College is often considered the surest path to a lucrative career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s degrees are required for 169 occupations in this country. People with higher levels of education generally earn higher salaries. Specifically, people with bachelor’s degrees had a median weekly paycheck of $1,493 (more than $77,000 a year) in 2023, compared to $899 (or $46,748) for workers with a high school diploma.
But not all college degrees are created equal. And with student loan payments looming for many, we thought it would be good to know which college majors pay best.
To determine which majors typically come with the best hiring prospects and salary, we consulted with compensation research firm Payscale, which ran data for us from its salary survey of more than 3 million workers with bachelor’s degrees. We looked for courses of study that tend to lead to fat paychecks—both right out of school and further along their career path. Plus, we factored in the percentage of workers who feel their jobs have a positive impact on the world, as having a sense of purpose can be just as important as having a good payday.
This year, PayScale looked at nearly 159,000 salary profiles submitted over the past year and culled a total of 50 college majors. Across those majors in this survey, the early career pay was $60,000 with mid career pay coming to $92,100. Asked if their jobs made the world a better place, 54% said yes, or "very much so."
Our list presents the best shots at success and satisfaction in the workplace, complete with generous incomes and an abundance of job opportunities. Check out the best college majors for a lucrative career. (Spoiler alert: STEM majors—that is, fields in science, technology, engineering and math—dominate.)
See if something on our list appeals to you.
- Starting salary: $97,500
- Mid Career Salary: $212,500
- Job Has Meaning: 61% (Percent who said yes to, “Does your work make the world a better place?")
Petroleum engineers partner with geoscientists to find oil and gas reserves and then develop the most effective methods to extract that oil and gas. This includes designing the drilling equipment as well as the facilities on land or sea to support the extraction. While some petroleum engineers may participate in the entire process, within the category there are specialized engineers who may focus on just one aspect. This includes drilling engineers who focus on the drill equipment and process and production engineers who focus on the oil and gas production.
The BLS states there are 21,400 petroleum engineers, and expects the category to grow about 2% during the next 10 years, on par with the average for all occupations. As of May 2023, the national median annual wage for petroleum engineers was $135,690.
- Starting salary: $98,300
- Mid Career Salary: $191,800
- Job Has Meaning: 21%
Breaking it down according to the BLS, operations research uses math to problem solve, while industrial engineering creates systems that bring together personnel, materials and equipment to make products or provide services. Together, they use scientific methods to make the most of production with the resources available to the company.
To get a degree in this field, expect to study a lot of math and science, such as applied mathematics, statistics and computer science. Other coursework likely includes production systems planning, manufacturing systems design and related classes. While many employers may accept a bachelor’s degree for those starting out in the field, some may require a master’s degree as well.
- Starting Salary: $74,700
- Mid Career Salary: $173,600
- Job Has Meaning: 54%
Interaction designers focus on the relationship between the user and a product or service. According to Indeed, “An interaction designer ensures products function properly when users interact with them. They're responsible for understanding a user's needs and creating software, applications, websites and even physical products like smart devices.” Job responsibilities could include developing design strategy, improving digital functions and conducting user research.
While the BLS doesn’t list interaction design as its own occupation, a look at web developers and digital designers shows this category is expected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2032, which far exceeds the average for all other occupations.
- Starting Salary: $76,500
- Mid Career Salary: $164,400
- Job Has Meaning: 54%
Applied economics and management combines an education in management with a specialty in applied economics. According to Cornell University, “applied economics and management is all about using data, reasoning and elements of economic theory to make informed business decisions.” An applied economics and management degree can be used in numerous careers. Examples include investment banking analyst, vendor manager, finance manager, business development associate and risk management analyst.
While every degree program is different, courses for an applied economics and management degree could include business management, statistics, resource economics and management communications, among others.
- Starting Salary: $69,000
- Mid Career Salary: $163,100
- Job Has Meaning: 47%
Building science is another major new to this year’s list that many may not be familiar with. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “Building science is the study of how buildings are designed, maintained and built or retrofitted as a system of components that interact with each other and the outdoor environment.” Earning a degree in building science means studying architecture, engineering, physics, chemistry and the life sciences.
According to ZipRecruiter, the national average salary for jobs in building science is $98,146 per year. The majority of these jobs have salaries ranging from $78,000 to $120,000.
- Starting Salary: $70,000
- Mid Career Salary: $160,000
- Job Has Meaning: 52%
Mathematics put the “M” in STEM. It’s one of the school subjects valued for its potential to point toward a career path that is beneficial both to the student and the country. In short, we need STEM majors to help us advance as a nation.
