Top 10 Best Undergraduate Degrees To Study In University To Land A Big Salary Job

Did you know that graduates from university programs can earn up to one million dollars more over their lifetimes?

Worried about finding the highest paying degrees to land a big salary job after graduation? We’ve got you covered!

We considered factors like median salary, salary growth, employment rates, industry demand, and job stability to come up with the best degrees for high salaries.

By focusing on these key criteria, we provide a clear and reliable guide to degrees with the highest earning potential.

The goal of this guide is to help you choose the best possible career so you can have better financial opportunities. So, let’s dive in.

Top 10 Highest Paying Degrees

There are hundreds of degree programs that students can choose from. However, only a few of them can be considered the highest-paying degrees.

Let’s take a look at the 10 best degrees you can study at a university to land a high-paying job…

1. Aerospace Engineering

The estimated median salary for an Aerospace Engineer in the United States is approximately $134,609 per year. Total pay estimates, including bonuses and profit sharing, could potentially reach $243,226 annually.

Job Opportunities

• Aeronautical engineer

• Thermodynamics Engineer

• Aircraft design engineer 

• Airframe design engineer

• Spacecraft systems engineer

• Propulsion systems engineer

• Flight test engineer

Job Outlook

Employment in this field is expected to grow by about 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. 

Around 3,800 job openings are projected each year, many of which will arise as current workers transition to different roles or retire.

The biggest employers include Amazon, Intuitive Machines, Delta Air Lines, SpaceX, and NASA. However, a strong resume and knowledge are required to enter these aerospace giants.

2. Computer Science and IT

For IT roles, the average salary for a Computer Science-related position is $130,403 annually. This can range from $42,561 to $218,244, depending on factors such as position, education, certifications, additional skills, and experience​.

Job Roles and Positions

• Systems Analyst

• Database Administrator

• IT Consultant

• Network Engineer

• IT Project Manager

• Data Scientist

• Cybersecurity Analyst

• Cloud Architect

Roles in Computer Science and related fields offer some of the highest median salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually early in one's career and even higher as they advance.

Job Market

In 2020, the BLS predicted that jobs in the Computer and IT sector would increase by 13% by 2030. This growth rate is much higher than that in other fields.

This well-paying field offers many job opportunities, especially at big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon. Companies like IBM, Facebook (Meta), and Oracle also highly demand tech talent.

The growing trend of remote work allows these companies to hire skilled workers from anywhere in the world.

3. Actuarial Science

Actuarial science has also emerged as a demanding field with a median salary of $120,000. It uses math and statistics to evaluate insurance companies, the finance sectors, and healthcare risks.

Job Opportunities

From 2022 to 2032, the employment of actuaries grew by 23 percent. Various countries like the U.S., U.K., and Sri Lanka offer Actuaries jobs in different sectors, including:

• Government insurance companies.

• Private firms.

• Commercial enterprises.

Liberty Mutual Insurance, Prudential, AIG, WTW, and Mercer are some of the top-rated companies in the U.S. that offer Actuary jobs.

Job Description

Actuaries begin as analysts at the entry level. They analyze data using programming skills such as Python. In insurance companies, actuaries are hired to evaluate financial risks and perform analytical tasks.

As they progress in the field, their job prospects expand into data analytics and predictive modeling. They are an integral part of strategic decision-making and risk management processes.

4. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

In May 2023, the typical yearly salary for marine engineers and naval architects was $100,270. Marine engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or naval architecture.

Career Positions

• Marine Surveyor

• Naval Architect (Marine Operations)

• Full-time, Tenure Track Professional Maritime Engineering Faculty

• Senior Marine Engineer

• Engineering Hull Lead

• Jr. Naval Architect

• Data Links and Communication Engineer

Growth Forecast

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics forecasts a 4% growth in careers in naval architecture and marine engineering by the year 2031. Several sectors have diverse career paths, including Shipbuilding companies, maritime equipment manufacturing, the Offshore Industry, and maritime organizations.

5. Aviation Management

Demand for careers in Aviation Management is currently high. The salary is undoubtedly impressive, but the cost of education is also high. The median salary for an Aviation Manager in 2024 is approximately $95,000 per year​.

