You might be interested in earning one of the highest paying degrees so that you can go straight from college into a lucrative career.
While college degrees usually lead to increased earning potential, some majors have a reputation for being among the most profitable.
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By choosing one of those college programs, you may set yourself up for an impressive starting salary and a rewarding career path.
Highest Paying Degrees
Bringing home a top salary typically starts with earning one of the most lucrative degrees. You can see if one of the high paying degrees listed below might be right for you. Each listing includes job details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in addition to specifics about the degree and its coursework.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Actuarial Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Economics
- Accounting
- Pharmacy
You can explore these programs to see which ones best match your interests and goals.
Petroleum Engineering
- Petroleum Engineers
- Annual Median Salary: $130,850
- Job Growth: 8%
The world depends on energy, and petroleum is a big source of it. As a petroleum engineer, you can help keep the world running.
Like many engineering students, you’ll study statics, dynamics, and fluids. Other classes in your petroleum engineering degree might address geology and hydrocarbons. You can also learn about drilling, wells, and reservoirs.
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The majority of your coursework will deal with petroleum. To round out your knowledge of energy sources, you’ll study electricity and natural gas, too. Oil and gas companies hire many petroleum engineers. This degree could also be useful for a job in environmental engineering, lobbying, regulatory compliance, geoscience, or engineering consulting.
Computer Engineering
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Annual Median Salary: $128,170
- Job Growth: 2%
If you’re interested in tech and have a mind for engineering, then computer engineering could be a promising field for you.
As you study computer programming, you might learn C++ or another language. Other areas of study can include electrical engineering, networks, data security, and microprocessors. You’ll take lab courses and advanced math classes as well. Some computer engineering bachelor’s degree programs offer concentrations. Your options might encompass robotics, hardware, networking, and software design.
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Because this program covers both hardware and software, graduates may choose to become computer hardware engineers or software engineers. Other job options could include working in database administration, network architecture, or systems analysis.
Aerospace Engineering
- Aerospace Engineers
- Annual Median Salary: $122,270
- Job Growth: 8%
Designing vehicles for flight takes attention to detail, careful calculations, and a precise understanding of materials—all skills that you can acquire in an aerospace engineering program.
Course topics for this major can include flight mechanics and control systems. You’re likely to study topics like thermodynamics, propulsion, flow, statics, calculus, and electrical engineering. Lab courses are common, and you may work with computer design programs and practice your technical writing skills.
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Aerospace engineers often work for manufacturers or the federal government. The skills learned in an aerospace program could also lead to work in a related field, such as electrical engineering.
Actuarial Mathematics
- Actuaries
- Annual Median Salary: $105,900
- Job Growth: 24%
Actuaries perform calculations related to risks and probability. Their findings can help reduce financial losses. Mathematics is, of course, a primary focus area for this degree program. You’ll take courses related to statistics, probability, and differential equations. Other classes may address economics, logic, finance, risk management, and financial markets.
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To become an actuary, it’s necessary to pass a certification exam. Actuaries usually work in the finance and insurance industries. Graduates may also choose to pursue related jobs, such as insurance sales agent or financial advisor.
Computer Science
- Software Developers
- Annual Median Salary: $120,730
- Job Growth: 22%
In today’s world, you can’t go wrong with a technology-focused degree. If you have an aptitude for science and math, then computer science could be the right tech choice for you.
It’s common to take computer science courses that address programming, data structures, and algorithms. In this program, you’ll also study operating systems and computer security. Picking a concentration could help you prepare for a particular career area. Your school may offer degree specializations in artificial intelligence, game development, big data, or computer programming.
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Because most modern businesses need tech professionals, computer science graduates work in a variety of industries. Common careers include software developer, systems analyst, database architect, web developer, or computer systems manager.
Chemical Engineering
- Chemical Engineers
- Annual Median Salary: $105,550
- Job Growth: 9%
Chemical engineers put chemistry principles into action. They work with chemicals to make products, including energy sources, for people or companies to use.
For this degree, you’ll study organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry. You’ll also take classes in physics, calculus and differential equations. Additional topics for a chemical engineering major could include thermodynamics, materials, and separations.
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Chemical engineers often work in the manufacturing sector. For example, they may work for pharmaceutical companies or energy producers. Materials science could be another direction to take your career.
Information Technology
- Information Security Analysts
- Annual Median Salary: $102,600
- Job Growth: 33%
Most organizations use computers, and information technology (IT) professionals are directly involved. IT focuses on using tech to record, store, organize, and share data. This field also deals with keeping data secure.
