15 Highest-Paying PhD Degrees| Best Paying Doctoral Programs 2025

Several of the highest-paying majors require students to earn an advanced degree, like a doctorate degree, to pursue their career paths. There are two primary types of doctorates: professional degrees and research degrees.

Professional degrees prepare students for specific career paths, while research degrees, like the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), primarily prepare students for research positions or roles in academia. Keep reading to discover the highest-paying PhD degrees and professional doctorates.

Highest-Paying PhDs and Doctoral Programs

Earning one of the highest-paying doctorate degrees requires many years of study; however, many students find this study to be worth it as positions for doctorate holders pay very well. Below, we've highlighted some of the best doctorate degrees to consider if you're aiming for a higher salary.

The following salary information was sourced from 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.

1. Doctor of Medicine

Median Salary: greater than $239,200 per year

Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees are required for physicians and surgeons to practice medicine. To earn this degree, you'll first need to complete a bachelor's degree program and attend medical school. After medical school, you must complete a residency and sometimes a fellowship before earning your medical license.

There are several specialties available to those with an MD. Some of the highest-paying are:

• Pediatric surgeons: $449,320
• Cardiologists: $423,250
• Orthopedic surgeons: $378,250
• Radiologists: $353,960

The BLS predicts that jobs for physicians and surgeons as a whole will increase by 4% by 2033, with psychiatrists seeing a projected increase of 8% and pediatricians seeing the lowest increase, at just 2%.

An alternative to an MD degree is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Both can practice medicine with a license, but DOs tend to take a more holistic approach to medicine. These degrees have very similar requirements, but DO programs are less common than MD programs.

2. Doctor of Dental Medicine

Median Salary: $170,910

With a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and a license through your state, you'll be equipped to provide dental care to your patients. Some schools offer a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, which is just a different name for the same education.

There are a few specializations within dentistry. According to the BLS, the estimated median salary for dentists breaks down like this:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: $239,200 or more
• Orthodontists: $239,200 or more
• Prosthodontists: $234,000
• General dentists:$166,300

To become a dentist, you must earn a bachelor's degree and then attend an accredited dental school. To work in a specialty, you'll need to complete a residency program. Licensure requirements vary by state but most require passing specific exams.

3. Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

Median Salary: $155,680

One of the highest-paying PhD degrees is in physics. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in physics provides students with the knowledge and research skills to pursue numerous careers in the physics field. These are some of the most lucrative PhDs.

Physicists study the interaction between matter and energy, and have an average median salary of $155,680 per year. This field is expected to have a job increase of 7% by 2033.

There are other jobs you can do as a PhD graduate in physics. These include roles in:

• aerospace engineering: $130,720
• nuclear engineering: $125,460
• data science: $108,020
• physics professor: $98,020

4. Juris Doctorate

Median Salary: $145,760

A Juris Doctorate (JD) is the name for a doctoral degree in law. To earn a JD, you'll need to attend an accredited law school. To practice as a lawyer, you must pass the bar exam for your state.

There are multiple specialties within law, and some pay better than others. The estimated median salary for all lawyers is $145,760, and jobs are expected to increase 5% over the next decade.

There are other well-paying careers you can pursue once you have your law degree. Judges, for example, have an estimated median salary of $148,910, while law professors have an estimated median salary of $127,360.

5. Doctor of Engineering

Median Salary : Varies

Many engineering roles do not require a graduate degree. However, a Doctor of Engineering (DEng or EngD) or a PhD in engineering can prepare you for high-paying roles within research or academia.

Earning potential depends on the field of engineering you pursue. Some popular fields of engineering include:

• computer hardware engineering: $138,080
• chemical engineering: $112,100
• electrical engineering: $109,010
• biomedical engineering: $100,730

6. Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Median Salary: $145,080 per year

With a PhD in computer science, you'll be prepared to work as a computer research scientist or in various areas of academia and computer science. Computer scientists have an average median salary of $145,080 per year and job growth is very positive � the BLS expects computer scientist jobs to increase 26% over the next ten years.

Many computer science roles do not require a graduate degree but still offer a high average salary. These include:

• computer and information systems managers: $169,510
• computer hardware engieners:$138,080
• software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers: $130,160
• computer network architects: $129,840

7. Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

Median Salary: $141,650

Podiatry is the field focused on providing healthcare for feet, ankles, and lower legs. A podiatrist provides medical and surgical care to patients with issues in these areas.

To become a podiatrist, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree and pursue graduate school at an accredited college of podiatric medicine. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree usually takes four years of graduate school, as well as a post-doctoral residency.

The average median salary for podiatrists is $141,650 per year. However, the expected growth is relatively low, with the BLS estimating a job increase of just 1% by 2033.

8. Doctor of Pharmacy

Median Salary: $136,030

A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) prepares doctoral students to work as licensed pharmacists. These professionals prepare and dispense prescription drugs; they also provide information to patients about their medications.

On average, the median salary for pharmacists is $136,030 per year. The BLS estimates that jobs for pharmacists will increase by 5% over the next decade.

Pharmacists typically work in drugstore settings within retail stores or healthcare facilities. Some work in pharmacology, focusing on the research and science of medications.

9. Doctor of Optometry

Median Salary: $131,860

A Doctor of Optometry degree is a graduate degree for aspiring optometrists. Optometrists focus on standard eye care and health; they conduct eye exams and help their patients find the right prescriptions.

