Highest-Paying Bachelor’s Degrees

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 $1,432 – 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.

Our Ranking Criteria

We used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 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 made note of which states pay the most for each career path.

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

1. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Median Salary: $211,790

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, Florida, California, Michigan, New York

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
Arizona State University	Resident: $993 per credit, Nonresident: $1,495 per credit	120
Indiana Wesleyan University	$395 per credit	120
Kent State University	Resident: $12,673 per year, Nonresident: $22,144 per year	120

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2. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Median Salary: $164,070

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: New York, California, New Jersey, Delaware, Washington

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
Herzing University	$325 per credit	120
Minnesota State University, Mankato	Resident: $326.70 per credit, Nonresident: $702.65 per credit	120
Johns Hopkins University	$62,840 per year	120

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3. Architectural and Engineering Managers

Median Salary: $159,920

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: California, New Mexico, Colorado, New Jersey, Massachusetts

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
Pennsylvania State University	Resident: $19,672 per year, Nonresident: $39,626 per year	160
Stanford University	$20,577 per quarter	180
University of Cincinnati	Resident: $6,785 per semester, Nonresident: $14,452 per semester	126

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4. Natural Sciences Managers

Median Salary: $144,440

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, New Jersey, California, New York, Washington

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
University of Pittsburgh	Resident: $20,154 per year, Nonresident: $38,520 per year	120
Adelphi University	$45,450 per year	120
Temple University	Resident: $22,224 per year, Nonresident: $36,624 per year	123

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5. Marketing Managers

Median Salary: $140,040

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: New York, California, New Jersey, Colorado, Delaware

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
Maryville University	$525 per credit	128
Franklin University	$12,338 per year	124
Oregon State University	Resident: $13,791 per year, Nonresident: $36,567 per year	180

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6. Financial Managers

Median Salary: $139,790

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, Delaware, Colorado, California

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
Franklin University	$398 per credit	124
National University	$13,284 per year	180
Maryville University	$525 per credit	128

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7. Database Architects

Median Salary: $134,870

What They Do: Organizations often work with dozens or even hundreds of data sources and may need to establish several layers of permissions for different types of users. Database architects are tasked with designing efficient systems for storing such data, allowing users to access the information they need easily and avoiding issues like duplicate records and poor naming standards. Another important responsibility is maintaining data security, as they often deal with sensitive information such as social security numbers, financial records, and medical histories.

How to Become One: Database architect jobs typically require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, data science, or a related field. You may also need to become certified in a particular platform, such as Amazon Web Services, depending on which data solutions the hiring organization uses.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 10%
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Maryland, Texas, New Jersey

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	Resident: $16,378 per year, Nonresident: $35,708 per year	124
The University of Texas at Austin	Resident: $5,703 per semester, Nonresident: $21,265 per semester	120
University of Michigan	Resident: $17,228 per year, Nonresident: $58,072 per year	120

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8. Computer Hardware Engineers

Median Salary: $132,360

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, Oregon, Virginia, Colorado

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
University of California, Berkeley	Resident: $5,721 per semester, Nonresident: $20,598 per semester	113 – 129
Purdue University	Resident: $604.10 per credit, Nonresident: $1,204.55 per credit	125
Colorado State University	Resident: $722.28 per credit, Nonresident: $1,807.18 per credit	126

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9. Petroleum Engineers

Median Salary: $131,800

What They Do: Petroleum engineers oversee the management of wells and oilfields, including both onshore and offshore facilities. They need the technical skills to install and operate systems safely as well as the people skills to work alongside other scientists and field workers. Engineers may have to travel to remote places to solve problems or research how much petroleum is left in a reservoir.

How to Become One: Petroleum engineers may have a bachelor’s degree specifically in petroleum engineering or in a related field such as civil or chemical engineering. Most programs will include hands-on laboratory and fieldwork, which may involve traveling to an oilfield or drill site. To move ahead in your career, you may want to obtain a Professional Engineering license in your state.

• Job Outlook, 2022-2032: 3%
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Texas, Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
University of Wyoming	Resident: $4,980 per year, Nonresident: $20,760 per year	129
University of North Dakota	Resident: $499.29 per credit, Nonresident: $713.21 per credit	129
University of Texas at Austin	Resident: $1,462 per credit, Nonresident: $4,958 per credit	128

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10. Purchasing Managers

Median Salary: $131,350

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, Washington

School	Tuition	Credits to Graduate
Southeastern Louisiana University	$486.53 per credit	120
Franklin University	$398 per credit	126
Ball State University	Resident: $461 per credit, Nonresident: $686 per credit	120

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