Highest Paying Majors: Top Degrees for Big Salaries
Choosing the right college major can significantly impact how much you earn throughout your career. If you're aiming to maximize your salary, this guide explores the 10 highest paying majors that lead to the top-paying jobs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), people with a bachelor’s degree earn a median weekly salary of $1,432, compared to just $853 for those with only a high school diploma. That’s a difference of nearly $30,000 per year. Furthermore, the unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders is significantly lower—just 2.6% compared to 5.4% for those without a college degree.
But not all college degrees lead to equal earning potential. Some fields of study lead to six-figure salaries early in your career, while others take longer to provide significant financial returns. Whether you’re a prospective college student or considering a career change, knowing which highest paying college majors have the highest earning potential can help guide your decision.
So, which majors will put you on the path to financial success? Let’s explore the 10 highest paying degrees that can lead you to a financially rewarding career.
10 Highest Paying Majors
While every major offers unique opportunities, some fields stand out for consistently leading to high-paying jobs across various industries. These best paying majors often focus on in-demand skills, technical expertise, and leadership capabilities that employers are eager to reward.
Below, we explore the highest paying majors, the skills they help you develop, and the careers they unlock. Each major is paired with key job roles, salary ranges, and insights to help you take the next step toward a rewarding career.
1. Engineering
Engineering remains one of the most lucrative and versatile majors, offering pathways into various high-demand industries. As an engineering major, you’ll build problem-solving skills, master mathematics and science, and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
Specializations in engineering, including chemical, mechanical, and aerospace, unlock diverse career opportunities. These roles offer competitive starting salaries and substantial growth potential as you gain experience.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor's in engineering include:
- Chemical engineer: Work on the development of products like fuels, pharmaceuticals, and food. Typical salaries range from $84,721 to $140,489 annually.
- Aerospace engineer: Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites, earning between $71,976 and $144,510 per year.
- Petroleum engineer: Optimize the extraction of oil and gas to meet global energy demands. Salaries average around $72,506 to $144,426 annually.
Browse engineering jobs on Monster.
2. Computer Science
A computer science degree prepares you for some of the highest-paying and most in-demand jobs in the tech industry. You’ll study programming languages, software development, data structures, and algorithms, gaining the technical expertise needed to solve complex problems in innovative ways. With this high paying degree, you’ll develop analytical and critical thinking skills that make you valuable across industries.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor's in computer science include:
- Software developer: Build and maintain applications that power modern life. Salaries typically fall between $100,442 and $173,236 per year.
- Information assurance analyst: Protect organizations from cyber threats, earning between $102,207 and $136,528 annually.
- Data scientist: Analyze large datasets to uncover actionable insights for businesses, with salaries ranging from $92,370 to $184,657 per year.
Browse computer science jobs on Monster.
3. Business Administration and Management
A degree in business administration equips you with foundational skills in leadership, strategy, and organizational operations. Courses typically cover topics such as finance, marketing, human resources, and operations management. With this high paying major you’ll be ready for managerial roles and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor's in business administration include:
- General and operations manager: Manage daily business operations to improve efficiency and drive profitability, earning between $78,187 and $171,556 annually.
- Construction manager: Lead construction projects from planning to completion, with salaries ranging from $69,657 to $137,225 per year.
- Facilities manager: Manage and maintain physical spaces for organizations, earning approximately $73,109 to $156,672 annually.
Browse business administration jobs on Monster.
Let Recruiters Find You!
4. Finance
A degree in finance equips you with analytical skills and a deep understanding of financial systems, investment strategies, and risk management. Through coursework in economics, accounting, and data analysis, you’ll learn to make informed decisions that drive profitability and growth. Finance majors are sought after in industries like banking, insurance, and corporate finance.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor's in finance include:
- Financial manager: Oversee an organization's financial health and strategy. Salaries typically range from $119,402 to $205,849 annually.
- Actuary: Analyze financial risks using mathematics and statistics, earning between $76,125 and $159,487 per year.
- Financial risk specialist: Assess and mitigate risks for organizations, with salaries averaging $69,499 to $137,007 annually.
Browse finance jobs on Monster.
5. Marketing
Marketing degrees combine creativity with strategic thinking, preparing you to build campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive business growth. You’ll gain skills in market research, branding, digital marketing, and communication. Marketing majors thrive in dynamic industries where innovation and adaptability are key.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor's in marketing include:
- Marketing manager: Develop and implement marketing strategies, earning between $105,826 and $192,344 annually.
- Advertising manager: Lead advertising campaigns and media planning, with salaries ranging from $93,612 to $186,472 per year.
- Sales manager: Drive sales initiatives and team performance, earning approximately $85,803 to $159,765 annually.
Browse marketing jobs on Monster.
6. Architecture and Engineering Management
A degree in architecture and engineering management blends technical expertise with leadership and project management skills. Students in this major learn about engineering principles, architectural design, and business management, preparing them for leadership roles in construction, manufacturing, and design industries.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor's in architecture and engineering management include:
- Architectural and engineering manager: Oversee projects from concept to completion, earning between $106,881 and $203,771 annually.
- Construction manager: Plan and direct construction projects, earning approximately $69,657 to $137,225 annually.
- Engineering project manager: Coordinate technical teams and manage engineering projects, with salaries ranging from $114,893 to $166,640 per year.
Browse architecture jobs on Monster.
