20 Highest-Paying College Majors in 2025

Students entering college often wonder about the highest-paying degrees. After all, higher education takes a lot of time and can leave many with student loans to pay off, so you want to have a good paying job waiting for you at the end of it. The top-paying majors are often in STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and math.

But the highest-paying degrees don't have to take years; a two-year associate degree in radiation therapy can bring in an average salary over $90,000 a year. Those with the time and advanced skills to pursue a doctorate or PhD can find some of the highest paying jobs, with a surgeon bringing in almost $240,000 per year. If you're ready to see which degree program is best for you, then take a look at the 20 highest-paying college majors below.

Top 20 Highest-Paying College Majors

Higher education opens many doors, whether you complete an associate degree or a doctorate. The 20 programs listed below have reported some of the highest salaries for graduates.

The following salary information was gathered from reputable sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides official data on wages, employment trends, and job outlooks across various industries. Please note that these salaries are based on national averages. The actual salary will vary depending on experience level, geographic area, and other factors.

Highest-Paying Bachelor's Degrees

Undergrad students looking for a lucrative college degree should brush up on their math and science because the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports the highest paying majors out of college all involve engineering. Engineering majors across many different fields can find high-paying jobs.

Computer Engineering

Estimated Median Salary: $138,080

The bachelor's degree with the highest earning potential is computer engineering. Students will study coding, programming, advanced math, and software development; you must have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in this program. Computer engineering differs from computer science as it focuses on evaluating computer hardware. Graduates often work as software developers, in manufacturing, or in electronic system design.

Aerospace Engineering

Estimated Median Salary: $130,720

Aim high with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, one of the best degrees to make money. Classes in this program focus on aircraft design, propulsion, and even space exploration. Aerospace engineers design and test prototypes, from commercial planes to military rockets, troubleshooting any malfunctions and ensuring they meet required standards. An estimated 4,200 new jobs will be opening in this field every year.

Chemical Engineering

Estimated Median Salary: $112,100

Chemical engineering combines science with math, equipping students with the critical-thinking skills they need to develop safe and efficient products. These include chemicals, food, fuel, medicine, and others. A chemical engineering degree opens up job opportunities in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, agriculture, biotechnology, space and nuclear industries, and many others. These jobs are expected to grow 10% over the next decade.

Electrical Engineering

Estimated Median Salary: $109,010

A thorough study of math—including algebra, calculus, and trigonometry—will help electrical engineering students thrive. Many electrical engineers work closely with a team, so communication and writing skills are also necessary. A bachelor's in electrical engineering prepares students to work as electricians, electrical designers, systems engineers, and more. A professional engineering license opens up more opportunities.

Mechanical Engineering

Estimated Median Salary: $99,510

Mechanical engineering courses also have a strong focus on math and science but tend to be less theoretical and more hands-on. Many students in this program specialize within their field, for example, in nuclear engineering or manufacturing. Some of the brightest and fastest growing opportunities involve working in the electronic or automotive industries, crafting renewable energy, or designing robotics. These jobs are expected to grow 11% over the next 10 years.

Highest-Paying Master's Degrees

Some of the highest paying degrees out of college are master's degrees, especially considering projected salary versus the cost of your education. However, because a master's degree opens up so many new career paths, the salaries below are estimates that could change depending on your specialization.

Petroleum Engineering

Estimated Median Salary: $135,690

College graduates can find a lucrative job with a master's in petroleum engineering. Petroleum engineers extract oil and gas, design and implement better extraction methods, often from offshore rigs, and analyze data. Before pursuing a master's, college students first need a degree in mechanical or civil engineering or a related field.

Nursing

Estimated Median Salary: $129,480

Registered nurses (RNs) looking to pursue nursing jobs with some of the highest salaries would benefit from a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). While the average salary is $129,000, how you specialize impacts your salary. Many nurses with an MSN go on to work as nurse practitioners, although you can also pursue work in women's health, acute care, psychiatrics, anesthesiology, midwifery, or more. These jobs are expected to grow by 40%, significantly above the national average.

Business Administration

Estimated Median Salary: $109,159

Attending business school to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) often opens up leadership and management positions with a much higher starting salary in a range of fields. Jobs can be found in the public sector, for a nonprofit or large corporation, or even healthcare. Additionally, according to U.S. News & World Report, 94 business schools reported high employment rates within three months of graduation. While many business schools want students with prior work experience, other programs welcome recent business major grads.

Computer Science

Estimated Median Salary: $102,782

An advanced degree in computer science deepens students' understanding of technology and computer systems while preparing them for advanced leadership roles, often allowing them to specialize within a particular field of study. Graduates can pursue jobs as a programmer, app developer, security analyst, or even chief information officer. Jobs are expected to continue growing 15% over the next decade, well above the national average.

Finance

Estimated Median Salary: $86,000

An MS in finance is similar to an MBA, but classes are more specialized towards the financial sector. Classes focus on economics, statistics, and data science, without the business and marketing aspects of an MBA. Across the job market, there are many options for grads with an MS in finance. Average salaries vary, but a financial advisor could make $82,000 per year, while an actuary could bring in over $120,000 per year.

Highest-Paying Associate Degrees

You don't need an advanced degree to advance your career. Often, these programs are faster and quicker than a four-year bachelor's degree. Take a look at some associate degrees that make the most money, from medicine to aviation.

Air Traffic Control

Estimated Median Salary: $137,380

The highest paying associate degree is in air traffic control, a field with a high demand for qualified workers. Learn air traffic control procedures, how to read radar and track aviation meteorology, and become fluent in relevant terminology. Graduates of the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, a partnership between select schools and the Federal Aviation Administration, are eligible to bypass the required five-week qualification training at an FAA Academy.

