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7 College Degrees That Lead to Top-Paying Jobs

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 21, 2024, Reading time: 10 minutes

Find your perfect college degree

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Are you searching for college degrees that lead to top-paying jobs? Naturally, a good return on your money would be nice, right? When deciding on a degree, a college-bound student needs to ask the right questions.

Does this major align with my interests? Will it allow me to grow in my passion? Will it lead me 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 college degree can expect to do better financially than those with less education. In fact, research proves that the more that workers increase their educational attainment, the more that their unemployment probabilities drop and earnings climb.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Pick the Right Degree

One other important question to consider when picking a college degree is this: Will the college degree I choose boost my earning potential in the future and my chances of obtaining one of the highest-paying jobs? And for all the right reasons, it is an essential factor to consider.

After all, going to university to earn a college degree is an investment. And while at it, it doesn’t hurt to find out which degrees actually pay you back and promise a brighter financial future.

The Lowdown

If you are looking for the highest paying college major, whether it’s for a bachelor’s degree job or requires a master’s degree, it will serve you well, without a doubt! And here’s the logic… If you are going to spend your time, effort, and energy on earning a degree, it should also benefit you financially in the long run. Check out the top high-paying career choices below!

Degrees That Lead to Top-Paying Jobs

Physician, Anaesthesiologist, or Surgeon

Start by earning: Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology, Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology, Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, or Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Surgical Technology

Considering their highly demanding training, not-so-cheap education, and professional requirements, surgeons and physicians are paid handsomely throughout their careers.

Typically, they start by earning a bachelor of science degree before proceeding to earn a medical school degree on top of that and finally completing residency programs. Also, a master’s degree may be required, depending on the position.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Physicians and surgeons earn an annual median salary of $229,300. Employment in physician’s offices, academia, government, and hospitals is expected to grow up to 3% between 2022 and 2032.

Research reveals, in fact, that majors relating to the field of health and science lead to the highest-earning careers.

Office or Organizational Executive

Start by earning: Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA or B.P.A.), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA or B.B.A.)

Degrees That Lead to Top-Paying Jobs

An individual who has taken the Chief Executive Officer job position is tasked to be the organization’s leader, planner, and director, ensuring that all goals are met.

The work that top executives do is applicable in practically every industry, particularly in large companies and businesses with up to thousands of employees.

There are several business degrees geared toward becoming a top executive. Bachelor’s degrees in business-related fields are plentiful.

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for someone who aspires to be a top executive and earn an annual median salary of $189,520.

More importantly, considerable experience is a must in this highly demanding type of career. It is inclined toward the business side, which means that an undergraduate and, more importantly, a post-graduate degree, such as a master’s degree in business-related topics, provides an advantage.

Other high-paying careers include marketing management, human resource management, construction management, financial management, and leadership positions in any capacity.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Start with: Bachelor in Computer Information Systems

Degrees That Lead to Top-Paying Jobs

With an annual median salary of $164,070, a career in computer and information systems management is a promising one.

Anyone pursuing this career should start with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a computer-related field, as it is the minimum requirement for the job.

A computer science, computer systems manager, or IT project manager is tasked to determine and meet the overall IT goals of a company or organization in the private sector or public sector.

The position requires the candidate to be an expert in management, planning, coordination, and, most importantly, computer-related skills.

As such, higher educational attainment, training completed, and certifications obtained play a key role in landing the position.

Architectural and Engineering Manager

Start with: Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.Arch), Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (B.A.Arch), Bachelor of Engineering (B.E., B.Eng., or B.A.I.) as an undergraduate degree.

Degrees That Lead to Top-Paying Jobs

Earning an annual salary of $159,920 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.

To be an architectural and engineering manager, the candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree at a minimum. Above all educational attainment and work experience in the field are crucial requirements.

Research shows that demand for architectural and engineering managers is estimated to rise by 4% between the years 2022 and 2032.

Airline and Commercial Pilot

Start by earning: Bachelor of Science in Aviation – Professional Flight, Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation – Aviation Administration

Degrees That Lead to Top-Paying Jobs

By navigating and flying airplanes and other aircraft, pilots earned a median salary of $148,900 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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.

Following completion of a bachelor’s degree, future pilots must then complete an aviation or aeronautics program that is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and obtain an Airline Transport Pilot or ATP certificate issued by the FAA.

Experience and more hours of training are prerequisites for employment as an airline pilot.

Petroleum Engineer

Start with: Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering

Degrees That Lead to Top-Paying Jobs

Petroleum engineering deals with evaluating, exploring, extracting, recovering, and producing oil and natural gas for profitability.

Petroleum engineers seek out and maintain the best techniques and tools and enact the processes for efficient drilling operations in pre-determined sites.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, petroleum engineers get a median salary of $131,800 annually. A majority of petroleum engineers worked for gas and oil extraction companies.

This profession’s growth rate is projected at 2% between 2022 and 2032. Entry-level positions in petroleum engineering require a bachelor’s degree. Nuclear engineering is also a great option to consider.

Pharmacist

Start with: Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS)

Degrees That Lead to Top-Paying Jobs

Working in drug and healthcare is most suitable for college graduates with a background in the sciences. A bachelor’s degree (BSPS) can lead one to become a Doctor of Pharmacy or Pharm.D.

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 $132,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Highly probable places of work for graduates of Pharmacy or related degrees include clinics, hospitals, and general merchandise.

Are you in the process of learning how to find a college major? Here’s a tip: consider whether or not your degree of choice can secure a stable and strong career path for you. Find out how individuals in the same major actually fare in the real world. The informed decision you make definitely impacts your financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I earn a College Degree based on the projected salary alone?

No, earning a college degree 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 important to choose a degree and career that aligns with your values, goals, and interests rather than just focusing on the potential salary.

Why do most high-paying jobs require a college degree?

Most high-paying jobs require a college degree because it is seen as a minimum qualification for entry into certain professions and industries. A college 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 college degree as an indicator of dedication, discipline, and intellectual capability. Additionally, for some professions, such as medicine and law, a college degree is required by law in order to obtain a professional license.

Therefore, employers may prioritize hiring individuals with a college 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 college degree may be required to advance to higher-level positions. These positions may require a specific degree in a related field, such as engineering or medicine.

In competitive job markets, having a college degree 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 in 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.

Employers are also placing more value on soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which can be gained through both college and non-college experiences. Ultimately, the value of a college degree for job advancement will vary depending on the industry, job role, and individual circumstances.

It is important for individuals to carefully research their desired career path and consider the requirements for job advancement in their particular field.

Key Takeaways

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: 

Additional Information: