Highest-Paying Bachelor’s Degree Jobs 2024

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. institutions confer a total of 2 million bachelor’s degrees every year. Full-time workers with a bachelor’s degree can expect median weekly earnings of $1,493 — this is over $500 more per week than the average salary of those with only a high school diploma.

However, not all bachelor’s degrees offer the same career pathways or earning potential. Below, we’ve made a list of the ten highest-paying bachelor’s degrees in order to help you decide what to study. We also spoke to Blanca Villagomez, a program coordinator and counselor at UC-Irvine, for her insight into all the factors students should consider when choosing a bachelor’s degree.

Calculating Return on Investment for an a Bachelor’s Degree

“It’s not uncommon for students to select a major based primarily on their potential future earnings, especially considering the significant amount of debt many graduates with,” Villagomez says. “However, while certain majors may lead to jobs with higher salaries, it’s crucial for students to recognize that building a successful career takes time and that financial gain is not always linear.”

According to the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), bachelor’s degree programs have a median return on investment (ROI) of $160,000. However, the specific ROI for different majors and career paths varies widely. “Bachelor’s degrees in engineering, computer science, nursing, and economics tend to have a payoff of $500,000 or more,” says FREOPP’s most recent report on college ROI. “Other majors, including fine arts, education, English, and psychology, usually have a smaller payoff — or none at all.”

Students must also be mindful of the investment part of return on investment when deciding how much they want to pay for their bachelor’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition and fees for a four-year degree program in the 2022-23 academic year was $9,750 at public universities, and $38,421 at private institutions. Even if students enter a high-paying field, if they’ve spent or borrowed hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay for their bachelor’s degree, it can be more challenging to see a positive ROI.

Villagomez also reminds students that investment in education isn’t just about money; the time and energy students commit is also important. “It’s not enough to simply attend classes,” she says. “Students must also actively pursue opportunities to develop skills and knowledge outside of the classroom in order to stand out to employers in the competitive job market.” In order to make a bachelor’s degree fully worth the investment, students should be ready to focus on their studies, network with those in their field, and gain as much expertise and experience as possible.

The Highest-Paying Jobs You Can Get With a Bachelor’s Degree

Our ranking criteria

We used the Bureau of Labor Statistics data to find the highest-paying jobs that typically require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. We also found the best schools to obtain each degree, the number of credits you’ll need to earn, and the tuition rates you can expect to pay.

A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete and requires at least 120 credits, so it’s important to consider the total cost and the job outlook for your field of study. We’ve also noted which states pay the most for each career path.

1. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Median Salary: $219,140

What They Do: Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers are the highest-paying roles you can get with a bachelor’s degree. Airline pilots and copilots transport passengers and cargo on fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled routes. Flight engineers help develop flight plans and check systems before, during, and after flights — this role is less common on modern planes, as the latest onboard systems now do most of their tasks.

How to Become One: All pilots have to undergo flight training and obtain a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airline pilots must also have a bachelor’s degree and get an Airline Transport Pilot certificate from the FAA. This degree can be in any subject, and pilots don’t need to undergo flight training at the same school where they receive their bachelor’s degree. Some schools, however, do offer advanced aviation degrees. A bachelor’s degree isn’t necessary to be a commercial pilot who is involved in unscheduled flight activities such as aerial tours and crop dusting, but they usually earn less than airline pilots.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 4%
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, Illinois, California, Florida, Virginia

2. Chief Executives

Median Salary: $206,680

What They Do: Chief executives are the highest level of management in an organization. They are responsible for developing strategy, providing leadership, and hiring and supervising middle management. Smaller organizations may only have one chief executive, while larger organizations tend to have several chief executives who each specialize in one area, such as finance or technology.

How to Become One: A bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field will help prepare you for this role. You will likely also need extensive management experience in order for an organization to consider you for a chief executive position.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: -8%
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Oregon, South Dakota, Connecticut, North Carolina

3. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Median Salary: $169,510

What They Do: A computer and information systems manager, or IT manager, can pursue a career in many industries, from finance and insurance to manufacturing. They may work as a chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO), or security manager. Their responsibilities may include overseeing technology purchases and upgrades, installing new software, and managing the security of a company’s computer network. IT managers need to be comfortable with budgeting, long-term planning, and negotiating with vendors.

