Planner | Creative and technical skills, project management experience |
| Naval Architecture, Marine Transportation, and Marine Engineering | $218,000 | Naval Architect, Marine Engineer, Ship Surveyor | Specialized knowledge, potential for international travel |
| Aviation Administration and Professional Flight | $171,210 | Airline Pilot, Air Traffic Controller, Aviation Manager | Management roles within airlines or aviation organizations, opportunities for international travel |
| Industrial Engineering | $99,380 | Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Control Specialist, Supply Chain Analyst | Job positions in manufacturing and service industries, leadership roles in operations management |
| Finance, Accounting, and Mathematics | $79,050 | Financial Analyst, Accountant, Actuary Specialist | Analytical and quantitative skills, potential for professional certifications |
| Petroleum Engineering | $135,690 | Drilling Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Production Engineer | High earning potential, opportunities in the energy sector |
| Civil Engineering | $95,890 | Civil Engineer, Construction Project Manager, Environmental Engineer | Infrastructure development, sustainable design |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | $136,030 | Pharmacist, Drug Researcher, Regulatory Affairs Specialist | Combining science and business, growth in the healthcare industry |
| Mechanical Engineering | $96,510 | Mechanical Engineer, Product Designer, Energy Systems Engineer | Versatile career paths, opportunities in various industries |
| International Relations | $78,084 | Foreign Service Officer, International Trade Specialist, Diplomat | Global perspective, language skills, potential for travel |
| Political Science and Social Sciences | $132,350 | Policy Analyst, Social Researcher, Community Organizer | Understanding of social and political systems, research, and analytical skills |
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1. Biology, Human Physiology, Health Sciences
Considering their highly demanding training, expensive education, and professional requirements, surgeons and physicians achieve desirable mid-career wages.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians and surgeons earn an annual median salary of $239,200. Employment in physician clinics, academia, government, and hospitals is expected to grow up to 4% between 2023 and 2033.
- Research reveals that majors relating to the medical field lead to the highest-earning careers.
2. Computer Engineering
Computer engineering is one of the best, highest-paying college majors for students due to its strong employment prospects and lucrative earning potential.
- Mid-career computer engineers can expect a median salary of around $138,080, reflecting the global demand for skilled professionals in this field.
- Software developers, which is a common career path for computer engineering graduates, also enjoy a high average starting salary.
3. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers with a strong academic background and practical experience can command a high average starting salary upon entering the workforce.
- Mid-career chemical engineers can expect a median salary of around $112,100, making it one of the top-earning disciplines.
- Chemical engineering majors acquire a diverse skill set applicable to various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and manufacturing.
4. Business Administration
The work that top executives do is applicable in practically every industry, particularly in large companies and businesses with up to thousands of employees.
- An undergraduate degree is the minimum educational requirement for someone who aspires to be a top executive and earn an annual median salary of $206,680.
- Other high-paying careers include marketing management, liberal arts, fine arts, human resource management, construction management, financial management, and leadership positions in any capacity.
5. Computer Science and Information Systems Manager
A computer science, information systems manager, or IT project manager is tasked to determine and meet the IT goals of a company or organization in the private sector or public sector.
- Computer data scientists must be experts in management, planning, coordination, and, most importantly, computer-related skills to have sustainable mid-career wages.
- With an annual median salary of $169,510, students who are computer science majors can have promising careers.
6. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering degree graduates can expect a competitive average starting salary upon entering the workforce.
- Electrical engineering is one of the best, highest-paying college majors, with a mid-career median salary that can reach $109,010.
- Unlike many other disciplines that may require a master’s degree, this engineering field is accessible with just a high school diploma and an undergraduate degree.
7. Architectural Studies and General Engineering
To be an architectural and engineering manager, the candidate must hold a bachelor’s diploma at a minimum. Students need educational attainment and work experience to succeed in this field.
- Earning an annual salary of $165,370 per year, architectural and engineering managers are tasked to plan and fulfill those plans and achieve goals in the company or organization they work for.
- Research shows that demand for architectural and engineering managers in quality control is estimated to rise by 6% between 2023 and 2033, resulting in a favorable mid-career income.
8. Naval Architecture, Marine Transportation, and Marine Engineering
With a strong foundation in naval principles and maritime knowledge, these majors can lead to well-paying careers with an attractive average starting salary.
- Mid-career professionals in these engineering majors can command a median salary of around $218,000, reflecting the specialized nature of their expertise.
- College graduates in these fields play significant roles in designing, constructing, and maintaining ships, offshore structures, and naval transportation systems.
