College Majors with the Highest Salaries

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:

  1. 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

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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.