Like most college graduates, you want a return on your investment. Why spend years in college if you’re not going to make money when you finish? There is a certain level of uncertainty when it comes to finding work after college. But to lessen the uncertainty, you can choose one of the highest paying college majors.
In this article, we list the 10 best bachelor’s degrees by salary. These degrees yield the highest paying jobs. Most of the highest paying bachelor’s degrees are in engineering and information technology. We discuss the median annual salary for both early- and mid-career professionals. Read on for more information on the best paying 4 year degrees.
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Best Bachelor Degree Salary Methodology
To determine which bachelor’s degrees offer the best earnings potential, we reviewed PayScale’s most recent College Salary Report. We also looked at BLS data to find highest paying 4 year degrees. We listed the top 10 highest paying bachelor’s degrees in increasing order by mid-career salary. Mid-career salaries indicate 10 or more years of experience in the field.
In the event of a tie, the bachelor’s degree with the higher early career median salary ranks higher on the list. The bachelor’s degree in our #1 spot offers the highest salary potential for mid-career earners. Check out the mid career salaries for high-paying majors and find out what jobs you can get after you earn your degree.
#10 – Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering
- Early Career Salary: $63,000
- Mid-Career Salary: $126,880
Majoring in aeronautical or aerospace engineering offers a strong median annual salary, especially at the mid-career range. To work in the field, you need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
The nature of the job calls for technical skills and knowledge of the aerospace industry. Most aeronautical engineers do many different tasks. They design aircraft. This includes missiles, satellites, and spacecraft. It also includes airplanes and jets.
They make sure prototypes are safe and function according to design. Some projects require security clearance, such as those related to national defense. For these jobs, highly-skilled engineers work for government agencies.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 6% job growth through 2032 for aerospace engineers. Industries focusing on noise pollution and fuel efficiency will help sustain demand for research in this field. College grads looking for work in these industries should find the best job prospects.
#9 – Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
- Early Career Salary: $69,600
- Mid-Career Salary: $132,360
The first step to becoming a computer engineer is to earn a bachelor’s degree in the discipline. In this major, you learn improve your analytical skills and technical training. You study everything from computer science to operating systems. You also spend time learning logic design and other engineering principles. Other areas of study include:
- Computer networks
- Computer systems
- Operations research
Computer engineers work in research laboratories that build different types of computer models. High-tech manufacturing firms also hire computer engineers.
Job Outlook
One of the highest paying bachelor degrees is this type of engineering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects job growth for this field. You can expect to see a 5% growth in jobs over the next decade. Why? Because of growing innovation at the software level. The result is more companies hiring computer engineers.
#8 – Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
- Early Career Salary: $69,100
- Mid-Career Salary: $133,000
Electrical engineering is one of the bachelor degrees with highest salaries and earnings potential. It’s no wonder it has grown in popularity as a major among engineering students. To work in electrical engineering, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering (ECE).
Students majoring in electrical engineering and computers study both computer science and engineering. You take classes that emphasize computer systems and engineering. You study everything from communication systems to manufacturing. Engineering majors also focus on telecommunications and information technology.
ECE is a good degree for aspiring engineering managers who want a strong early career pay.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports little change in employment through the year 2032. Job growth will remain steady with no boom or bust. But if you plan to stand out among competitors, you should earn a graduate degree or gain experience in the field.
#7 – Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communications Engineering
Early Career Salary: $68,000
Mid-Career Salary: $135,000
Electronics and communications engineers work in many different industries. You find them in manufacturing services, research and development, and telecommunications. But to land a job in this field, you need a bachelor’s degree.
As an engineering major, you learn how to help with testing and overseeing electrical equipment and communication systems. You study many engineering principles. Electronics engineering programs teach you everything from how to work on mechanical devices to software engineering. This major can lead to a strong median annual salary of 135k.
Job Outlook
A 5% increase in jobs should occur over the next eight to ten years, according to the BLS. But some industries will expect more growth. Private sectors continue hiring and funding full-time employees who are skilled in electronics and communications.
#6 – Bachelor’s in Nuclear Engineering
Early Career Salary: $68,500
Mid-Career Salary: $136,000
According to market trends, nuclear engineering is a good field to go into for students in search of a high salary for bachelor’s degree career path. This is a good engineering major if you’re interested in research and development.
In this major, students learn how to test the benefits of nuclear energy and radiation. Specialized engineers in this field work in:
- Government agencies
- Medical fields
- Other areas that research radioactive materials
Entry-level jobs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The degree can put you in a good position for a strong median annual salary.
Job Outlook
Compared to the average job outlook of 7% for all engineers, job growth for this occupation is low. You can expect a 1% growth in jobs through 2032. The slow growth comes from anticipated cutbacks. When federal funding gets cut in research and development, growth can slow.
#5 – Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering
Early Career Salary: $71,200
Mid-Career Salary: $136,620
Looking for the highest paying bachelor degrees entry-level jobs? Computer science is a good place to start. As a CS or CSE major, you take courses that prepare you for work in software development and other engineering computer roles. You study more than computer science. Studies focus on what computer network architects do. You also work with computer programs and applications.
When students graduate from a computer science or CSE program, they have strong computer programming skills. Their hands-on experience is an asset to any organization or business administration.
Entry-level jobs earn a strong median annual salary, especially for recent college graduates. Certain industries pay higher wages. Computer science majors find good job prospects in different engineering fields and industries such as:
- Aeronautical engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Electronics engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Materials science
- Mechanical engineering
- Operations research
- Software engineering
Job Outlook
The job outlook for computer scientists is favorable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 23% expected growth in employment through 2032. The industry projects rapid growth in data collection by businesses, which will result in the need to hire data mining specialists. Computer scientists with this expertise will have the best job prospects.
