The analysis is consistent with previous studies that show employers place a premium on graduates in STEM fields. Researchers at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that the top 25 percent of earners with education degrees can expect to make as much as the bottom 25 percent of people with engineering degrees, even mid-career. An advanced degree will improve an educator’s prospects, but not enough to narrow the wage gap with engineers, the study said.
Having a bachelor’s degree of any kind from a reputable school gives young workers a better chance in a job market that increasingly demands a college education. Four-year college graduates now comprise a larger share of the workforce than people with just a high school diploma, according to another Georgetown study. Researchers at the Hamilton Project say median earnings of those who have a bachelor’s degree are higher than median earnings of high school graduates, regardless of the college major.
The 50 Highest Paying College Majors
1. Computer Science
Median Base Salary: $70,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Web Developer
2. Electrical Engineering
Median Base Salary: $68,438
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Electrical Engineer, Systems Engineer, Software Developer
3. Mechanical Engineering
Median Base Salary: $68,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Project Engineer
4. Chemical Engineering
Median Base Salary: $65,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer Project Engineer
5. Industrial Engineering
Median Base Salary: $64,381
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Industrial Engineer, Quality Engineer, Production Planner
6. Information Technology
Median Base Salary: $64,008
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Programmer Analyst, Technical Support, Systems Engineer
7. Civil Engineering
Median Base Salary: $61,500
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Field Engineer
8. Statistics
Median Base Salary: $60,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Data Analyst, Statistician, Data Scientist
9. Nursing
Median Base Salary: $58,928
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Case Manager
10. Management Information Systems
Median Base Salary: $58,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Network Administrator, Help Desk Analyst, Business Analyst
11. Finance
Median Base Salary: $54,900
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Financial Analyst, Investment Banking Analyst, Accountant
12. Mathematics
Median Base Salary: $54,018
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Math Teacher, Software Engineer, Data Analyst
13. Biomedical Engineering
Median Base Salary: $52,814
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Biomedical Engineer, Service Engineer, Clinical Research Associate
14. Accounting
Median Base Salary: $52,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst
15. Economics
Median Base Salary: $52,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Financial Analyst, Management Analyst, Accountant
16. Physics
Median Base Salary: $50,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Physicist, Research Fellow, Computer Programmer
17. Biotechnology
Median Base Salary: $50,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Analyst, Research Associate
18. Architecture
Median Base Salary: $50,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Architect, CAD Designer, Project Designer
19. Fashion Design
Median Base Salary: $50,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Stylist
20. Business
Median Base Salary: $47,850
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Account Manager, Marketing Manager, Market Research Analyst
21. International Relations
Median Base Salary: $45,880
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Marketing Associate, English Teacher, Research Assistant
22. Graphic Design
Median Base Salary: $45,846
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Art Manager
23. Marketing
Median Base Salary: $45,475
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Marketing Coordinator, Account Executive, Marketing Analyst
24. English
Median Base Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: English Teacher, Editor, Copywriter
25. Political Science
Median Base Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Law Clerk, Paralegal, Consultant
26. History
Median Base Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Research Assistant, History Teacher, Teaching Assistant
27. Human Resources
Median Base Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: HR Coordinator, Corporate Recruiter, HR Analyst
28. Journalism
Median Base Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Reporter, Editor, Public Relations Coordinator
29. Advertising
Median Base Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Account Executive, Marketing Analyst, Media Planner
30. Philosophy
Median Base Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Teaching Assistant, Writer, Consultant
31. Environmental Science
Median Base Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Environmental Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Safety Manager
32. Social Science
Median Base Salary: $45,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: HR Assistant, Management Consultant, Visual Manager
33. Spanish
Median Base Salary: $44,256
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Spanish Teacher, Translator, Project Manager
34. Communications
Median Base Salary: $44,190
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Public Relations Coordinator, Journalist, Content Marketing Manager
35. Interior Design
Median Base 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
Median Base Salary: $44,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Music Teacher, Audio Engineer, Media Sales Associate
38. Film Studies
Median Base Salary: $44,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Production Coordinator, Video Editor, Proposal Manager
39. Public Relations
Median Base Salary: $43,156
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Public Relations Coordinator, Account Executive, Event Planner
40. Sports Management
Median Base Salary: $43,156
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Personal Trainer, Sales Associate, Production Assistant
41. Education
Median Base Salary: $43,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Special Education Teacher, Elementary School Teacher, Language Teacher
42. Anthropology
Median Base Salary: $43,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Project Coordinator, Research Assistant, Administrative Assistant
43. Hospitality Management
Median Base Salary: $44,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Food and Beverage Manager, Front Desk Manager, Housekeeping Manager
44. Biochemistry
Median Base Salary: $42,672
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Research Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Chemist
45. Liberal Arts
Median Base Salary: $42,500
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Sales Manager, Receptionist, Teacher
46. Psychology
Median Base Salary: $42,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Case Manager, Mental Health Counselor, Sales Associate
47. Sociology
Median Base Salary: $42,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: HR Assistant, Account Manager, Administrative Assistant
48. Healthcare Administration
Median Base Salary: $42,000
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Medical Assistant, File Clerk, Office Manager
49. Social Work
Median Base Salary: $41,656
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor, Camp Counselor
50. Biology
Median Base Salary: $41,250
Popular Entry-Level Jobs: Lab Assistant, Paramedic, Tutor