The highest paying bachelor degrees are usually the most sought-after degrees due to their consistent demand for specialized skills and reputation for steady financial success.
The acquired skills that come with earning these degrees are greatly admired amongst employers and often allow individuals to swiftly secure a job with consistent financial earnings.
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Some of the most lucrative degrees may require additional training or hands-on experience, but it can be rewarding. Devoting time and effort to earning a bachelor’s degree can help you meet your career goals and have success in your field.
Highest Paying Bachelor Degrees
When researching some of the highest paying majors, it is crucial to be mindful of important details, such as median salaries and job growth.
This can help you find a career that is not only high-paying but also offers the stability you need to reap those benefits. Undergraduates who wish to improve their employment in many of these fields are often encouraged to pursue master’s degrees. It is not uncommon for one to enter their chosen field with a bachelor’s degree to gain some experience before attending grad school.
The following list shows a selection of some of the bachelor degrees that pay the most on average. We’ve also included career possibilities and statistics for each one. This list was created with stats from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Pharmacy
- Computer Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
- Operations Management & Information Systems
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Accounting
- Industrial Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Physics
- Systems Engineering
- Finance
- Computer Science
Exploring your options may help you determine which academic path is right for you.
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $78,390
Annual Median Salary: $130,850
Job Growth: 8% (As fast as average)
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface. Petroleum engineering is a more specialized branch of engineering than more well-known disciplines, like civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Petroleum engineers often spend their time on-site at wells and drilling sites and may have to travel the world to visit overseas drilling sites and wells. Topics commonly studied for a degree in petroleum engineering include thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, the strength of engineering materials, and wells and drilling procedure.
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You’ll likely participate in senior projects and internships as well to give you hands-on experience. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering are field engineer, drilling engineer, reservoir engineer, performance analyst, and project engineer.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists
Entry-level Salary per year: $76,840
Annual Median Salary: $128,570
Job Growth: -2% (Decline)
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They spend much of their time conducting health screenings, giving immunizations, and reviewing and approving medications.
Classes for a degree in pharmacy typically include general scientific subjects, like biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. They usually include specialized subjects, like physiological chemistry, antibiotics, and biotechnology, as well. Mathematical topics, like calculus and statistics, are typically required also.
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Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy are community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, pharmacist technician, and medical research scientist.
Computer Engineering
Computer Hardware Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $77,100
Annual Median Salary: $128,170
Job Growth: 2% (Slower than average)
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components. They usually work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models. Most work in computer systems design services and in manufacturing.
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Common topics studied for a degree in computer engineering include electronics, computer organization, circuit analysis, digital systems design, and advanced computer architecture. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering are technical support specialist, computer programmer, and forensic computer analyst.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $77,440
Annual Median Salary: $122,270
Job Growth: 8% (As fast as average)
Aerospace engineers design different types of aircraft and spacecraft. Some even design satellites and missiles. They also test prototypes of these designs to make sure they function properly.
Classes associated with aerospace engineering include a variety of mathematical and scientific subjects. Common topics studied are aerospace structures, aircraft design, aerodynamics, propulsion, spacecraft design, compressible flow, and feedback control systems.
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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, while not required, can be beneficial for your success. This certification represents your understanding of theoretical design principles within aerospace engineering. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering are mission specialist, drafter, inspector and compliance officer, and spacecraft designer.
Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $75,460
Annual Median Salary: $120,380
Job Growth: -8% (Decline)
Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation.
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Topics commonly studied in a degree in nuclear engineering include fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. There may be hands-on experience offered through capstone projects and cooperative-education engineering programs. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering are radiation measurement specialist, nuclear methods engineer, and nuclear safety engineer.
Information Technology
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers
Entry-level Salary per year: $65,210
Annual Median Salary: $110,140
Job Growth: 22% (Much faster than average)
Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects. Degree programs in information technology typically include a focus on network administration and network security as well as introductions to IT, computing, and programming fundamentals.
Experience and education often lead to increased earning potential. Though certification is not required to enter this profession, it may help you demonstrate your skills and experience to employers. Additionally, employers often require IT specialists to have expertise with specific products.
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Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in information technology are information technology consultant, computer forensic analyst, and computer network architect.
Software Engineering
Information Security Analysts
Entry-level Salary per year: $61,520
Annual Median Salary: $102,600
Job Growth: 33% (Much faster than average)
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Topics commonly studied for a degree in software engineering include discrete math, operating systems, programming languages, and software architecture, development, and design.
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Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in software engineering are game developer, information systems manager, IT consultant, and multimedia programmer.
Operations Management & Information Systems
Information Security Analysts
Entry-level Salary per year: $61,520
Annual Median Salary: $102,600
Job Growth: 33% (Much faster than average)
Information security analysts are responsible for protecting organizations’ computer networks and systems. They plan and carry out security measures in order to prevent cyber attacks.
