Think of your major as a Hogwarts sorting hat for the real world. It doesn't just determine your classes—it also maps out the realm of jobs that'll welcome you with open arms.
Majors in high-demand fields, such as engineering or computer science, often lead to coveted roles with fat paychecks. On the flip side, some majors might nudge you toward positions where money isn't the biggest benefit of the job.
Your major shapes the narrative of your career and influences the digits on your salary slip. It's not just about the diploma but the lifestyle and financial path it brings along. So, we're giving you a peek behind the curtain—here's what salaries to expect based on your major, starting with the highest-paying majors:
Highest-earning associate's degrees
- Air Traffic Control: $137,380
- Nuclear Technology: $101,740
- Radiation Therapy: $98,300
- Nuclear Medicine Technology: $92,500
- Dental Hygiene: $87,530
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography: $85,000
- Respiratory Therapy: $80,000
- Aerospace Engineering Technology: $76,000
- Radiologic and MRI Technology: $74,000
- Aircraft and Avionics Maintenance: $72,000
For students looking to enter the workforce quickly without the time and financial commitment of a four-year degree, associate degrees in technical and healthcare fields offer some of the highest salaries. Fields like air traffic control, nuclear technology, and radiation therapy provide significant earning potential with just two years of specialized education.
These careers tend to be in high-demand industries where specialized skills are essential. Air traffic controllers, for instance, must complete rigorous training but can command six-figure salaries due to the critical nature of their work.
Highest-Paying Bachelor's Majors
- Petroleum Engineering: $130,000 - $160,000
- Computer Science: $100,000 - $150,000
- Electrical Engineering: $90,000 - $120,000
- Finance: $85,000 - $130,000
- Nursing (BSN): $85,000 - $110,000
- Chemical Engineering: $74,500 - $132,300
- Aerospace Engineering: $70,700 - $131,000
- Economics: $68,000 - $118,000
- Physics: $69,000 - $119,000
- Mathematics: $70,000 - $120,000
If you’re pursuing a four-year degree and want to maximize your earning potential, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields continue to dominate the list of top-paying majors. These careers are in high demand, and the pay reflects the specialized knowledge and problem-solving skills required.
Highest-Earning Master's Degrees
- Master of Science in Nursing: $203,090
- Master of Science in Engineering Management: $165,370
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity: $130,000
- Master of Science in Computer Science: $125,800
- Master of Science in Data Science: $120,000
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): $115,000
- Master of Science in Finance: $112,600
- Master of Science in Economics: $97,300
Graduate degrees can be a game-changer for salary growth, particularly in fields where advanced expertise is required. Engineering management, cybersecurity, computer science, and data science graduates have strong earning potential, with many professionals moving into leadership roles that combine technical knowledge with business acumen. As cybersecurity threats increase, the demand for professionals who can protect data and infrastructure has driven salaries to $130,000 or more.
While pursuing a master’s degree is not for everyone and requires additional time and tuition costs, many professionals find the financial payoff and career advancement opportunities specific to them make it a worthwhile investment.
Scared About Getting a Low-Paying Job?
Then, you might want to reconsider majoring in Foreign Languages.
According to recent data, individuals with degrees in foreign languages, social sciences and the performing arts have a median early-career salary of approximately $41,000, with mid-career earnings rising to about $75,000.
Tips for Picking Your Major
Choosing a major is one of the biggest academic decisions you'll make, and it can shape your career opportunities, earning potential, and overall job satisfaction. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a strategic approach can help you make an informed decision that aligns with both your personal interests and financial goals. Start by asking yourself what subjects naturally engage you, what kind of work environment you’d enjoy, and what lifestyle you envision for yourself. If you love problem-solving and innovation, a STEM field might be a great fit. If you’re passionate about human behavior and social impact, psychology, education, or public policy could be rewarding paths.
It’s also essential to research the job market and salary projections for your potential major. Some fields may have strong earning potential but require advanced degrees to unlock high salaries, while others provide high-paying jobs right out of college. Look at employment growth trends, internship opportunities, and industry demand to ensure your major has solid career prospects. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through externships, internships, or volunteer work can provide real-world exposure and help you determine if a major truly aligns with your career goals before fully committing. The best major isn’t just one that pays well—it’s one that sets you up for long-term success and fulfillment.
What is the Best Major? Other Factors to Consider
As with life, nothing's ever black and white. There's a lot to consider in the grey space, like benefits, company culture, work-life balance, and opportunities for career growth. But if you have your mind on your money, this is something you'll definitely want to keep in mind.
1. Income Can Grow Exponentially Over Time
Are numbers looking low? Some fields potentially offer much more income growth by mid-career (when workers are 35 to 45 years old).
For instance, accounting and International Affairs majors start their careers at the same median annual incomes of $60,000. But by mid-career, International Affairs majors will have a median pay of $100,000— $12,000 more annually than an accountant.
This exponential growth happens in fields where specialization, experience, and leadership roles significantly increase earning potential. Many professionals see substantial salary jumps once they obtain advanced certifications, gain niche expertise, or take on management positions.