Career Options

• Aviation Manager

• Assistant Manager Airside Operations

• Flight Follower

• Operations Supervisor

• Operations Coordinator

The demand for aviation technology is high, and its experts are seen across the globe. The biggest employers in this field are Airlines and airport authorities. The top companies include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and The Boeing Company.

6. Systems Engineering

Systems Engineers have competitive salaries. According to PayScale, the average salary for a newly graduated Systems Engineer in 2024 is $87,075. For Senior Systems Engineers, the average salary is higher at $115,086, ranging from $85,000 to $156,000.

Job Opportunities

Common job titles include:

• Systems Operations and Maintenance Engineer

• Senior Systems Engineer

• Senior Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineer​ 

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Systems Engineers is positive. The field is expected to grow due to the increasing complexity and integration needs of modern systems. The broader field of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow by 14% from 2022 to 2032.

Some of the biggest companies that hire systems engineers include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, The Boeing Company, Microsoft, and Cisco Systems.

7. Software Engineering

Software Engineers earn a competitive median salary. According to PayScale, the average salary for a Software Engineer in 2024 is approximately $93,427 per year. The salary range for this role spans from $68,000 to $136,000, with additional earnings from bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions.

Common Job Roles

• Software Engineer

• Senior Software Engineer

• Software Developer

• Principal Software Engineer.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Software Engineers is very promising. Employment in this field is expected to grow significantly, with a projected growth rate of 25% from 2018 to 2028. This is due to the increasing demand for software across industries.

The major companies that hire software engineers include Google, Apple, Amazon, IBM, Intel, and Oracle. Remote jobs are also available on Cloudflare, Datadog, Elastic, and Github.

8. Cyber Security

Cybersecurity professionals enjoy high median salaries. The average salary for an entry-level cyber security position in 2024 is around $85,000 to $90,000 per year. On the higher end, roles such as Senior Cyber Security Architects and Cloud Security Architects can earn a median salary of $195,000 annually.

Job Opportunities

• Cybersecurity Analyst

• Security Consultant

• Privacy Officer

• Security Engineer

• Incident Response Lead

Job Outlook

Employment in this field is projected to grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is driven by the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats.

Tech giants to specialized cybersecurity firms actively hire professionals from this field. Some of the renowned names include Chainalysis, Coalition, Cyware, Databricks, and GuidePoint Security. 

9. Electronics Engineering

According to PayScale, the average salary for an Electronics Engineer in 2024 is approximately $88,275 per year, with a range between $61,000 and $133,000​​. In Los Angeles, the median salary is slightly higher at $90,604 per year​.

Available Job Roles

• Electrical Design Engineer

• Instrumentation Engineer

• Senior Electrical Engineer

Job Outlook

Overall employment in this field is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032. About 17,800 job openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year. 

Tech giants are among the main recruiters of electronics engineers. Some of the well-known names include Intel, Texas Instruments, Sony, Samsung, Qualcomm, Bosch, and General Electric.

10. Engineering and Industrial Management

An Engineering and Industrial Management degree opens up numerous career opportunities. It is one of the Best bachelor's degrees out there. The median salary of an Industrial Engineer in the U.S. is $83,498, with the highest being $116,000 according to experience and expertise.

Career Opportunities

Here are the top careers offered by engineering and industrial management degrees.

• Manufacturing technician

• Quality assurance inspector 

• Industrial electrician

• Industrial designer

• Supply chain analyst

You can find the average salaries for each of these here.

Career Outlook and Key Employers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for industrial engineers are projected to increase by 10% by 2029.

Key employers in this field include various engineering and manufacturing companies. General Electric (GE), Apple Inc., McKinsey & Company, Boeing, and Procter & Gamble (P&G) are among the five of the biggest companies that hire individuals with this degree.

Summing Up

If you’re looking for the best bachelor's degree jobs that pay the most, the list above is a good starting point.

It’s important for you to align your career goals with market demand and earning potential for long-term success and job satisfaction. By pursuing the best-paying bachelor's degree, you can ensure a stable and rewarding career path.