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Picking a college major is an important decision. You have to choose to study something that both interests and challenges you while considering the job market and your chosen career path.
Landing a good job with a decent salary right out of college is key to paying off student loans and achieving financial security. Some majors lead to jobs that pay better than others. Consider pursuing these majors if you want a degree that offers better pay.
I compiled a list of 14 college majors that make the most money using information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Finance. If you or someone you know is looking for the best degrees, start with majors on this list.
Finance
There are many occupations in the finance field. Majors in finance perform day-to-day activities related to money. Because of employment growth, it’s predicted that about 911,400 new jobs open in this field every year, and you can get into many different fields. The average median pay for this major ranges from $79,050 to $99,890 a year, depending on the field.
Mathematics
Mathematics majors study calculus, algebra, geometry, and equations needed to solve math problems. They use this knowledge to solve a variety of complex problems. Career opportunities for math majors include actuary, data science, math and statistics, and analytics. The average median pay ranges from $83,640 to $120,000 annually, depending on the field.
Architecture
Majoring in architecture means you’ll study design and planning. Coursework will include the history of architectural theory and principles of design. The median pay for an architect is about $93,310 a year.
Business
If your major is in business, you’ll learn about a variety of business practices, including legal, ethical, and political issues. A business major provides the skills and knowledge that many employees are looking for across a range of different fields. The median pay for a business major varies but averages between $95,472 and $101,453 a year, depending on the industry and role.
Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineering majors learn to design, develop, and test systems to manage processes for industrial production. Students will learn a variety of subjects, including production costing, economics, hydraulics, machinery, product development, and more. The median pay for an industrial engineer is about $99,380 a year.
Mechanical Engineering
Majoring in mechanical engineering means learning things like fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structural analysis, and materials science. Mechanical engineers also need to learn analytical thinking and problem-solving. The median pay for a mechanical engineer is about $99,510 a year.
Public Relations
A public relations major studies strategic communications and management of information between organizations and their audiences. Studying this major means developing strong interpersonal skills, writing, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Graduates often go into the fields of media and public relations. The median pay for this major is about $107,880.
Chemical Engineering
A chemical engineering major studies math and science. The role in the workplace is to create safe, efficient and sustainable contributions and solutions to pharmaceuticals, science, energy and many other industries. The median pay for a chemical engineer is about $112,100 a year.
Electronics Engineering
Majoring in electronics engineering means you’ll be learning the design and development of electronic devices. This includes GPS systems, phones, music players, and more. You’ll study circuit theory and digital system design. The average median pay for an electrical engineer is about $113,900.
Economics
An economics major studies how people use their resources. They learn about economic theories and models and how inflation, taxes, labor disagreements, and taxes can affect the economy. Economists can earn up to $115,730 a year.
Biology
A biology degree covers a wide range of subjects, including cellular and molecular processes within living organisms. Biology majors can learn about biochemistry, microbiology, and anatomy. The median pay for a biology major depends on the field but can average about $122,044 a year.
Information Technology (It)
IT majors study the practical side of technology, usually how it’s used in the business world. Once graduated, IT professionals work in fields that focus on implementing and maintaining systems to meet business needs. There are many fields an IT specialist can enter; some require a Bachelor’s degree, while others require a Master’s. The median pay for someone with an IT degree can range from $92,750 to $130,160, depending on the field.
Aeronautics
A degree in aeronautics means you’ll be learning the principles of physics and materials science. Most people majoring in this field become aerospace engineers and work designing, building, and testing spacecraft, aircraft, and missiles. The median yearly pay for an aerospace engineer is about $134,330.
Computer Science
Computer scientists learn about artificial intelligence, coding, and other technologies. There are many career fields a computer science major can take, including data analysis, cybersecurity, software engineering, and machine learning. The median pay for a computer scientist can be as much as $145,080 a year.
15 Highest Paying Jobs That Nobody Wants
Most of the best high-paying jobs no one wants to work are blue-collar jobs. Working in the trades can sound intimidating, but it comes with great benefits, high pay, and job security.
Despite the pros, not a lot of people turn to the trades. If you’re feeling stuck, you may want to consider one of these high-paying jobs.
To curate this list, we chose jobs where you could earn at least $25 an hour. These jobs are also high in demand. To find out how in demand, we used Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Here are 15 high-paying jobs that nobody wants.
- Read More: 15 Highest Paying Jobs That Nobody Wants
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