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Topics commonly studied for a degree in operations management and information systems include enterprise architecture, data resource management, cyber security, and data mining. Some other jobs that can be pursued with this degree are computer and information systems manager, computer systems analyst, computer programmer, and operations research analyst.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $62,360
Annual Median Salary: $101,780
Job Growth: 7% (As fast as average)
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment. Preparation for a career in this field typically includes a lot studies in the physical sciences and mathematics.
Topics commonly studied for a degree in electrical engineering include circuit analysis, electric power engineering, signals and systems, control systems, and integrated circuits. Some courses may even include specialized topics, like antenna theory or analog systems.
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Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering are automotive engineer, controls engineer, technical writer, systems engineer, and network architect.
Engineering Management
Construction Managers
Entry-level Salary per year: $60,050
Annual Median Salary: $98,890
Job Growth: 11% (Faster than average)
Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. Construction managers may have a main office, but they typically spend most of their time in a field office onsite. From there, they can monitor projects and make decisions about construction activities.
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Topics commonly studied for a degree in engineering management include manufacturing, quality control and reliability, operations research, production planning, and inventory control. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in engineering management are engineering project manager, cost systems analyst, and industrial management engineer.
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $60,580
Annual Median Salary: $98,300
Job Growth: 8% (As fast as average)
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products. Topics commonly studied for a degree in mechanical engineering include design and manufacturing, dynamics and controls, mechanics, and thermal sciences.
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Licensing is often required for careers in this field. All states require engineers who offer their services directly to the public to be licensed. Most states require engineering interns to be certified. Requirements vary by state. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering are automotive engineer, maintenance engineer, marine engineer, and HVAC engineer.
Biomedical Engineering
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $60,680
Annual Median Salary: $97,410
Job Growth: 6% (As fast as average)
Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.
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Common topics studied in biomedical engineering include organic chemistry, biomedical computing, cell and tissue behavior, quantitative physiology, and biomedical technology. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering are rehabilitation engineer, biomedical engineering consultant, and bioengineering researcher.
Chemical Engineering
Environmental Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $59,820
Annual Median Salary: $96,820
Job Growth: 4% (Slower than average)
Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.
Topics commonly studied for a degree in chemical engineering include polymer science, bioengineering, sustainable energy, experimental biology, and biomechanics. For a more specialized approach, some classes may include nanotechnology or thermal engineering. Those with a degree in chemical engineering rarely need to be licensed, but it can lead to enhanced job prospects.
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To obtain licensure, candidates typically need to complete 4 years of work experience, pass a state examination, and hold a degree from an accredited engineering program. Licensing requirements vary by state. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering are manufacturing engineer, materials engineer, chemical engineer, and production manager.
Accounting
Personal Financial Advisors
Entry-level Salary per year: $47,570
Annual Median Salary: $94,170
Job Growth: 5% (Slower than average)
Personal financial advisors consult with clients about money-related matters, such as investments, mortgage payments, retirement and estate planning, and college savings.
Common topics studied for a bachelor’s in accounting include tax, auditing, and different types of accounting, such as corporate, financial, forensic, government, and nonprofit accounting. If you’re a U.S. student wanting to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), depending on the state you live in, additional courses and exams may be required.
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Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in accounting are accountant, financial analyst, internal auditor, and forensic accountant.
Industrial Engineering
Industrial Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $60,850
Annual Median Salary: $95,300
Job Growth: 14% (Faster than average)
Industrial engineers devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service. Topics often studied for a degree in industrial engineering include research and optimization techniques, engineering economics, supply chain logistics, and robotics.
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Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering are production engineer, industrial designer, operations analyst, energy auditor, and test technician.
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineers
Entry-level Salary per year: $60,550
Annual Median Salary: $88,050
Job Growth: 8% (As fast as average)
Civil engineers design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects and systems. Topics commonly studied for a degree in structural engineering include calculus, physics, fundamentals of engineering and design, history of construction, and hydrology.
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Other common topics include geology and foundation engineering, structural analysis and concrete structure design, and construction management. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in structural engineering are architectural and engineering manager, construction manager, and environmental engineer.
Physics
Atmospheric Scientists, including Meteorologists
Entry-level Salary per year: $48,600
Annual Median Salary: $94,570
Job Growth: 8% (As fast as average)
Atmospheric scientists study climate and weather and how these things affect people and the earth. They may be responsible for collecting data, developing forecasts, and assessing risks and offering advice in regards to weather events and climate change.
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Topics commonly studied for a degree in physics include chemical principles, differential equations, electricity and magnetism, fundamentals of inorganic chemistry, and general physics. A focus in this major requires strong scientific and mathematical proficiencies. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in physics are design engineer, high school physics teacher, IT consultant, lab technician, and laser engineer.