9. Aviation Administration and Professional Flight
For starters, aspiring pilots can start by enrolling in aeronautics or aviation bachelor’s programs where their coursework includes English, aeronautical engineering, physics, and mathematics. With experience and further studies, this profession provides an optimistic mid-career salary.
- Following completion of a bachelor’s degree, future pilots must complete an aviation or aeronautics program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and obtain an Airline Transport Pilot or ATP certificate issued by the FAA.
- By navigating and flying airplanes and other aircraft, pilots earned a median salary of $171,210 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
10. Industrial Engineering
Upon graduation, industrial engineering bachelor degree graduates can expect a competitive average starting salary due to the global demand for their skills.
- Industrial engineering is one of the best highest-paying college majors, with mid-career professionals earning a median salary of around $99,380.
- With their ability to streamline operations and enhance productivity, industrial engineers are well-compensated for their contributions.
11. Finance, Accounting, and Mathematics
Graduates in these majors can also expect a competitive average starting salary, making them attractive choices for those seeking long-term financial stability and growth potential.
- Mid-career professionals in these fields can command median salaries of around $79,050, reflecting the value placed on their analytical and quantitative skills.
- Finance majors, in particular, are highly sought-after in the financial services industry, where they can secure well-paying positions.
12. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineering deals with evaluating, exploring, extracting, recovering, and producing oil and natural gas. Students can expect mid-career profitability following years of training and experience.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, petroleum engineers get a median salary of $135,690 annually. A majority of petroleum engineers worked for gas and oil extraction companies.
13. Civil Engineering
Civil engineering degree graduates are in high demand, allowing them to command a competitive average starting salary upon entering the workforce.
- Civil engineering is one of the best, highest-paying college majors, with mid-career professionals earning a median salary of around $95,890.
- With their expertise in structural analysis, project management, and sustainable design, civil engineers are well-compensated for their contributions to the built environment.
14. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Working in drug and healthcare is most suitable for college graduates with a background in the sciences. A bachelor’s degree (BSPS) can be your entry to medical school.
- To become a pharmacist and practice this craft, a bachelor’s or doctorate graduate must also pass two exams and become licensed.
- A pharmacy-related career offers a median annual salary of $136,030. Highly probable places of work for graduates of pharmacy or related degrees include clinics, hospitals, and general merchandise.
15. Mechanical Engineering
This field is perfect for students who want to master the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems, machinery, and materials science applications.
- Mid-career mechanical engineers can expect a median salary of around $99,510, reflecting the versatility of their skills across various industries.
- Mechanical engineering graduates are well-positioned to secure a competitive average starting salary due to the economic demand for their knowledge and problem-solving abilities in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation.
16. International Relations
While average salaries upon graduation may be lower than other majors, International Relations majors can explore various career paths, such as diplomacy, international business, or non-profit organizations.
- International studies are among the best, highest-paying college majors, with mid-career professionals earning a median salary of around $78,084.
- For other students interested in maximizing their earning potential, it may be beneficial to consider a double major that combines international studies with a more quantitative or technical field.
17. Political Science and Social Sciences
While performing arts and humanities majors generally have lower earning prospects, political science, and social sciences graduates can find opportunities in areas such as public policy, research, or advocacy.
- Mid-career professionals in these liberal arts fields earn a median salary of around $132,350.
- For students passionate about understanding social and political systems, these majors can still lead to fulfilling careers, albeit with lower potential for the highest incomes compared to fields like finance or medicine.
What to Look for in a College Major
Do you want to learn how to find a college major? Research proves that the more workers increase their educational attainment, the more their unemployment probabilities drop and earnings climb.
Here are some questions you could ask yourself when looking for a college major: Does the major align with your interests? Will it allow you to thrive in your passion? Will it lead you to a fulfilling and stable career?
Then, there are questions that point to finances, which are equally important. It is no secret that individuals who have earned a degree can expect to do better financially than those with less education.
Median Income and Employment Rate
According to a report from the Georgetown University Center, the economic value of college majors shows that STEM majors are among the highest paying, even at the entry level.
The median annual wage provides insight into the earning potential of a college major. However, you must consider other factors that can impact employability and career prospects.
- For instance, although foreign language majors have an average starting salary of around $65,000 per year, they face higher unemployment rates of nearly 7% and underemployment rates of 52%.
- Additionally, a significant portion of undergraduate students in certain majors, such as chemistry (66%) and physics (70%), pursue graduate-level degrees in the same field. This suggests that an undergraduate degree alone may not be sufficient for securing desirable positions in those disciplines.
- When evaluating college majors, undergraduate students should look beyond just the average starting salary.
