- Myles Farfield
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Degree Salary Estimator
Estimate Your Earnings
Key Takeaways
- STEM fields, healthcare and business dominate the highest‑earning degree list.
- A bachelor’s in computer science or engineering can start you around $80k‑$100k.
- Graduate degrees (MBA, pharmacy, dentistry) push median salaries above $150k.
- Online programs now mirror on‑campus earnings for many tech and business majors.
- Consider job growth, licensing requirements and personal interest when picking a profit‑driving degree.
Ever wondered which degree actually puts money in your pocket? The answer isn’t a single magic program - it’s a mix of market demand, licensing hurdles and the level of specialization you pursue. Below you’ll find a practical rundown of the degrees that consistently rank at the top of salary surveys, plus tips on how to choose the right one for your own financial goals.
First, let’s set the stage with a clear definition:
High‑paying degree is a college or university program that typically leads to earnings well above the national median for bachelor‑level graduates. We’ll use this term throughout the guide.
How We Ranked Degrees
To keep the list credible, we pulled data from three reliable sources:
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) “Occupational Outlook Handbook” - median annual wages for 2024.
- PayScale’s “College Salary Report” - real‑world graduate earnings by field.
- World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs” - projected growth rates for related professions.
We gave each degree a score based on three factors: median salary, starting salary and 10‑year growth outlook. The top 10 spots are the ones that consistently scored high across all three metrics.
Top 10 High‑Paying Degrees (2025)
Below is a snapshot of the best‑paying degrees, the typical roles they unlock, and what you can expect to earn at the midpoint of your career.
| Degree | Typical Job | Median Salary | Starting Salary | Education Level | Growth Outlook (10 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum EngineeringEngineering focused on extraction of oil and gas | Petroleum Engineer | $155,000 | $90,000 | Bachelor | 2% |
| Computer ScienceStudy of computation, algorithms and software development | Software Engineer | $115,000 | $80,000 | Bachelor | 11% |
| Electrical EngineeringDesign of electrical systems and circuits | Electrical Engineer | $107,000 | $70,000 | Bachelor | 6% |
| Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)Professional degree to become a licensed pharmacist | Pharmacist | $128,000 | $105,000 | Doctorate | 3% |
| Actuarial ScienceRisk assessment for insurance and finance | Actuary | $124,000 | $78,000 | Bachelor | 14% |
| Dentistry (DDS/DMD)Dental professional degree | Dentist | $182,000 | $115,000 | Doctorate | 5% |
| MBA (Finance)Master of Business Administration with finance focus | Finance Manager | $140,000 | $95,000 | Master | 10% |
| Data ScienceStatistical analysis and machine learning | Data Scientist | $119,000 | $85,000 | Master | 16% |
| Nursing (BSN)Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Registered Nurse | $92,000 | $68,000 | Bachelor | 9% |
| Information SystemsBlend of IT and business processes | IT Manager | $110,000 | $78,000 | Bachelor | 12% |
Why These Degrees Outperform Others
Three common threads appear across the list:
- Technical expertise - fields that require strong quantitative or scientific skills command premium wages.
- Licensing or certification - professions like pharmacy, dentistry and nursing need state licenses, which limits supply and drives up pay.
- Business impact - roles that directly affect a company’s revenue (e.g., finance, data science) earn more because they’re tied to profit.
Even within the same broad category, sub‑specializations matter. For instance, a computer science graduate who focuses on artificial intelligence typically sees a 15‑20% salary boost over a general software developer.
Online vs. On‑Campus: Does the Delivery Mode Affect Salary?
In 2025, the gap between online and traditional degrees is shrinking. According to a 2024 report from the National Center for Education Statistics, graduates of accredited online STEM programs earned only 3% less on average than their on‑campus peers, and the difference vanished for business‑focused MBAs.
The key is accreditation and industry recognition. An online computer science degree from a well‑known university (e.g., Stanford Online, Georgia Tech) still lands you a software engineering role with a comparable salary. However, degrees that require hands‑on clinical hours-like nursing or pharmacy-still need a hybrid model to meet licensing requirements.
Choosing the Right High‑Paying Degree for You
Don’t pick a major based solely on the paycheck. Here’s a quick decision framework:
- Passion check - Rate your genuine interest on a 1‑10 scale. A degree you dislike will likely lead to burnout, even if it pays well.
- Skill alignment - Identify your current strengths (math, biology, coding). Degrees that match your skill set reduce the learning curve.
- Licensing needs - If you’re comfortable with exams and clinical hours, healthcare degrees become attractive.
- Geographic demand - Some high‑paying roles concentrate in specific regions (e.g., oil‑rich states for petroleum engineering). Check local job boards.
- Future growth - Aim for fields with >10% projected growth to keep your earnings resilient.
Combine these factors into a simple matrix and score each degree. The top‑scoring option is usually the sweet spot between income and satisfaction.
Quick Checklist Before Enrolling
- Confirm the program is accredited by the relevant body (e.g., ABET for engineering, AACN for nursing).
- Calculate total cost vs. expected salary increase (use a 5‑year pay‑back model).
- Research internship or co‑op opportunities - real‑world experience often boosts first‑year salary by 10‑15%.
- Verify that any required licensure exams are included in the curriculum.
- Look for alumni salary reports or LinkedIn outcome data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which degree offers the highest starting salary?
Among bachelor's programs, petroleum engineering and computer science lead with starting salaries around $90,000‑$100,000. For graduate degrees, a Pharm.D. or dental doctorate can start above $115,000.
Do online degrees hurt my earning potential?
Not in most fields. If the online program is nationally accredited and recognized by employers, salaries are within 3% of traditional graduates. Healthcare degrees that need hands‑on training still require some on‑site components.
Is an MBA still worth it for a higher salary?
A finance‑focused MBA often pushes median earnings into the $130k‑$150k range, especially in large firms or consulting. The ROI depends on school reputation, your pre‑MBA experience, and post‑graduation role.
Can a degree in data science be completed in under two years?
Many universities now offer accelerated master’s programs that finish in 12‑18 months, often online. Graduates still see median salaries around $119,000, comparable to the traditional two‑year route.
What’s the best high‑paying degree for someone who hates math?
Consider health‑care roles like nursing (BSN) or pharmacy technology. While some calculations are required, the focus is more on patient care than advanced mathematics, and salaries remain solid (median $92k for nurses, $128k for pharmacists).
Bottom line: No single degree guarantees wealth, but picking one of the high‑paying fields listed above and aligning it with your interests, skills, and location puts you on a clear path to a lucrative career.