How to Become One: The most important qualification you need to become a computer or IT systems manager is a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar course of study. You will likely also need substantial work experience in the industry to be considered for management positions.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 15%
• Highest-Paying States: California, New York, Washington, New Jersey, Delaware

4. Architectural and Engineering Managers

Median Salary: $165,370

What They Do: Architectural and engineering managers hire, train, and supervise staff on a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Professionals in this role may work in an office, on a construction site, or in a manufacturing facility. Other responsibilities include budgeting, safety compliance, and quality assurance.

How to Become One: The first step to becoming an architectural or engineering manager is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as architecture. Then, you’ll need to gain several years of work experience in the field in order to be considered for a managerial position.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 4%
• Highest-Paying States: New Mexico, California, Colorado, Rhode Island, Washington

5. Natural Sciences Managers

Median Salary: $157,740

What They Do: Natural sciences managers work in a managerial capacity on research and development projects, manufacturing projects, and more. They may work for state or federal government agencies or for private businesses. Responsibilities include administrative work in an office environment as well as traveling to locations to oversee laboratory or fieldwork. Natural sciences managers can work in chemistry, biology, physics, or any other branch of science, and they may be in charge of commercial projects or theoretical research.

How to Become One: Natural sciences managers need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, such as biology or engineering. A graduate degree isn’t required to get a job in this industry, but it’s not uncommon for natural sciences managers to pursue a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) or a PhD. Natural sciences managers can also obtain certifications in laboratory animal management and other areas of interest.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 5%
• Highest-Paying States: Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington

6. Marketing Managers

Median Salary: $157,620

What They Do: Marketing managers are employed in a wide range of businesses, from advertising and public relations firms to manufacturing companies. They work with clients or executives to create marketing campaigns, oversee the design and development of promotional materials, and analyze the results of campaigns. They may also be responsible for market research and setting prices for new products and services.

How to Become One: Marketing professionals can begin their career with a bachelor’s degree in nearly any subject related to marketing, such as communications or journalism. Job seekers may be expected to participate in an internship program or gain work experience as a sales representative or PR specialist before being considered for management positions.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 7%
• Highest-Paying States: California, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Colorado

7. Financial Managers

Median Salary: $156,100

What They Do: Financial managers handle the financial operations of organizations of all sizes. They oversee budgets and business activity reports, advise executives on key financial decisions, and maintain regulatory compliance. Financial managers need to be familiar with the relevant practices of their industry, like taxes, billing, and insurance. They may also have a more specific role, such as treasurer, controller, or risk manager.

How to Become One: Most financial managers study business or economics, but you can also start a career in finance with another relevant degree, such as law. It’s a good idea to obtain a professional certification, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), if you want to pursue a specific career path. In order to be hired in a managerial role with high earning potential, you may need to gain several years of professional work experience after earning your degree.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 16%
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, California, Delaware, Massachusetts

8. Computer Hardware Engineers

Median Salary: $138,080

What They Do: Computer hardware engineers research and develop circuit boards, processors, and other computer components. Their typical responsibilities include designing schematics for new components, researching ways to improve existing components, and overseeing the manufacturing process for computer hardware. They don’t just work on laptop and desktop computers — computer hardware engineers may be tasked with designing and testing computerized parts within a wide range of products, including vehicles, appliances, medical devices, and scientific instruments.

How to Become One: Most jobs in this field require applicants to at least have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, information technology, or a related field. Ideally, you’ll attend a program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), as this is also a requirement for many employers.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 5%
• Highest-Paying States: California, Massachusetts, Virginia, Oregon, Washington

9. Compensation and Benefits Managers

Median Salary: $136,380

What They Do: Compensation and benefits managers are responsible for developing an organization’s policies regarding salaries and bonuses as well as pensions, stock options, paid time off, health insurance, and other benefits. Their work involves researching market rates, monitoring internal equity, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and negotiating terms with third-party vendors.