7. Physical Sciences (Including Materials Science and Chemistry)
Physical sciences focus on understanding natural phenomena through rigorous research and experimentation. Students in materials science, chemistry, and related disciplines gain expertise in analyzing the properties of matter and developing innovative materials and processes.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor's in physical sciences include:
- Materials scientist: Research and develop new materials for industrial use, earning between $65,214 and $145,075 annually.
- Chemical engineer: Design and optimize chemical processes, with salaries ranging from $84,721 to $140,489 per year.
- Physical scientist: Conduct research in physics or environmental sciences, earning approximately $89,976 to $148,634 annually.
Browse science jobs on Monster.
8. Health and Biomedical Sciences
Health and biomedical sciences majors focus on improving human health through innovation and research. Coursework includes biology, chemistry, and healthcare management, preparing students for roles that bridge science and healthcare administration.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor’s in health and biomedical sciences include:
- Clinical research associate: Coordinate and oversee clinical trials for new medical treatments, earning approximately $86,780 to $171,210 annually.
- Biomedical engineer: Develop medical devices and technology, with salaries ranging from $66,261 to $136,864 per year.
- Medical dosimetrist: Plan and calculate radiation doses for cancer treatments, earning approximately $89,430 to $165,788 annually.
Browse biomedical jobs on Monster.
9. Communications and Public Relations
A degree in communications and public relations equips students with skills in storytelling, media strategy, and brand management. Through coursework in public speaking, writing, and digital media, students learn to craft compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences and shape public perception.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor's in communications and public relations include:
- Public relations manager: Develop and maintain a positive public image for organizations, earning between $84,397 and $178,997 annually.
- Creative director: Lead the creative vision and strategy for marketing campaigns, branding, and media projects, earning between $57,997 and $168,204 annually.
- Fundraising manager: Lead efforts to secure donations for nonprofits, earning approximately $91,675 to $164,999 annually.
Browse communications jobs and public relations jobs on Monster.
10. Aviation and Aerospace
Majoring in aviation or aerospace prepares students for careers in highly specialized fields that require precision, technical skills, and a strong understanding of engineering and flight systems. Coursework often includes aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and safety protocols.
The best paying jobs with a bachelor's in aviation and aerospace include:
- Airline pilot, co-pilot, or flight engineer: Operate and manage aircraft operations, earning between $110,405 and $236,442 annually.
- Aerospace engineer: Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites, with salaries ranging from $71,976 to $144,510 per year.
- Aviation inspector: Ensure aircraft meet safety and regulatory standards through detailed inspections, earning between $101,984 and $138,733 annually.
Browse aviation jobs and aerospace jobs on Monster.
How Salaries Evolve for the Highest Paying Majors
We understand you want to choose a major with high earning potential, but learning how salaries grow with experience can help you set realistic expectations for your career. Salaries for the highest paying majors tend to rise steadily over the years, reflecting both the value of experience and the evolving demand for specialized skills.
Entry-Level Salaries for the Highest Paying Majors
Entry-level roles such as software developer and financial analyst provide a solid foundation for financial growth as professionals gain experience. Graduates from the highest paying majors often start their careers with competitive entry-level salaries. Fields like engineering, computer science, and finance typically offer starting salaries well above the national average for bachelor’s degree holders.
Mid-Career Salary Growth
As a graduate in one of the highest paying majors your salary will most likely rise significantly within five to ten years of entering the workforce. Research indicates that earnings typically increase by 20-30% after five years and can grow by up to 50% by the ten-year mark.
Promotions, new skills, and expanded responsibilities often drive this growth. For example, a software developer with five years of experience might transition to a lead developer role, commanding a much higher salary.
Regional Differences in Salary
Where you work has a substantial impact on how much you earn, even in high-paying fields. Major metropolitan areas and states with thriving industries often offer higher salaries to attract top talent.
For instance, aerospace engineers in California typically earn more than their counterpart in a less competitive market due to the state’s thriving tech and aerospace industries. Consider the cost of living in these regions, as higher salaries may be offset by increased expenses.
Certifications and Specializations: Boosting Your Earning Potential
Salary growth for graduates in the highest paying majors isn’t limited to experience or location alone. For example, earning certifications, building industry connections, or focusing on a specialized niche can significantly boost your earning potential.
For example, earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license or AWS certification can significantly boost your salary. A software developer working in artificial intelligence or a financial analyst in risk management may earn more than generalists. These strategies not only enhance your earning potential but also position you for leadership roles and high-demand projects.
The Bigger Picture: Balancing Pay and Quality of Life
While a high salary is undoubtedly appealing, it’s essential to consider other factors. The highest paying majors often lead to demanding jobs that may require long hours, extensive travel, or high levels of responsibility. Balancing these demands with your goals, values, and interests is vital for achieving career satisfaction.
Work-life balance, job satisfaction, and additional benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development can significantly enhance your overall quality of life. Also, consider how aligned a career is with your personal interests and passions.
A job that aligns with your strengths and goals can be more fulfilling than one chosen solely for its paycheck. Ultimately, when evaluating career options, think about the bigger picture—your happiness, growth potential, and long-term goals matter just as much as your starting salary.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Dream Job
Ready to turn your degree into a high-paying career? Whether you’ve already graduated or are planning your next move, Monster can help you explore opportunities that align with the highest paying majors. Sign up for a free Monster profile today to get started. From customized job alerts to expert career advice, we’re here to help you find the job you deserve.