Systems Engineering
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Entry-level Salary per year: $49,560
Annual Median Salary: $80,600
Job Growth: 5% (Slower than average)
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. Topics commonly studied for a degree in systems engineering include calculus, linear algebra, physics, fundamentals of engineering, statics and mechanics, and project management.
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Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering are government consultant, manufacturing manager, quality manager, and cyber security analyst.
Finance
Financial Analysts
Entry-level Salary per year: $48,740
Annual Median Salary: $81,410
Job Growth: 6% (As fast as average)
People with finance degrees are needed in the business world to help companies and individuals make guided financial decisions. Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit.
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Topics often studied for a degree in finance include corporate finance, managerial accounting practices, human resources, organizational change, statistics, and business ethics and law. Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in finance are commercial banker, financial advisor, auditor, and impact investing analyst.
Computer Science
Web Developers and Digital Designers
Entry-level Salary per year: $40,750
Annual Median Salary: $77,200
Job Growth: 13% (Faster than average)
Web developers create and maintain websites while also testing website and interface layouts, functions, and navigation for usability. Topics often studied for a degree in computer science include college algebra, discrete math, algorithms, programming, and database analysis.
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Some other jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in computer science include systems analyst, product manager, network architect, software engineer, and software tester.
Accreditation
To help ensure you are receiving a quality education, it is important to research accredited programs that are offered through the institutions you are interested in applying to.
Regional accreditation is a sign that a school is meeting education standards. Having a degree with regional accreditation will help show employers that you earned your skills from a place that provides quality education and values thoughtful guidance.
Many schools will not accept transfer credits from non-accredited programs. Taking the time to find an accredited institution will be beneficial if you wish to continue your education or change schools. You are also more likely to qualify for financial aid if you are attending a regionally accredited institution.
To check the accreditation status of a school, you can visit their website or check the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in any field can typically be used to your advantage and open the door to a new career. The highest paying bachelor degrees can help equip you with the experience and knowledge needed to progress in a career field with stability and demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that many bachelor degrees that pay well also require additional work experience in a related occupation to advance further. The most useful college degrees can be a stepping stone toward pursuing education at the masters level and beyond.
What Degrees Make the Most Money?
There are many high paying jobs that require the completion of a bachelor’s degree or some form of education at the postsecondary level.
Here are some examples of those careers and their median salaries that you can review as you consider which lucrative degree you would like to pursue. All career and salary data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers |
$128,170 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $127,530 |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $122,270 |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers |
$110,140 |
| Actuaries | $105,900 |
| Economists | $105,630 |
| Registered Nurses | $77,600 |
| Loan Officers | $63,380 |
Many lucrative degrees can help you qualify for specialized roles within your field of study, which may lead to a raise in pay over time. While additional training is often needed for some of these, a bachelor’s degree can often be a great starting point for entry into these career fields.
What Are the Highest Paying Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree?
Earning a bachelor’s degree can help you pursue your career goals. Depending on which major you study, you can seek out some of the highest paying jobs that exist in today’s market.
Here are some of the highest paying jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree and their median annual salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Chief Executives: $179,520
- Marketing Managers: $135,030
- Petroleum Engineers: $130,850
- Computer Hardware Engineers: $128,170
- Compensation and Benefits Managers: $127,530
- Sales Managers: $127,490
- Aerospace Engineers: $122,270
- Physical Scientists: $104,100
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers: $101,780
- Materials Scientists: $100,090
Some of the most lucrative degrees can help give you a solid foundation to pursue high paying jobs because they are designed to equip you with skills that are useful in a variety of positions. If your goal is to earn one of the job titles listed above, then earning your bachelor’s degree is a step in the right direction.
Most of the majors on this list offer the most lucrative masters degrees as well.
How Can I Make 100k a Year with a Bachelor’s Degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are many high paying jobs that can be pursued with the highest paying undergraduate degrees. These careers may include a handsome median salary due to the skills required for each position.
- Financial Managers: $131,710
- Sales Managers: $127,490
- Actuaries: $105,900
- Economists: $105,630
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects: $93,370
If you want to increase the chances of earning a higher salary after graduation, you can research the additional skills and certifications needed for your specific career goals. The more knowledge you can bring to your position, the more valuable you may be to employers and organizations.
Getting Your Bachelor’s Degree Online
Getting a bachelor’s degree is worth it for many students. The top paying bachelor degrees often come with experience and guidance that can greatly boost your potential as you navigate your career goals.
A number of universities offer online bachelor’s degree programs, making it convenient for students with other life responsibilities to earn a college degree.
Many of the highest paying majors require a bachelor’s degree, so it is important to research accredited programs that best suit your needs. This can help you successfully complete the requirements for your future career.
You can take the first step toward your new career by researching accredited degree programs, career options, and salary potential and start applying today!