How to Become One: A bachelor’s in human resources is the ideal education for this career, though a related major such as business administration will be acceptable for many employers. Certifications from professional organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans will help you stand out from other candidates during your job search.

• Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: 2%
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, Washington, Connecticut, Massachusetts

10. Purchasing Managers

Median Salary: $136,380

What They Do: Purchasing managers are responsible for making all of the purchases that a business or organization needs. In some industries, they are referred to as purchasing agents or buyers. Purchasing managers are in charge of assessing the quality of products and their suppliers, which may involve visiting factories, trade shows, and distribution centers. They must also negotiate the purchase price and the timeline for delivery. Some purchasing managers, such as wholesale buyers, are in charge of buying consumer goods that are intended for resale in a store or online.

How to Become One: The path to becoming a purchasing manager depends on which industry you intend to work in. Some companies hire purchasing managers without a college degree, but a bachelor’s degree in business or finance is usually expected. Other options are to get a degree in a specific industry, such as agriculture, or get certified by a professional organization, such as the American Purchasing Society. In most cases, you’ll need several years of work experience to be considered for a managerial role.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 4%
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Massachusetts, District of Columbia

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree Program

Employment outlook

Predicting which jobs will see employment growth or decline isn’t always an exact science, but it can be helpful for students to consider selecting a major for their bachelor’s degree.

“I recommend that students thoroughly research the job market they’re interested in and pay attention to the projected salaries and available career advancement opportunities for their intended major,” Villagomez says. Even if a field offers high salaries, if employment is projected to experience limited growth or decline in the future, it may not be a good option, as opportunities will become more limited.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes an Occupational Outlook Handbook that offers employment projections for hundreds of jobs and career fields. Students can use this as a resource when determining what major and career path works for them.

Location

Where you live can impact what job opportunities are available and how much average salaries are. When selecting a major, consider what type of location you want to live in (urban, rural, international) and if you are willing to move, if necessary, to pursue better job opportunities and higher pay.

It’s also important to factor in the cost of living when determining where you want to live and work. Many high-paying industries, like finance or tech, are concentrated in urban areas that come with a high price tag. While salaries for jobs in these locations are usually commensurate with the cost of living, this is not always the case, especially for entry-level workers who are new to the field.

You may want to work remotely, with the freedom to live in a more affordable area or move from place to place. This can also impact your choice of degree program, as some jobs are more conducive to remote work than others.

Employability

For many jobs, educational requirements are flexible and can shift rapidly based on employer’s needs and preferences and other labor market trends. Before selecting a degree program and career path, it’s important to research what type of education will make you the most employable for the kinds of jobs you want to pursue.

“I strongly recommend that students begin by meeting with a college or career counselor to develop an action plan that aligns with their career and educational goals,” Villagomez says. “Working with trained professionals can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that comes with this process.”

Students can also use the BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook and job postings on sites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter to learn more about educational requirements for jobs that interest them. Depending on the area of interest, students may be able to qualify for jobs with an associate degree, or they may find that they need to invest in further education, like a master’s or doctorate, to obtain the highest-paying roles.

Work-life balance

Employment is only one aspect of life, and before selecting a degree program and career path, students should consider how their job will impact other areas of their lives. Many high-paying jobs, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, or air traffic controllers, require long or irregular hours, consistent travel, or stressful working conditions, which can affect an individual’s work-life balance.

As you contemplate your future, it’s wise to think about what you want your life to look like overall, not just in terms of career and salary. Establish your priorities in terms of working hours and location, stress levels, flexibility, and room for personal growth and accomplishments. This can help you determine if a high-paying job is really the right fit for you.

Personal interests and aptitudes

Students who select a major based solely on salary potential may end up in fields for which they are not well-suited in terms of personal interests, skill level, natural aptitudes, or values and beliefs.

“That’s why, when students are selecting a major, I encourage them to consider what type of work they find fulfilling and aligns with their values,” Villagomez says. Students can use career guides and aptitude tests to gain an understanding of what careers might align with their abilities. They can also explore careers related to academic or extracurricular interests and hobbies.

Professional fulfillment can come in many different forms beyond a high salary, and students should consider what is most important to them before deciding which major and career path they want to pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions

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