If you decide to study IT in school, then you can learn about various technology components, including computer hardware, networks, and operating systems. Other lessons can cover databases, scripting, and web services. You may also discuss how to design computer systems that meet specific organizational needs.
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IT graduates may start as help-desk technicians or network support specialists. More advanced jobs in this field include information security analyst, network architect, computer systems analyst, and IT manager.
Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Engineers
- Annual Median Salary: $100,420
- Job Growth: 7%
Vehicles, devices, home appliances, and other staples of modern life rely on electrical components. Electrical engineers are heavily involved in making that happen.
Your electrical engineering curriculum might include classes on the fundamentals of electromagnetism, circuit design, and computer system organization. You can spend time studying switches and signals, and there will likely be lab sessions for experimenting with circuit design.
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Electrical and electronics engineers often work for power companies, instrument and semiconductor manufacturers, and research organizations. Studying electrical engineering might also lead to a job in a related field, such as aerospace, nuclear, or computer hardware engineering.
Marine Engineering
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
- Annual Median Salary: $93,370
- Job Growth: 4%
If you’ve always loved boats, then you might want to dedicate your life to building and maintaining them. That’s the work of a marine engineer.
The scope of study for a marine engineering program includes mechanics, fluids, materials, and thermodynamics. You’ll learn about both steam and diesel propulsion and explore electrical engineering and electronics. Your program may also include the opportunity to earn a US Coast Guard engine license.
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Marine engineers often work in the transportation industry or for the federal government. The lessons from a marine engineering program can also apply to the oil and gas industry’s offshore drilling equipment.
Biomedical Engineering
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Annual Median Salary: $97,410
- Job Growth: 6%
Working in biomedical engineering could give you the chance to save other people’s lives. Biomedical engineers design health devices like hospital machinery, medical implants, and engineered tissues.
Like most engineering majors, you’ll take many math and science classes. For this program, that lineup includes studies in molecular and cellular biology. You’ll also study human anatomy and physiology. Other coursework may cover mechanics, dynamics, controls, and circuits. You can have design labs and research seminars, too.
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The top jobs in this field are bioengineer and biomedical engineer. Some professionals also work in sales for a medical equipment company.
Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineers
- Annual Median Salary: $95,300
- Job Growth: 7%
Have you always been good at tinkering with things? It’s time to start dreaming about doing that on a larger scale! As a mechanical engineer, you’d have a hand in making things move, work, or go.
As a mechanical engineering student, you’ll take an assortment of STEM classes, such as physics, chemistry, differential equations, and calculus. You can also study dynamics, statics, materials, kinetics, and fluids as well as participate in design labs.
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Your school might offer concentration tracks related to robotics, vehicles, sustainable energy, biomedicine, or computing. Mechanical engineers often work for manufacturers. Jobs are common in transportation, electronics, and machinery manufacturing. Other mechanical engineers work for engineering firms or research institutions.
Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Engineers
- Annual Median Salary: $95,300
- Job Growth: 14%
A degree in industrial engineering can prepare you to work in manufacturing and production. You can develop skills for streamlining work and improving productivity.
In an industrial engineering program, you’ll learn about materials, blueprints, and manufacturing equipment. Your coursework can also introduce you to statics and electronics. For career preparation, you’ll likely study management, quality control, and project leadership.
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Manufacturing companies are the most common employers for industrial engineers. Professionals whose efforts center around manufacturing automation may be more specifically known as manufacturing engineers. Alternative career paths for this degree include logistics, cost analysis, project management, and occupational safety.
Economics
- Financial Analysts
- Annual Median Salary: $81,410
- Job Growth: 6%
How do economic matters shape the world? You’ll find out in an economics bachelor’s degree program. This field studies not only money matters but also how the distribution of resources shapes people and institutions.
As an economics major, you’ll study both macroeconomics and microeconomics. Your curriculum may also focus on econometrics, trade, and banking. To round out your studies, there might be requirements for classes in computer programming, statistics, and calculus.
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Economics graduates can hold a variety of analyst positions, such as market research analyst, financial analyst, and management analyst. With a master’s degree in economics, you could pursue a job as an economist.
