[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree can be a difference-maker in today’s competitive job market. Getting a degree generally leads to higher pay, better job security, and more job options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some careers stand out among those requiring a bachelor’s degree. The highest-paying jobs that require bachelor’s degrees offer a better return on investment than other positions in less lucrative fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Highest-Paying Majors?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market#—:explore:outcomes-by-major” target=”_blank”]Federal Reserve Bank of New York[/hen-ui-link], as of February 2025, the four highest-paying majors are computer science, engineering, physics, and finance. It’s no surprise that these majors are all in STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and math.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here’s a list of the 10 highest-paying jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree. We aimed to provide a mix of careers from different fields. To do this, we limited certain degrees to two career paths. For instance, since seven of the highest-paying jobs are engineering-related, we narrowed the options for degrees in the engineering field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”compsci”]1. Computer Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage: [/hen-ui-text]$80,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $115,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 6.1%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-computer-science/”]Bachelor’s in Computer Science[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer science professionals research and develop hardware and software solutions. They write code and analyze data processing challenges. They also improve existing systems and may analyze or suggest software to solve problems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job outlook in this field is strong. For example, the BLS projects that jobs for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm#tab-1″ target=”_blank”]computer and information research scientists[/hen-ui-link] will grow by 26% from 2023-2033, which is a much higher rate than average. Median early career earnings in computer science are around $80,000 annually, and the median mid-career salary in this field is $115,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”comp_engineering”]2. Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage: [/hen-ui-text]$80,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $122,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 7.5%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer engineers design, develop, and test computer systems and equipment for various applications, including industrial and military use. They analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and maintain up-to-date knowledge in their field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median early career salary for computer engineers is $80,000, rising to around $122,000 with experience. The job outlook is favorable, with an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm” target=”_blank”]expected growth rate of 7%[/hen-ui-link] from 2023-2033, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”chem_engineering”]3. Chemical Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage: [/hen-ui-text]$80,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $120,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 2%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/engineering-degree/”]Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]Chemical engineers[/hen-ui-link] create equipment and processes for fuels, plastics, and detergents. They track data, develop safety measures, and separate components using controlled methods. They also solve manufacturing problems and improve equipment for safety and environmental compliance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects the[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm” target=”_blank”] chemical engineering field[/hen-ui-link] to grow by 10% from 2023-2033. Early career chemical engineers earn a median annual salary of $80,000, and mid-career professionals make around $120,000 each year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”physics”]4. Physics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $70,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $100,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 7.8%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/physics-degree/”]Bachelor’s in Physics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physics majors find jobs in many areas. They use their analytical skills to address complex problems in technology, finance, and healthcare. Their deep understanding of physics helps them in research, development, innovation, and academia roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median early career salary for physics majors is $70,000, while mid-career salaries are closer to $100,000. According to BLS data, common careers for physics majors, such as aeronautical engineers and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm” target=”_blank”]data scientists[/hen-ui-link], have a positive job outlook.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”finance”]5. Finance[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage: [/hen-ui-text]$70,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $110,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 3.7%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-finance/”]Bachelor’s in Finance[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finance professionals handle various financial tasks, including budgeting, analysis, and client advising. They evaluate liabilities, financial objectives, and the buying and selling of financial assets.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job outlook in the field is generally promising, with the BLS projecting [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm” target=”_blank”]9% job growth for financial analysts[/hen-ui-link] from 2023-2033. The median early career salary for finance professionals is $70,000 and rises to around $110,000 by mid-career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”economics”]6. Economics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage: [/hen-ui-text]$70,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $110,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 4.9%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-economics/”]Bachelor’s in Economics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Economists examine economic trends, policies, and data to address production, distribution, and finance issues. By analyzing statistical information, they forecast market behaviors and provide guidance to organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm” target=”_blank”]5% job growth for economists[/hen-ui-link] from 2023-2033, indicating steady demand. Economists have a median starting salary of around $70,000. By mid-career, their earnings can reach $110,000 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”construction”]7. Construction Services[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage: [/hen-ui-text]$70,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $100,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 0.7%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-construction-management/”]Bachelor’s inConstruction Management[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Construction professionals, such as construction managers, cost estimators, and civil engineers, run projects on time and within budget. Managers coordinate activities and budgets. Cost estimators calculate expenses for bids. Civil engineers design and maintain infrastructure, including roads and bridges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job outlook for these roles is strong but varies by role. The BLS expects 9% job growth for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]construction managers[/hen-ui-link] from 2023-2033, while [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm” target=”_blank”]civil engineers[/hen-ui-link] have 6% projected job growth. In contrast, the BLS projects that jobs for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/cost-estimators.htm” target=”_blank”]cost estimators[/hen-ui-link] will decline by 4%.