Most college students want to pursue a field of study that will lead them to a job within their chosen career path. When choosing a major, college students must consider what job would provide them with personal and professional fulfillment, but also what career path and field of study will lead to an acceptable salary?
When considering the cost of college versus the possible earnings after graduation, prospective students may prioritize choosing a major that will teach them a highly specialized skill set that will lead to a high-paying career.
So, what are the best-paying college majors today? According to a tool about labor market outcomes for recent college graduates maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, engineering majors have the greatest early-career incomes.
The 40 highest-paying college majors are:
- Computer Science
Average Salary: $70,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Web Developer
2. Electrical Engineering
Average Salary: $68,438
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Electrical Engineer, Systems Engineer, Software Developer
3. Mechanical Engineering
Average Salary: $68,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Project Engineer
4. Chemical Engineering
Average Salary: $65,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Project Engineer
5. Industrial Engineering
Average Salary: $64,381
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Industrial Engineer, Quality Engineer, Production Planner
6. Information Technology
Average Salary:$64,008
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Programmer Analyst, Technical Support, Systems Engineer
7. Civil Engineering
Average Salary: $61,500
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Field Engineer
8. Statistics
Average Salary: $60,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Data Analyst, Statistician, Data Scientist
9. Nursing
Average Salary: $58,928
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Case Manager
10. Management Information Systems
Average Salary: $58,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Network Administrator, Help Desk Analyst, Business Analyst
11. Finance
Average Salary: $54,900
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Financial Analyst, Investment Banking Analyst, Accountant
12. Mathematics
Average Salary: 54,018
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Math Teacher, Software Engineer, Data Analyst
13. Biomedical Engineering
Average Salary: $52,814
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Biomedical Engineer, Service Engineer, Clinical Research Associate
14. Accounting
Average Salary: $52,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst
15. Economics
Average Salary: $52,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Financial Analyst, Management Analyst, Accountant
16. Physics
Average Salary: $50,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Physicist, Research Fellow, Computer Programmer
17. Biotechnology
Average Salary: $50,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Analyst, Research Associate
18. Architecture
Average Salary: $50,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Architect, CAD Designer, Project Designer
19. Fashion Design
Average Salary: $50,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Stylist
20. Business
Average Salary: $47,850
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Account Manager, Marketing Manager, Market Research Analyst
21. International Relations
Average Salary: $45,880
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Marketing Associate, English Teacher, Research Assistant
22. Graphic Design
Average Salary: $45,846
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Art Manager
23. Marketing
Average Salary: $45,475
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Marketing Coordinator, Account Executive, Marketing Analyst
24. English
Average Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: English Teacher, Editor, Copywriter
25. Political Science
Average Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Law Clerk, Paralegal, Consultant
26. History
Average Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Research Assistant, History Teacher, Teaching Assistant
27. Human Resources
Average Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: HR Coordinator, Corporate Recruiter, HR Analyst
28. Journalism
Average Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Reporter, Editor, Public Relations Coordinator
29. Advertising
Average Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Account Executive, Marketing Analyst, Media Planner
30. Philosophy
Average Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Teaching Assistant, Writer, Consultant
31. Environmental Science
Average Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Environmental Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Safety Manager
32. Social Science
Average Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: HR Assistant, Management Consultant, Visual Merchandiser
33. Spanish
Average Salary: $44,256
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Spanish Teacher, Spanish Translator, Project Manager
34. Communications
Average Salary: $44,190
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Public Relations Coordinator, Journalist, Content Marketing Manager
35. Interior Design
Average Salary: $44,098
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Interior Designer, Visual Merchandiser, Drafter
36. Chemistry
Median Base Salary: $44,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Pharmacy Technician, Chemist, Laboratory Technician
37. Music
Average Salary: $44,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Music Teacher, Audio Engineer, Media Sales
38. Film Studies
Average Salary: $44,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Production Coordinator, Video Editor, Proposal Manager
39. Public Relations
Average Salary: $43,156
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Public Relations Coordinator, Account Executive, Event Planner
40. Sports Management
Average Salary: $43,156
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Personal Trainer, Sales Associate, Production Assistant
The highest-paying majors are all in engineering, but there are profitable opportunities in many other academic fields as well. No matter what you choose for your major, if you are entrepreneurial and creative, then you can create a professional career that maximizes your earning potential.
Learnt’s tutors can work with you to personalize your learning strategy and supplement your studies. We connect you with the best tutors in your area so you can get help studying for an exam or learning concepts in a challenging subject. Whether you're studying for Engineering, or need assistance in topics like Algebra, Physics, or Social Studies, we have tutors who can assist you now. Because the best way to achieve the job of your dreams is to succeed in your studies.