Nuclear Science

Estimated Median Salary: $101,740

You don't need an advanced STEM degree to work in nuclear science. An associate degree allows you to pursue a lucrative career as a nuclear technician. In this role you will do nuclear testing and research, taking samples of soil, water, or air to test for radiation levels. Nuclear technicians work closely with physicists and engineers to assist them in their work. Some jobs require further certifications.

Radiation Therapy

Estimated Median Salary: $98,300

Radiation therapists work in hospitals, cancer centers, outpatient clinics, and other locations to provide care to cancer patients. They work with radiologists and oncologists to administer radiation therapy, measure tumors, administer the right dosage of radiation to patients, and update treatment reports. This degree typically takes one to two years to complete, and many facilities prefer radiation therapists to be certified.

Dental Hygiene

Estimated Median Salary: $87,530

As a dental hygienist, you will work under a dentist to perform teeth cleanings, provide fluoride treatments, administer local anesthesia, perform X-rays, and other duties. Programs generally take between two and four years to complete before graduates take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination to become a certified dental hygienist.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Estimated Median Salary: $84,470

It typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete an associate degree in sonography. High school students should take a variety of science classes, and many schools prefer those with an existing healthcare background. Ultrasound techs use soundwaves to noninvasively take pictures of the inside of the human body. This can be used to detect tumors, growths, or other abnormalities, and is frequently used to monitor pregnancy and fetal development.

Highest-Paying PhD/Doctoral Degrees

A PhD or doctoral degree often takes years to complete, countless hours of study, and clinical work under someone more highly trained. But the highest paying degrees out of college are often PhDs. These jobs range from medicine to physics and all bring in at least six-figure salaries on average.

Surgery

Estimated Median Salary: $239,200

A medical doctorate specializing in surgery tops the chart of majors that make the most money, but for good reason. Surgeons not only have to make snap decisions under extreme pressure, they also have to be highly skilled and undergo 13 to 16 years of schoolwork and training before beginning work. But for those willing to put in the time and effort, working as a surgeon can be a fascinating career helping walk people through extreme medical challenges, and it comes with a hefty paycheck to boot.

Immunology

Estimated Median Salary: $182,342

Science majors who thrived in undergraduate classes may benefit from pursuing a PhD in immunology, a fast-growing field with high earning potential. Immunology studies not just how the body fights off infectious diseases, but also how it responds to allergens, inflammation, and immune-related diseases. Immunologists are leaders in research, and the Mayo Clinic reports that their team has made advances in treating cancer, asthma, and slowing the progression of diseases like MS.

Dental Medicine

Estimated Median Salary: $170,910

It may seem like your dentist just peeks in your mouth and is done, but his or her job involves so much more and is certainly worth the years of school and high salary. There are nine different specialties a dentist can pursue, from prosthetics to pathology. But in general, prospective dentists will need a bachelor's degree, admission to dental school (which requires passing the dental admission test), and passing national board exams. Overall, it takes at least eight years to become a licensed dentist.

Physics

Estimated Median Salary: $155,680

The question may not be how to get a PhD in physics, but rather what to do with a PhD in physics. This degree gives students the research and leadership skills to pursue a variety of roles; a particle physicist studies how the universe is structured and held together, an astronomer applies physics and math to studying the universe, while a nanotechnologist observes the universe at the micro-level. Or you can become a physics professor, working in a lab or classroom to prepare the next generation of physicists.

Juris Doctorate

Estimated Median Salary: $148,910

After completing your bachelor's degree, prospective judges will need to go to law school to get their Juris Doctorate. Becoming a judge often takes decades of hard work, and you must be voted into an open position. But being in control of the courtroom and meting out justice (along with a hefty salary) makes this an incredibly rewarding law career. Prospective judges can work in a local courtroom or work their way up to the federal courts.

How To Choose a College Major

The highest paying degrees out of college often include STEM fields, healthcare, or finance. But choosing the right college major for you will depend on your career and financial goals, your interests and skills, and how long you plan to be in school. A PhD in immunology may offer a great salary, but it will be difficult if you are bored in biology class. Consider classes you excelled at in high school and how these skills can be refined to pursue a high-paying degree.

Consider also the cost of your education. Many entry-level jobs, even with a high-paying major, will offer lower-end salaries. It may take some time to work your way up, so plan how you'll be able to pay off any student loans out of college. Taking online classes can lower costs, and pursing internships while still in school can give you early-career success.

FAQs About Top-Paying Majors in the U.S.

Take a look at our answers to some of your most frequently asked questions as you continue to consider the best top-paying major for you.

What Is the Number #1 Highest-Paying Major?

Overall, the highest paying career is a surgeon, which will require a medical degree and several years of study. Surgeons, on average, bring in almost $240,000 per year, making this a highly lucrative career that is worth the hard work and long hours.

Which Majors Make the Most After Graduating From College?

Students with a degree in engineering or medicine tend to make the most money after graduation. While many medical degrees require further education, engineering majors are often able to pursue high-paying jobs with just a bachelor's degree.

Which Degrees Make the Most Mid-Career?

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that the highest-paying bachelor's degree at mid-career is aerospace engineering with $125,000 per year on average. Just over half of those in this career also have an advanced degree, so aerospace engineers would benefit from pursuing a master's degree as well.

Find the Right Degree Program

Whether you are searching for a high-paying associate degree program or are looking to put in the time to complete your PhD, there are high-paying options for in-demand jobs in a wide range of fields. If one of these degree programs has caught your attention, then reach out to one of the accredited schools featured on Learn.org and find out how you can get started today.