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”business_analytics”]8. Business Analytics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage: [/hen-ui-text]$70,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $100,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 2.4%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-intelligence/”]Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business analytics professionals leverage data to improve business decisions and performance. They produce financial insights and identify trends through reporting and data analysis. Their work includes creating reports for stakeholders, maintaining business intelligence tools, and analyzing industry trends.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job outlook is positive in some areas of business analytics. The BLS projects [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm” target=”_blank”]36% growth[/hen-ui-link] from 2023-2033 for data scientists, a related career, indicating strong demand in this field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”nursing”]9. Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage: [/hen-ui-text]$65,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $84,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 1.4%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]Bachelor’s in Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing professionals check patient health, create care plans, and keep medical records. They care for patients who are sick, hurt, or healing. They may also offer advice on staying healthy. Nurses often administer medications and monitor for side effects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing field has a solid job outlook. The BLS expects [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm” target=”_blank”]6% growth in nursing jobs[/hen-ui-link] from 2023-2033, which is faster than average. Early career nurses earn a median annual salary of $65,000, while mid-career salaries are around $84,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”math”]10. Mathematics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Early Career Wage: [/hen-ui-text]$65,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Mid-Career Wage:[/hen-ui-text] $100,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unemployment Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 3.7%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-mathematics/”]Bachelor’s in Mathematics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mathematicians focus on understanding math fundamentals and how they apply to science, management, and other areas. They use math skills to tackle problems, share their results through reports and conferences, and keep up with the latest developments by reading journals and connecting with others in their field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job outlook is promising, with an expected 11% growth for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm” target=”_blank”]mathematicians and statisticians[/hen-ui-link] from 2023-2033. Mathematicians who are just starting out earn a median salary of $65,000, and those who are in the middle of their careers make around $100,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Highest-Paying Engineering Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering opens the door to lucrative career opportunities. Here are the highest-paying engineering fields you can enter.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Engineering Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Type of Engineering Degree[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Early Career Wage[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Mid-Career Wage[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$80,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$122,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Chemical Engineering[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$80,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$120,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Electrical Engineering[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$78,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$120,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Industrial Engineering[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$76,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$108,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Aerospace Engineering[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$76,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$125,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mechanical Engineering[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$75,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$115,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Civil Engineering[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$71,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$100,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Miscellaneous Engineering[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$70,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$108,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]General Engineering[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$70,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$100,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Engineering Technologies[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Engineering Degree”]$60,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Early Career Wage”]$100,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Highest-Paying Bachelor’s Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What jobs can you get with a bachelor’s degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many jobs across fields like business, technology, engineering, and healthcare require a bachelor’s degree as the minimum educational requirement. With a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a variety of lucrative roles such as marketing manager, aerospace engineer, computer network architect, and health services manager. You can also work as an actuary, software developer, or physical scientist, all of which have a median annual salary exceeding $100,000 per year. Ultimately, these are just a select few of the many jobs that require a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a bachelor’s degree worth it?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, a bachelor’s degree can be worth it. It generally opens doors to better jobs, higher pay, and career advancement. It can also increase job stability and access to other professions. However, its worth can vary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Factors like field of study, personal goals, and degree cost can influence the return on investment. For some, vocational training or other paths might be a better choice. According to the BLS, the typical median salary for bachelor’s degree-holders is $77,636 as of May 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many Americans have a bachelor’s degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Around [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/educational-attainment.html” target=”_blank”]one in every three Americans[/hen-ui-link] has a bachelor’s degree, according to a 2022 report by the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2021, the population of the U.S. was 331.9 million, and 23.5% had a bachelor’s degree as their highest degree. This translates to about 78 million Americans with bachelor’s degrees. An additional 14.4% of the population had completed an advanced degree beyond a bachelor’s.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest-paying job without a degree​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The top-paying job without a degree requirement is a nuclear power reactor operator. The BLS reports that these professionals earned a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/power-plant-operators-distributors-and-dispatchers.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $120,350[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2023. Usually, employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry into this field. Nuclear power reactor operators control the systems that generate and distribute nuclear power.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can you do with a bachelor’s degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree prepares you for entry-level jobs in fields like business, engineering, social work, healthcare, and technology. With a bachelor’s degree, you can also apply to graduate programs for additional training and opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During a bachelor’s degree program, you take general education and major coursework, gaining critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. You can improve your competitiveness in the job market by completing internships, which offer valuable networking opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”3-col” ids=”970,905,1484″][/hen-ui-article-row]