Additionally, certain industries offer lucrative bonuses and stock options that aren’t reflected in base salaries. For example, software engineers and data scientists often see their pay double within a decade as they move into senior and principal roles. If you’re choosing a major, consider not just the starting salary but the long-term financial trajectory and whether additional education or credentials can accelerate your earnings.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
When you're offered a job, don't be shy—negotiate. Remember, the first number employers throw at you isn't set in stone; it's more like a starting point in a grand negotiation dance.
- Entry-level base salaries are usually negotiable by 10%.
- Mid-level positions have even more room, with a negotiation range of 10-20%.
Negotiation isn’t just about salary—it also applies to benefits, stock options, bonuses, and even job flexibility. Many companies have wiggle room in their budget for high-potential candidates, and employers expect negotiation as part of the hiring process. If you’re unsure how to approach it, rehearse your pitch, research comparable salaries on platforms like Glassdoor and Payscale, and confidently make your case. Even a small increase in starting salary can add up to thousands of extra dollars over time, especially when compounded with raises and bonuses.
Pro Tip: When negotiating, bring up industry salary reports and highlight your unique skills or certifications! And use ChatGPT to help you put together talking points and data.
3. Factor in Benefits
It's not just about the zeros on that paycheck. Benefits are the sidekicks that make the hero (you!) shine even brighter.
- Health insurance, retirement plans, remote work, and paid time off all add hidden value to your compensation.
- Your benefits can also save you money, and money saved is money earned! For example, a employee discounts on company products, or being able to expense things like fuel, or your phone and internet bill, all contribute to more money in you bank account.
- A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 92% of employees consider benefits crucial to job satisfaction.
Beyond traditional benefits, many companies offer perks that improve your quality of life—such as tuition reimbursement, professional development funds, wellness stipends, or free meals at work. Some businesses even cover gym memberships or child care costs, reducing your personal expenses significantly.
Before signing a job offer, calculate the total compensation package, not just your salary, and see if the added benefits make the job a better financial deal. Sometimes, a slightly lower salary with better perks and work-life balance is worth more in the long run than a higher-paying job with no additional support.
4. You're Not Just Picking a Job—You're Picking a Life
In a world where we spend a significant chunk of our lives at work, it's no longer a luxury to seek a job that aligns with your passions. It's a necessity.
- Work-life balance boosts creativity, productivity, and mental well-being.
- A high-paying job that makes you miserable isn't worth it—your happiness matters.
The reality is that your career isn’t just a paycheck—it’s your time, energy, and future well-being. Jobs that come with unmanageable stress, long hours, or toxic work environments can take a toll on your mental health and relationships. This is why choosing a career based on personal interests and work-life balance is just as important as salary potential. Many people find that they can pivot into higher-paying roles within their field by gaining new skills, networking, or switching industries, allowing them to achieve both financial success and job satisfaction.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, try an Externship to test out a field, before committing to a major or job path. We’ve had students who have actually switched their majors after doing Externships because they realized they didn’t want to spend their entire career in a particular field!
👉 Want real-world experience? Apply to be an Extern member and choose to do any Externship on the platform.
5. Your Pay Might Be Your Number 1 Priority Now, But It Won’t Always Be
Many people are fine with putting in the grind for high-pressure jobs that pay top dollar in their early career, but as they establish themselves, other factors become more valuable.
As they grow more senior in their careers, people are less willing to do jobs that require frequent travel (like consulting), or even those with a long commute (like if you work on Wall Street but live in the suburbs of New Jersey!).
Many people also optimize for high-earning potential immediately after college, but over time grow keen to pursue passions, or take greater risks with their careers and start their own company.
Professionals with children also want to optimize for their families, especially in the early years, when remote jobs or those that have childcare benefits are more attractive than roles that simply offer a higher base pay.
It’s worth considering that your priorities are likely to shift at different stages of your life and career
6. Your Major Doesn’t Determine Your Career Path for Life
Here’s a stat you probably didn’t know: the average person will change careers 5-7 times during their working life. That’s because it’s impossible for an 18-year-old to make a decision about a major and career path that’s going to definitely, 100% be the right one decades later!
People switch careers because they want to— for example, if they find themselves looking for new challenges that provide personal and professional growth— or because they have to, like in situations where changes o the economy or technological advances can render entire industries and job markets fragile.
With skills-based hiring on the rise, the more adaptable, resourceful and open to learning you are, the better your chances of being able to make career pivots.
Final Thoughts
Your major sets the foundation, but your skills, adaptability, and willingness to grow will shape your career.
There are careers out there for everyone, and your career path might end up having nothing to do with your major. Think content creators, startup founders, and even plenty of folks with liberal arts or pure science degrees who now work in business roles!
It’s all about finding what makes sense for you, learning the right skills, networking and branding yourself well so you can tell the career story that gets you where you want to be.
Whatever you choose, just remember: knowledge is power—and so is negotiating your worth.
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