The estimated median salary for optometrists is $131,860 per year. They usually work in eye clinics or for retail stores that sell eyeglasses, and jobs are expected to increase 9% over the next ten years.

10. Doctor of Nursing Practice

Median Salary: $129,480

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree prepares registered nurses (RNs) for advanced practice and leadership roles in nursing. Note that while a master's degree is sufficient for some nursing practice positions, some schools only offer DNP options and there is currently a push to require nurse practitioners to hold DNPs rather than simply master's degrees.

Nurse anesthetists earn the most with a DNP degree, with an estimated median salary of $212,650. Job demand is expected to rise 10% by 2033.

A DNP can also prepare you to work as a nurse midwife. These advanced nurses have an estimated median salary of $129,650 with an expected job increase of 7% over the next decade.

Nurse practitioners have an estimated median salary of $126,260 yearly, but salary depends largely on their specialty. Common specialties include primary care/family practice, adult/gerontology, pediatrics, mental health, and women's health. Nurse practitioners are in high demand, with an expected job increase of 46% over the next ten years.

11. Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy

Median Salary: $127,930

Astronomers study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. Their work often overlaps with that of physicists, but if you know you want to go into astronomy, the best PhD to get is one in astronomy.

Most astronomers work in research and development, and they tend to spend most of their time in an office setting or observatories. The median annual wage for astronomers is estimated at $127,930, although those who go into teaching college usually earn less, around $100,690 on average.

12. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Median Salary: $119,100

If you have a passion for caring for animals, you may want to consider a career as a veterinarian. These professionals diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions in animals, but they're also an important part of maintaining public health.

Veterinarians often specialize in specific types of animals. For example, companion animal veterinarians care for animals that are traditionally pets, like cats and dogs � they usually work in clinics or animal hospitals. Meanwhile, food animal veterinarians work with animals like cattle and pigs that are used for food. They often go out to farms or ranches to treat these animals.

The mean annual wage for veterinarians is estimated at $119,100. The job outlook is high, with an expected increase of 19% by 2033.

13. Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

Median Salary: $115,730

With a PhD in economics, you'll be prepared for roles in research or academia within the field of economics. Most graduates go on to work as economists.

Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. Most economists work for the federal government, but they can also work for consulting services and state governments.

The estimated median salary for economists is $115,730, with roles in research and development and the federal government paying more. Jobs for economists are expected to increase by 5% over the next decade.

Those with a PhD in economics can also work as economics professors at colleges and universities. Their estimated median salary is about the same, at $115,300.

14. Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry/Biophysics

Median Salary: $107,460

Biochemistry and biophysics are fields that combine the biological sciences with the physical sciences. Biochemists and biophysicists usually work in research. This research often concerns advancements in medicine and pharmacology but can also focus on agriculture, the environment, and more.

The majority of biochemists and biophysicists work for scientific research and development services, but some also work in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, as well as colleges and universities. Their estimated median salary is $107,460, and the BLS expects these jobs to increase by 9% over the next ten years.

15. Doctor of Education

Median Salary:$102,610

Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees often offer specializations, like educational leadership or curriculum and instruction. In most cases, these degrees lead to leadership roles or roles in educational research.

While not all educational leadership roles require a doctoral degree, roles like a dean or provost in higher education usually do. Postsecondary education administrators have an estimated median salary of $102,610 per year, and job opportunities are expected to increase by 3% through 2033.

Those working as elementary, middle school, or high school principals have a slightly higher estimated median salary of $103,460. However, job opportunities for principals are expected to decline about 1% by 2033.

FAQs About the Highest-Paying Jobs With a Doctorate Degree

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about the highest-paying doctorate degrees.

What Is the Highest-Paying PhD?

On average, the highest-paying PhD is in physics. However, it's important to note that the specific salary will depend on your career opportunities and the path you take toward career advancement.

While in school, PhD students are usually given a stipend so they can devote their full attention to their coursework. This helps alleviate costs associated with attending school full-time. While the stipend isn't usually a huge amount, it can be helpful as you pursue a high-paying career with your PhD.

You can also look for affordable online PhD programs to help alleviate your costs while in school.

Which Medical PhD Has the Highest Salary?

Most medical degrees are professional degrees, not PhDs. However, you can earn a PhD in a field like medical science, which focuses on research to improve overall health. Medical scientists have an estimated median salary of $100,890 per year and the job market is expected to increase by 11% over the next decade.

Can You Earn a High-Paying Doctorate Degree Online?

While online doctorate degrees aren't as common as online bachelor's or master's degrees, plenty of schools still offer them. Some of the most common doctoral degrees available online are DNPs, EdDs, and PhDs in fields like computer science or psychology.

For many students, the easiest PhD programs offer online learning with flexible schedules. The coursework may still be difficult, but being able to learn when and where you want can make it feel much easier.

What Are the Top Industries for High-Paying PhD Careers?

Several job markets provide positions with high salaries that require doctoral degrees. Some of the top industries for PhD degree holders include:

• physics and astronomy
• computer science
• economics
• biochemistry and biophysics
• medicine

Explore Doctoral Degrees

Find the best PhD programs by exploring the those featured on Learn.org. Contact these schools to learn more about their doctoral options, admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.