But some students may avoid the major because they think it only equips them to teach math. But that’s not the case at all. In fact, most actuarial mathematicians work for insurance companies, where they help determine policy premiums. Some actually work as consultants helping small insurance firms or auditing the work of internal actuarial mathematicians at larger insurance companies.
In other words, math majors are prepared to do a lot.
- Starting Salary: $92,200
- Mid Career Salary: $160,100
- Job Has Meaning: 57%
What is an operations research major? It’s a huge field that is expected to continue to grow. But for specifics, let’s go to the BLS: “Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help organizations make informed decisions and solve problems. Operations research analysts may be involved in many aspects of an organization. For example, they may help managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, oversee the supply chain and set prices.”
According to the BLS, operations research analysts earn a median annual salary of $83,640. And the field is expected to explode through 2032, growing 23% over the next decade. So anyone entering this field should feel confident that they will find a job upon graduation.
Even without the pandemic, the need for nurses and other healthcare professionals is being driven by the aging population, as well as advancing technology helping people live longer, healthier lives. And prospects for registered nurses (RNs) are promising with their numbers expected to grow by 9%, over the next decade. RNs earn a median $77,600 a year. There are more than 3 million registered nurses in the U.S, with that number expected to grow by more than 276,000 this decade and 194,500 openings a year.
To reach RN ranks, nursing students must take many science courses, including anatomy, chemistry, microbiology and nutrition. You also get supervised clinical experience in various specialties, such as pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery. And you'll have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to get your license (additional requirements vary by state).
- Starting Salary: $87,000
- Mid Career Salary: $159,100
- Job Has Meaning: 58%
If you are someone who not only loves complex operating systems but also how to improve those complex operating systems, systems engineering could be for you. According to Indeed, “systems engineers design, integrate and maintain complex systems and product lifecycles that support complex problem-solving and product development in a variety of industries. Systems engineers may work in technology, transportation, product development and manufacturing, and their duties vary accordingly.”
The national average annual salary for systems engineers is $99,770. While a bachelor’s degree may help you land a job, you may need to earn a master’s degree to advance your career.
- Starting salary: $79,600
- Mid Career Salary: $158,300
- Job Has Meaning: 73%
Not sure what optical science and engineering is? It brings together optics and lasers with engineering in a variety of industries, including space exploration, consumer products, medicine, communications and manufacturing. According to the University of Arizona, research opportunities for optical science and engineering include applications ranging from virtual and augmented reality displays to endoscope design for cancer detection and treatment to creating lasers that can machine, mark and process metals and plastics, and so much more.
The median annual salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in optical science and engineering is $130,000, increasing to $145,000 for those with for-profit employers.
- Starting salary: $76,000
- Mid Career Salary: $157,800
- Job Has Meaning: 63%
Yes, the second spot belongs to another field of study that starts with “computer.” The difference? This is more software than hardware. Computer science can help prepare you for a number of jobs in the hot tech field, from app developer to systems analyst—both of which are among our picks for 30 of the best jobs for the future. Learning to program is a key part of this major. Some classes you can expect to take include the theory of formal languages, intro to program design, digital system design and artificial intelligence.
According to the BLS, computer and information research scientists are expected to grow at a rate of 23%, much faster than the average for all jobs, with 42,800 jobs projected to be added this decade. About 3,400 jobs are projected to open each year.
- Starting salary: $88,200
- Mid Career Salary: $156,900
- Job Has Meaning: 56%
The sky is not the limit for those in aeronautics and astronautics; these are the ones who help us explore beyond the confines of our planet. These degrees can lead to careers in science research, engineering design, software development or marketing, and more. People who work in the field design and build aircraft, missiles, national defense systems and spacecraft. Jobs may require security clearances.
According to EducatingEngineers.com, “The two main branches of aerospace engineering degrees are aeronautics and astronautics… Aerospace engineering majors should be prepared to engage in a significant amount of actual design and implementation in addition to coursework.” Interestingly, the recommended coursework isn’t all science; the web site encourages students to consider learning Russian, Japanese or German, given those countries’ deep involvement in spacecraft development.
BLS says there were 63,800 jobs in this field as of 2022, with a projected growth rate of about 6% a year for the next decade, about average for all jobs. The bureau projects about 3,800 openings a year.
- Starting salary: $62,600
- Mid Career Salary: $154,300
- Job Has Meaning: 55%
Aerospace studies prepares students who plan to go into the military and serve in such specialties as aviation, intelligence, logistics and medicine. In most cases, the students already participate in the school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Classes could include military history, national security, philosophy of warfare and military communication.
While the BLS doesn’t offer any insights on aerospace studies majors or jobs, one thing is certain: Students completing ROTC and earning an aerospace studies degree will have a job waiting for them in the military.