#4 – Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science
Early Career Salary: $60,800
Mid-Career Salary: $139,000
Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to help analyze financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They work for insurance companies and consulting firms. Actuaries also work as part of management teams in accounting, finance, and underwriting departments.
To become an actuary, you need a bachelor’s degree. You must also pass a series of exams to become certified. You should have a strong background in:
- Business administration
- Math
- Statistics
Job Outlook
The pay and job outlook draw students to this major. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for actuaries will grow 23% through 2032. The BLS reports an anticipated 2,300 new jobs created, each year, over the next decade. Great news for those considering this major! You can also expect the industry to offer high paying jobs.
#3 – Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering
Early Career Salary: $69,800
Mid-Career Salary: $141,000
Chemical engineering majors can find good job prospects after graduation. The bachelors degree salary for this job is high.
Chemical engineers apply biology, chemistry, math, and physics to solve problems. They work with chemicals, drugs, and food in labs. They also work in industries that manufacture other products. They spend their time monitoring and directing operations research.
To work as a chemical engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree. Most jobs also require experience working in labs and research. College students can take advantage of internship opportunities while in school. An internship can give you experience before you graduate.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for this career is 8%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS reports 8% growth in jobs through 2032.
#2 – Bachelor’s in Systems Engineering
Early Career Salary: $66,400
Mid-Career Salary: $142,000
Salaries based on degrees such as systems engineering are high-dollar when you have experience. But to get started as systems engineers, you need a bachelor’s degree.
One of the highest paying degrees is in systems engineering. In this major, students gain skills in analysis, design, and modeling of technological systems. Since these jobs exist in many different areas, the program and major covers different engineering subjects. Programs cover topics in:
- Civil engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Information technology
- Mechanical engineering
With experience, you can find employment opportunities in different industries, from communication to transportation. Some even go to work in healthcare or manufacturing, while others work in industrial production plants.
Job Outlook
For entry-level jobs in systems engineering, you need at least a bachelor’s degree. Some employers value practical experience gained from internships or time spent working in labs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports little change in job growth over the next several years. But one can expect a slight uptick in jobs. As industries seek new and innovative ways to contain current costs and improve efficiency, these engineers will be in demand.
#1 – Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering
Early Career Salary: $96,700
Mid-Career Salary: $155,800
The highest paying degrees on our list for both entry-level and mid-career median annual salary is petroleum engineering. With a bachelor’s degree and experience, you can enjoy high early career pay after college.
These highly trained engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas deposits from beneath the Earth’s surface. Petroleum engineers work in research labs. They also spend time outdoors overseeing drilling sites. If the field sounds like a good fit, you should consider it as a major since it is one of the highest paying bachelor’s degrees.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for petroleum engineers is projected to grow through 2032, but only a little. You should see a 2% growth in jobs. Oil prices determine job growth. Higher prices can increase hiring of engineers. But the market changes and isn’t stable.
Other High-Paying Jobs to Consider
There are other degrees to consider that lead to high-paying jobs. You can earn six figures as your median annual salary. Some of the highest paying degrees can lead to work as:
- Biomedical engineering scientists
- Biotech sales managers
- Financial managers
- Human resources managers
- Information technology managers
- Industrial engineers
- Information security analysts
- Software developers
- Software engineers
- Supply chain management experts
Frequently Asked Questions
Are computer science degrees worth it?
As stated above, computer science degrees can lead to a high median annual salary. If pay is important to you, and you like computers, majoring in computer science might be a good choice. Computer science majors can find work as:
- Architectural engineers
- Computer scientists
- Industrial engineers
- Nuclear engineers
- Software developers
- Software engineers
A computer science degree is versatile. But it takes hard work. Accompanied with an engineering background, you can find work in any industry.
Are there high paying jobs in business administration?
Yes. There are high paying jobs in business, but you won’t find the highest paying jobs in this field. You find those in engineering, computers, and science. But a job in business administration can offer a high median annual salary. These jobs include:
- Financial analysts
- Management analysts
- Personal financial advisors
- Project management specialists
Does a mathematics degree offer a high median annual salary?
Math teaches you how to think and analyze. You learn more than how to solve complex math problems as a math major. The skills you learn can help you land jobs in different industries doing unique tasks.
A bachelor’s degree in mathematics can help you qualify for jobs in business administration or operations research. You can do anything that requires critical thinking and analytical skills. Some math graduates find work in cognitive science, actuarial science, or computer science.
You can earn a minor or take classes in another area of interest. Many math majors take engineering courses. A mathematics degree can help you find high paying careers as:
- Aerospace engineers
- Industrial engineers
- Petroleum engineers
- Software developers
- Software engineers
How much money can you make in industrial engineering?
Industrial engineers earn a median annual salary of $96,350, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering can help you qualify for some of the highest paying jobs in this industry.
Industrial engineers work in different areas of engineering, including industrial systems. But you don’t have to only work in industrial engineering. You can find work in materials science and research. You can even find jobs in consulting. Consulting jobs hire industrial engineers, and they offer a good median annual salary. You can find jobs in fields such as:
- Civil engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Operations research
- Software engineering
Consider industrial engineering as you search for the highest paying bachelor’s degrees. But remember, the bachelor degree jobs salary does vary depending on which major you choose.
Related Resources:
- 20 Cheapest Online Electrical Engineering Degree Programs
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- Top 30 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering Degrees
- Ultimate Guide to Science and Engineering Degrees and Careers