Are you searching for information about the highest paying doctorate degrees? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
There are nearly endless options when it comes to doctoral programs, and choosing the right one for you will depend on factors like your personal interests and career goals.
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Students who attend doctoral programs often go on to become leaders in their fields, playing a role in expanding on existing research and developing new ideas.
Highest Paying Doctorate Degrees
You can earn your doctorate in almost any area, but salaries tend to differ between fields. Most PhD programs consist of research paired with a final dissertation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are some of the highest paying doctoral degrees:
- Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
- Ph.D. in Physics
- Ph.D. in Computer Science
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
- Ph.D. in Economics
- Ph.D. in Information Assurance
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Ph.D. in Statistics
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
- Ph.D. in Pharmacology
- Ph.D. in Engineering
- Ph.D. in Immunology
- Ph.D. in Psychology
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry
All of these fields offer plenty of opportunity for growth, a lot of different job prospects, and plenty of job security.
PhD in Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineers
Annual Median Pay: $122,270
Job Outlook: 8%
An advanced degree in aerospace engineering is one of the highest paying PhDs. It provides the opportunity for you to build on your science and engineering background by studying aerospace structures and aerodynamic systems.
A large part of your coursework will likely consist of researching a specific topic of your choosing. Many schools also require you to complete and defend a dissertation. Many graduates of a doctoral aerospace engineering program go on to make significant contributions to research and development in their field.
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Some choose to become mechanical or industrial engineers, while others pursue a career as postsecondary engineering teachers, sharing what they’ve learned with a new generation.
PhD in Physics
Physicists
Annual Median Pay: $152,430
Job Outlook: 9%
During a doctoral program in physics, you will have the chance to conduct research into a specific topic within the field while you develop expertise in advanced physics concepts. This is a mathematics-heavy degree, with courses on subjects like quantum mechanics, computational physics, and electromagnetic physics.
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Many physics PhD graduates pursue positions in education, research, management, or development. Some physics professionals teach others what they know as postsecondary professors or conduct research in laboratories or offices. Physicists, for example, often work in labs, exploring the different ways that energy and matter interact and investigating existing scientific theories.
PhD in Computer Science
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Annual Median Pay: $131,490
Job Outlook: 22%
A doctorate in computer science is one of the highest paid PhD degrees, and it can help you develop an in-depth understanding of how to apply advanced computer science theories. You will likely take courses that cover topics such as databases, computer systems, and artificial intelligence.
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In a world that relies heavily on technology, a PhD in Computer Science can lead to a variety of lucrative careers. Some graduates go on to work as computer research scientists, developing new hardware and making adjustments to old ones. Others use their skills to help companies improve their existing computer systems.
PhD in Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineer
Annual Median Pay: $105,550
Job Outlook: 9%
Most doctoral programs in chemical engineering take a research-based approach toward foundational chemical engineering information.
Like most PhD programs, you will likely be asked to conduct research into a specific area of interest, complete a thesis, and present your findings to a panel for review. Depending on your specialty, a chemical engineering doctorate degree can often prepare you for careers in environmental protection, health and safety, and resource management.
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For example, some graduates pursue careers as biotechnologists or chemical engineers, using what they know about living organisms to improve existing medical technology or transform raw materials into effective products.
PhD in Economics
Economists
Annual Median Pay: $105,630
Job Outlook: 13%
Doctoral economics candidates receive extensive schooling around econometrics and economic theory. You can also select a specific area of interest on which to focus your research. For example, you might choose to conduct research into production and organizations, antitrust issues and policies, or regulation and industrial policy.
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Since a doctoral economics program can leave you with a deep understanding of foundational economic principles, graduates in this field can prove essential to many businesses. Economists, for instance, analyze data and trends and prepare reports that help companies make plans for the future.
PhD in Information Assurance
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Annual Median Pay: $159,010
Job Outlook: 11%
This degree falls under the umbrella of information and technology, and it centers around learning how to protect digital information. While earning your PhD in Information Assurance, you will typically cover topics like software engineering, operating systems, and theoretical computer science.
As an information and security analyst, your job would be to protect a company’s computer systems from harm. Because many companies have digital information that they would like to keep confidential and safe from hackers, this doctorate degree might be considered one of the most useful PhD degrees.
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Those with a doctorate in this area may go on to work in research or academia. They might also go on to become chief information security officers.
PhD in Electrical Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Annual Median Pay: $101,780
Job Outlook: 7%
Electrical engineering is concerned with the technology of electricity, such as the design of new systems and equipment. During your time as a PhD student in electrical engineering, you’ll also select an area of focus around which you will conduct your research, such as solid-state devices or wireless communications.
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Many graduates of a doctoral program in electrical engineering go on to become electrical engineers, developing and supervising the creation of electrical equipment. Others choose to pursue careers in computer and research science, holding high-paying roles in positions such as machine learning engineers.
PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Annual Median Pay: $102,270
Job Outlook: 5%
In a doctoral biochemistry and molecular biology program, you can conduct extensive molecular research driven by hypothesis.