- Starting salary: $69,400
- Mid Career Salary: $154,000
- Job Has Meaning: 79%
One of the primary pharmacy jobs is working as a pharmacist, the person who dispenses prescription medications and educates patients on those medications. However, pharmacies also employ pharmacy technicians, those who help pharmacists dispense prescription medications.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for pharmacy techs is $40,300. For pharmacists, that increases to $136,030. Looking ahead, the BLS estimates the need for pharmacists will grow 3% between 2022 and 2032. For pharmacy technicians, growth is expected to reach 6% during the same time period. While both positions require training, pharmacists will need a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
- Starting salary: $78,000
- Mid Career Salary: $153,800
- Job Has Meaning: 43%
As the name implies, cognitive science focuses on the structure and processes of human cognition and their computational simulation or modeling, according to the University of California Berkeley. Possible career paths include education, linguistics, artificial intelligence and the health sciences.
In attaining this degree, expect to study a variety of subjects, covering both the physical labor of the related work and the business side of the industry. That includes courses such as construction materials and systems, blueprint reading, cost management, labor law and electrical and mechanical systems.
- Starting salary: $74,700
- Mid Career Salary: $153,300
- Job Has Meaning: 38%
Majoring in economics is another way to benefit from growing opportunities linked to the big-data boom. Like statisticians, economists are mostly employed by the federal government, which may be a limiting factor. In fact, there are just 17,600 economist jobs in the country. But the field is projected to grow faster than average, with 1,200 openings expected each year. In addition to government, you can also find work with employers specializing in consulting services, scientific research and finance — though you’ll likely need an advanced degree to move beyond entry-level positions.
Economists can expect a median salary of $115,730 a year. Employers also look for people with economics degrees to fill positions as financial managers, purchasing agents and data analysts.
You can, of course, expect to take a variety of economics classes in college, including micro- and macroeconomics as well as business economics and economic theory. Economics degrees are often awarded as a bachelor of science (with a focus on math, statistics and other quantitative studies) or as a bachelor of arts, where you can expect more classes in theory as well as requirements for foreign language and liberal arts study.
- Starting salary: $74,500
- Mid Career Salary: $152,700
- Job Has Meaning: 43%
Math and STEM jobs continue to be in high demand, and quantitative economics is just another on this list that falls into this category. So just what is quantitative economics? According to Ohio Wesleyan University, “Quantitative economics prepares you to analyze economic issues, explore theories and predict future conditions using statistical procedures and mathematical models. The major incorporates a balance of economic theory, mathematical tools and field applications, while emphasizing the development of analytical skills.”
Once you have your quantitative economics degree, expect to find a job as an analyst. This includes research analysts, economic analysts, investment analysts, and analysts in many other fields.
- Starting salary: $72,000
- Mid Career Salary: $152,100
- Job Has Meaning: 35%
As the name implies, econometrics brings together economics and metrics. As Boston College explains, “Econometrics is a subset of economics, applying statistics and mathematical techniques to ‘justify’ a theoretical economic model with empirical rigor. In other words, econometrics transforms the often arcane discipline of theoretical economics into policy and decision-making tools in the public and private sectors.”
The BLS refers information on econometrics to economists, which shows a projected growth of 6% through 2032. This is faster than the average job growth for all occupations.
- Starting salary: $62,900
- Mid Career Salary: $152,000
- Job Has Meaning: 32%
If you have an interest in American foreign policy and international relations, a degree in foreign affairs will put you on track for a career in this field. Course requirements for a foreign affairs degree could include American politics, political theory and international relations. A common career option for those with a foreign affairs degree is joining the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Defense. Other jobs are available with the military, civilian organizations and other government departments.
Those jobs could include positions as policy analyst, crisis manager and foreign relations officer. According to ZipRecruiter, the national average salary for a foreign affairs job is $106,182.
- Starting salary: $85,600
- Mid Career Salary: $151,800
- Job Has Meaning: 55%
This major takes the study of chemistry and materials science one step further into the process of producing commercial goods by adding engineering. As a student of this field, you’ll learn how to use raw materials to create products from antibiotics to weed killer. Typical courses for this path include biochemistry, chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, as well as many other types of math and science.
One obvious career goal when studying this field: Become a chemical engineer, a lucrative profession. But it’s a small market with just 20,800 or so of these professionals now working in the U.S. Still, the field has seen growth. In fact, it’s expected to rise 8% over the next decade. Other jobs this major can help prepare you for include: chemist, materials scientist or petroleum engineer.