Accounting
- Accountants and Auditors
- Annual Median Salary: $77,250
- Job Growth: 7%
As an accounting major, you’ll study ways to keep track of personal or business financial transactions. Taxation and economics are common topics for accounting degrees. You can also learn about budgeting, balance sheets, and pricing considerations. Through your schoolwork, you can develop the ability to communicate about financial matters.
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Graduates often work as accountants. Accounting is a broad field with job options like management accountant and public accountant. Another line of work to consider is auditing, whether internal or external. Although not required, further education can be beneficial. With a master’s degree, you may qualify to become a certified public accountant (CPA).
For a number of students, accounting is one of the highest paying business majors.
Pharmacy
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
- Annual Median Salary: $57,800
- Job Growth: 11%
Pharmacy professionals are essential members of the healthcare workforce. You can get started on this career trajectory with a pharmacy bachelor’s degree. Organic chemistry and biochemistry are essential for this field. Other classes cover immunology, medication dosing, and human physiology. You’ll also learn about the development process for new pharmaceuticals.
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With a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, you could look for a job as a clinical laboratory technologist who contributes to drug developments. Other options could include pharmaceutical sales representative or pharmacy technician. Many graduates enter pharmacy school so that they can become pharmacists. Alternatively, a graduate degree in pharmaceutical science could lead to a career as a medical scientist.
What Degree Should I Get?
The right major for you depends on a mix of personal factors. For one thing, it’s beneficial to consider your strengths. Many of the most profitable degrees depend heavily on math and science skills. If intense calculations aren’t your favorite activity, you might find a niche in IT instead of actuarial mathematics or aerospace engineering.
You can also think about what schedule you’d like in the future. Engineers often work regular office hours, while accountants may have long days during tax season. Finally, if hefty paychecks are a priority, you might want to consider one of the top earning degrees listed in this article.
What Majors Make the Most Money?
Below are five of the highest paying majors, along with related career and median salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Actuarial Mathematics: Actuaries ($105,900); Logisticians ($77,030)
- Chemical Engineering: Architectural and Engineering Managers ($152,350); Chemical Engineers ($105,550)
- Computer Science: Computer and Information Systems Managers ($159,010); Software Developers ($120,730)
- Electrical Engineering: Architectural and Engineering Managers ($152,350); Electrical Engineers ($100,420)
- Petroleum Engineering: Petroleum Engineers ($130,850); Geoscientists ($83,680)
While these are known for being among the most useful bachelor degrees that make the most money, your personal earnings may not match these average salaries.
Which Major Leads to the Highest Paying Starting Salary?
Some of the highest paying bachelors degrees can help you qualify for a strong salary right out of the gate. Below are five of the top majors, along with related career and average starting salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Aerospace Engineering: Aerospace Engineers ($122,270); Electrical Engineers ($100,420)
- Biomedical Engineering: Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers ($97,410); Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing, for Technical and Scientific Products ($94,840)
- Industrial Engineering: Industrial Engineers ($95,300); Logisticians ($77,030)
- Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical Engineers ($95,300); Technical Writers ($78,060)
- Computer Engineering: Computer Hardware Engineers ($128,170); Software Developers ($120,730)
Starting salaries for these highest earning majors vary among employers and different geographic regions. It may also be worth noting that some of the highest paying associate degrees are offered for these majors as well.
What Are Easy Degrees That Pay Well?
Many of the most lucrative majors require a lot of math and science studies. If you’d prefer a program with fewer calculations, limited lab requirements, and an emphasis on reading assignments, then you might want to consider other profitable degrees.
For example, some English majors become writers or editors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors tend to make $38,500 to $133,580 per year, and editors often make between $36,970 and $129,420. Criminal justice degrees can help you qualify for careers in law enforcement. Police and detectives tend to make between $40,420 and $105,540 annually.
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Communications is a field with many career opportunities, including roles in marketing and public relations. Market research analysts and marketing specialists often make $37,570 to $128,320 each year, and PR specialists tend to earn $37,020 to $124,620. You may want to keep in mind that going back to school for one of the highest paying masters degrees could increase your earning potential even more.
Getting Your College Degree Online
As you consider college majors, you may want to look into the highest earning degrees. Students who graduate from one of these programs can often start their careers with comfortable salaries and earn even more as time goes on.
While graduate studies could lead to an additional salary bump, the top paying degrees typically hold great value all on their own. Online programs from accredited online universities also offer rigorous coursework and solid career preparation. You could graduate with an online degree that qualifies you for a high-paying job in a lucrative field.
Now’s the time to see where an online college program could take you.