You will likely use both model organisms as well as human specimens in your research, and you can choose to specialize in an area that aligns with your career goals. An advanced degree in this area can prepare you for a variety of careers within the health sciences and biomedical fields.
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Some graduates become microbiologists, conducting research into viruses and parasites. Others work as medical scientists, developing new procedures and vaccines. This degree often leads to innovative work that can benefit large communities of people.
PhD in Statistics
Statisticians
Annual Median Pay: $95,570
Job Outlook: 35%
During the course of a doctoral program in statistics, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to become a leader in statistical research.
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This means that you can choose an area to focus your research on, and you’ll have the chance to contribute your findings to the academic community in the form of a dissertation. Students who graduate with their doctorate in statistics often pursue roles in academia. This is also one of the useful degrees for preparing to work in research companies, helping to analyze and interpret data.
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Annual Median Pay: $97,410
Job Outlook: 6%
Biomedical engineering combines biology and engineering principles and applies them to medical issues. You can learn how to care for medical equipment, and you may conduct research to develop new equipment as well. After earning your doctorate degree in biomedical engineering, you may qualify for an advanced career in healthcare, research, or academia.
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Some graduates choose to pursue biomedical engineering and work to improve the safety and efficacy of various biomedical equipment. Others may choose to become research scientists, conducting experiments and analyzing their findings.
PhD in Pharmacology
Medical Scientists
Annual Median Pay: $95,310
Job Outlook: 17%
A doctoral program in pharmacology is intended to prepare you for a job in the pharmacology industry. You can study different drugs and how they affect various bodily systems, and you’ll also explore subjects like human physiology and medical pharmacology.
You can typically enter the field of medical sciences with a doctorate in pharmacology. Some graduates become pharmacologists and use their skills to develop new drugs and conduct further research into how specific drugs react in our bodies.
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If you are passionate about educating others, you might pursue a career as a medical writer and publish informational documents about specific drugs.
PhD in Engineering
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Annual Median Pay: $152,350
Job Outlook: 4%
A PhD in Engineering program typically starts by asking you to pick a topic of emphasis. Biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and energy systems are just a few examples of the areas that you might choose to focus on. The positions available to you after graduation will depend on your area of expertise.
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If you are interested in transportation, you might consider becoming a civil engineer, designing major infrastructure projects. Maybe would like to combine your understanding of multiple disciplines to come up with innovative solutions to some of our pressing environmental problems. A PhD in Engineering Management is one of the highest paying PhD degrees.
PhD in Immunology
Microbiologists
Annual Median Pay: $79,260
Job Outlook: 5%
Students who pursue a doctorate degree in immunology can develop an advanced understanding of the immune system and its role in defense from infection and disease.
Should you choose to earn your PhD in this subject, you will have the opportunity to conduct and contribute research to the world of academic medicine. An advanced understanding of how our immune system functions can be helpful in a variety of medical science fields.
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You might want to work in a lab and analyze the results of experiments involving various parasites or pursue a career in a medical office as a medical scientist.
PhD in Psychology
Psychologists
Annual Median Pay: $81,040
Job Outlook: 8%
A PhD in Psychology will allow you to choose a specialty within the field on which to concentrate your research and studies. Some concentration options include counseling, school, or forensic psychology.
In each of these areas, you can explore the application of foundational psychology practices in a specific environment. Depending on your concentration, a doctorate in psychology can lead to a variety of career options.
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Some graduates open up their own private practices and meet with clients in office settings. Others work as school psychologists, helping to counsel children with mental and behavioral disorders.
PhD in Organic Chemistry
Materials Scientists
Annual Median Pay: $100,090
Job Outlook: 4%
A doctorate in organic chemistry is a notoriously rigorous yet rewarding path, and it can provide you the opportunity to take courses and conduct research around organic chemicals. During your studies, you will likely study topics like synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry, and medicinal chemistry.
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A PhD in Organic Chemistry can often lead to jobs in research or academia. Additionally, it can pave the way toward leadership roles, such as laboratory managers or research and development directors.
Different Types of Doctorate Degrees
There are many types of doctorate degrees that you can earn. A solid understanding of your personal career aspirations can help you determine which advanced degree is the right one for your needs.
- Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.): Earning a DBA is strategic for those who are hoping to lead a business one day. You can learn what makes a business successful as well as what can lead it to failure.
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): If you are interested in creating change or pursuing leadership roles within education, then you may want to earn your EdD. You can have the opportunity to use existing research to work through different issues in the world of education, including implementing and analyzing new and existing programs.
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH): If your goal is to enter into a leadership role within public health or policy, pursuing your DrPH may be the right path for you. You can examine existing public health systems and learn the skills needed to make improvements and develop new programs.
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW): A DSW can help prepare you to engage in life-changing work impacting marginalized populations. You can learn how to evaluate different social work programs and implement social change on large and small scales.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): This degree is one of the most recognizable terminal degrees out there, and it is beneficial for anyone who is eager to contribute research to a specific field. A PhD often leads to a career in academia or research, a strategic choice for anyone hoping to become a professor or an established research scientist.