- Starting salary: $69,700
- Mid Career Salary: $151,200
- Job Has Meaning: 47%
Public accountants specialize in preparing financial records, such as tax returns, as well as assessing financial operations to identify risks and challenges to help provide solutions for reducing costs and improving profits. They typically work for businesses, nonprofits, governments and individuals. Some public accounts opt to specialize in forensic accounting, wherein they investigate to determine if a financial crime has occurred. If you love numbers and detective work, this could be the right fit for you.
The median annual wage for public accountants is $79,880, and the industry is expected to grow 4% during the next decade. While having a bachelor’s degree could help you land a job, you may find that becoming a certified public accountant could improve your job prospects, and your income.
- Starting salary: $73,100
- Mid Career Salary: $150,600
- Job Has Meaning: 31%
If you have a love of politics and economics, a degree in political economy could be for you. To earn a political economy degree, “Students study the social, political and economic factors that affect and are affected by systems of production, exchange and distribution, as well as the mix of values reflected in them,” per Georgetown University. Coursework could include international relations, economic statistics and analytical tools for political economy.
Once they have a degree in hand, political economy majors could find jobs with businesses, government entities, research firms, consulting firms and international organizations.
- Starting salary: $76,800
- Mid Career Salary: $149,600
- Job Has Meaning: 50%
At Kiplinger, we totally get that money matters can be complex, and many of us—especially the growing number of people rapidly approaching retirement age—need help understanding and managing them. No wonder workers with financial knowledge are in such high demand. New regulations, more products and increasingly complex investment portfolios don’t hurt either. And that need translates into plenty of opportunities and generous pay for workers in this field. Financial analysts, who evaluate investment opportunities for businesses, earn a median salary of $81,410 a year and are expecting 6% job growth over this decade.
Finance isn’t strictly considered a STEM field, but you can still expect to work with numbers a great deal. High school students interested in finance can prepare for this major by studying statistics and calculus. In college, you'll add to your schedule accounting, financial markets and investing, as well as microeconomics, macroeconomics and economic theory. If you pursue a bachelor of arts degree in this field, you likely have to take liberal arts and foreign language classes, too.
- Starting salary: $89,100
- Mid-career salary: $148,500
- Job has meaning: 46% (Percent who said “very much so” or yes to, “Does your work make the world a better place?")
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop and improve computer systems, as well as components including circuit boards, networks and routers. According to CompTIA, computer engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and systems analysts make up the second-largest category of tech jobs. According to ComputerScience.org, computer engineers combine “electrical engineering and computer science to develop new technology. Computer engineers design, build, and maintain hardware in modern computers…Along with personal devices, computer engineers have a hand in creating robotics, networks, and other computer-based systems. This role tends to include a high amount of research and development, testing, and quality assurance. Computer engineering might appeal to problem-solvers and technology enthusiasts.”
To complete this major, plan for a math- and science-heavy schedule, including classes in computer architecture, digital-logic design and systems programming. And given how rapidly this field advances, plan on plenty of ongoing education throughout your career.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the field of computer hardware engineering should grow faster than average at 5%, with about 4,600 job openings a year, primarily because of the need to replace workers who move to different occupations or leave the labor force.
- Starting salary: $84,700
- Mid Career Salary: $148,300
- Job Has Meaning: 72%
Our gadget-driven world has a high demand for people who can design, build and improve electronic and electrical devices. The coursework looks very similar to that of computer engineering students, a field which is considered a branch of electrical engineering. That’s because of the proliferation of computers being used to operate all sorts of products. Expect to take courses such as circuit analysis and design, digital systems, electric components and tools and semiconductor technology.
The BLS predicts growth in this field to be faster than average at 5%, with about 17,800 job openings each year, mainly to replace those who move to different occupations or leave the labor force.
- Starting salary: $76,700
- Mid Career Salary: $149,000
- Job Has Meaning: 42%
Actuarial science is yet another STEM major that brings together math, statistics and finance. According to Indeed, “Actuarial science is the practice of collecting data, performing calculations and using statistics to estimate and minimize financial risk for a business.” They use this information to help determine risk and consequences of future events. Typical jobs for actuarial science majors include evaluating and determining risk for insurance accounts, pensions, employee benefits and investments.
According to the BLS, demand remains high for actuarial science majors, with an expected growth rate of 23% through 2032. And the median annual wage for those jobs is $120,000.
For each of the college majors, compensation research firm PayScale provided median annual salaries for entry-level workers (with three years or less of work experience) and mid-career employees (with at least 20 years of experience). Payscale also provided “high job meaning” scores, which indicate the percentage of workers with each college major who say their work makes the world a better place. Information about the number of positions in each field, projected growth and further salary numbers were provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Indeed.com.