Career Prospects and Advancement
One other important question to consider is this: Will the major increase my earning potential in the future and my chances of obtaining one of the highest-paying jobs?
After all, going to university to earn a degree is an investment. And while you are at it, it doesn’t hurt to find out which degrees pay you back and promise a brighter financial future.
Schools, Programs, and Coursework
When choosing a major with the potential for higher earnings, it’s important to consider the school, program, and education coursework. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Schools: Attend a well-regarded university or college, as the reputation of the institution can impact job prospects and earning potential. Look into the quality of the faculty and their industry experience in the field you’re pursuing.
- Programs: Consider programs that offer internships, co-op opportunities, or other hands-on experiences to bolster your resume. Evaluate the curriculum to make sure it aligns with the skills and knowledge needed in your desired career field.
- Coursework: Supplement your major with relevant minors, concentrations, or electives that can enhance your skill set. Maintain a strong GPA, as it can impact job opportunities and graduate school admissions.
How to Achieve Job Security and a Lucrative Median Salary
Good-paying jobs are hard to find for most people. How can you assure yourself of job security and a lucrative median salary? Consider these points:
- Jobs that require only a bachelor’s degree are a dime a dozen. To procure a good return on your money, the aforementioned college majors can increase your chances of securing a top-paying position.
- Although STEM degrees have a reputation for top-earning median pay grades, other types of bachelor’s degrees, such as business degrees, can also yield top earnings.
- Keep in mind that post-graduate degrees are often required to earn top dollar.
- Top-paying careers can be located in the public or private sector. Often, top money can be earned by those with entrepreneurship abilities as business owners themselves.
- Lucrative job opportunities include positions as a financial manager, civil engineer, software developer, software engineer, physician assistant, and much more. Others become computer hardware engineers, mechanical engineers, aerospace engineers, construction managers, chemical engineers, nurse practitioners, nuclear engineers, and more.
- With a bachelor’s degree, you can sharpen your critical thinking skills, communication skills, and management skills, which are proven skills needed for a successful leadership role.
Should I Study a College Major Based on the Projected Salary Alone?
No, studying a major should not be based solely on the projected salary. While salary can be an important factor in considering a degree or career path, it should not be the sole deciding factor.
There are many other important factors to consider, such as personal interests and strengths, job satisfaction, job market demand, and potential for growth and advancement. It is recommended you choose a degree and career based on your values, goals, and interests rather than just focusing on the potential salary.
Why do Most High-Paying Jobs Require a Degree?
Most high-paying jobs require a tertiary degree because it is seen as a minimum qualification for entry into certain professions and industries. A major degree shows that an individual has acquired knowledge and skills in a specific field, which is often necessary for complex and specialized job roles.
Employers may also view a degree as an indicator of dedication, discipline, and intellectual capability. For some professions, such as medicine and law, a college degree is required by law to obtain a professional license.
Employers may prioritize hiring individuals with a major degree as they are more likely to have the necessary qualifications and competence to perform well in the job.
Are College Degrees Necessary for Job Advancement Opportunities?
It depends on the industry and the specific job role. In some fields, a college degree may be necessary for job advancement as it demonstrates a certain level of knowledge, skills, and commitment. In other industries, experience, skills, and networking may be more important for advancement.
In highly technical or specialized fields, a major degree may be required to advance to higher-level positions. These positions may require a specific degree in a related field.
In competitive job markets, having a major can give job seekers an advantage over those without a degree. Employers may view a degree as a minimum requirement for certain job roles, particularly entry-level positions.
However, in many industries, relevant work experience and skills are becoming increasingly important for job advancement. This can be demonstrated through internships, certifications, or skills-based training programs.
Related Questions
What is the Most Valuable Major in College?
The most valuable and popular majors often include medical and engineering majors. Disciplines like computer science and chemical engineering also tend to offer high earning potential and strong job prospects.
Which Bachelor’s Degree has the Highest Salary?
When it comes to top-paying college majors, engineering degrees frequently top the list in terms of annual salaries. Computer science majors and quantitative business majors like finance and economics also have good average salaries.
Which Degree is Best for the Future?
STEM fields are often touted as having high average starting salaries and being well-positioned to meet the demands of an increasingly technological workforce. However, factors like passion, cost, and job fit should also be weighed.
Conclusion
Pursuing the highest-paying major can be a wise investment in your future financial security. Many of the highest-paying fields also have a global demand for skilled workers, providing ample job opportunities with competitive median annual wages. With these popular and sought-after majors, you can position yourself for a successful and rewarding career.
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