- Doctor of Theology (Th.D.): The completion of a ThD can prepare individuals for roles in academia, analyzing and researching religious topics. A ThD is also commonly earned by members of the clergy. You can learn to conduct research around different faith-based subjects and analyze historical religious texts.
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.): An MD focuses on applying medical knowledge to help treat patients. After earning this degree and passing a licensure exam, you could be qualified to practice medicine.
Because every doctorate program is unique, it’s beneficial to conduct research into your specific programs of interest before applying.
Accreditation
In order to let applicants know that the educational programs they offer are legitimate, colleges and universities can elect to undergo a review process to become accredited.
Attending a regionally accredited institution is beneficial for several reasons. For starters, it means that the program you attend will meet high academic standards. So, you can be confident that you’re learning the necessary skills for your field of study. Additionally, future employers often look for graduates of accredited programs because they trust the quality of their training and preparation.
You can check if your schools of interest are regionally accredited by visiting the US Department of Education’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
You can apply for federal financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA.
The amount of monetary assistance you are eligible for will be determined by factors such as your financial need and your enrollment status. In addition to federal aid, many states offer financial assistance as well. The eligibility requirements differ between states, so it’s necessary to check the specific details for your state of residence.
There are even companies that offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefits plan. You can ask your employer for information specific to your place of work. Finally, scholarship opportunities are another source of financial aid. These are often offered by universities as well as public and private organizations.
What Is a Doctorate Degree?
A doctorate degree is a term used to describe a myriad of different degrees of the highest academic level. There are two types of doctorate degrees: academic and professional.
An academic doctorate, sometimes called a research doctorate, focuses on contributing new information to your field of study. Doctorate degree titles in this category include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Theology (ThD).
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A professional doctorate, or an applied doctorate, revolves around learning how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. These include degrees like Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Optometry (OD), and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).
Is a PhD a Doctorate Degree?
A PhD is a type of doctorate degree. It stands for Doctor of Philosophy, but it is applicable to degrees in a variety of fields outside of philosophy.
PhD programs are usually research-heavy and focus on producing new knowledge in your field of study. Every university offers their own unique PhD programs, but some common categories include education, business and commerce, engineering, and science.
Can You Get Your Doctorate Without a Masters?
While the traditional path to a doctorate begins with earning your bachelors degree and your masters degree, there are alternate roads to a PhD.
If you are hoping to enroll in a PhD program without a masters degree, you will often be required to hold a bachelor’s degree in a similar field of study. This process generally consists of applying for an MPhil, submitting an outline for your thesis, and beginning your research as a PhD student.
There are now a number of universities that offer PhD without a masters degree. Admissions criteria vary between universities, so it is beneficial to check the doctoral program requirements before applying.
What Are the Highest Paying PhD Jobs?
Earning a PhD can help you qualify for a variety of high-earning careers, depending on your field of expertise. Here are some of the highest paying jobs that require or benefit from a PhD, along with their median annual salaries from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Political Scientists: $122,510
- Economists: $105,630
- Postsecondary Education Administrators: $96,910
- Atmospheric Scientists: $94,570
- Biochemists and Biophysicists: $102,270
While many PhD graduates go on to lucrative careers, holding a terminal degree does not guarantee a specific position or salary.
What Are the Most In Demand PhD Degrees?
While there are benefits to following your passion as you pursue your PhD, it can also be helpful to have an understanding of which degrees are in high demand. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some in-demand PhD degrees along with related career information:
| Degree | Related Career | Annual Median Salary | Job Outlook |
| PhD in Computer Science | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $131,490 | 22% |
| PhD in Nursing | Nurse Practitioners | $120,680 | 52% |
| PhD in Statistics | Statisticians | $95,570 | 35% |
Although jobs are expanding in these areas, there is still competition to earn positions, and earning a degree does not guarantee employment.
Is a Doctorate Worth It?
Yes, a doctorate is worth it for many professionals. Because doctoral programs are focused intensely on one area of study, candidates often become a contributing voice in their field of expertise. This may lead to fulfilling jobs that can benefit their community and align with their passions.
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Employers in many different fields are searching for candidates who have specialized expertise and experience. There’s also projected job growth for management positions as well as academic positions. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% job growth for postsecondary teachers over the next ten years, which is faster than average.
Getting Your Doctoral Degree Online
Earning your doctorate can create the opportunity for you to explore your passion, conduct significant research, and become part of an academic community.
Many professionals who complete a doctoral program go on to become leaders in their fields by contributing their unique set of skills and knowledge. Earning a professional doctorate can help you pursue career advancement in your field of choice, while a PhD is strategic for pursuing positions in research and academia.
A number of accredited universities also offer online doctoral programs, allowing you to better balance your studies with other work and life responsibilities. If you are interested in developing advanced expertise in your field, why not start researching accredited doctoral degree programs and learn how to get a PhD online today?
