Top 15 Degrees That Pay 100k in 2026: High-Paying Degrees

A six-figure salary is within reach for graduates in several fields, and the degree you choose plays a major role in getting there. Some careers reach $100,000 within a few years of graduation, while others take a decade of experience or an advanced credential to get there. Either way, certain fields consistently produce higher earning potential than others, and knowing which ones can help you make a more informed decision about where to invest your education.

Keep reading as we highlight 15 degrees connected to careers with median salaries of $100,000 or more, based on the most recent wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You'll find a mix of degree levels represented, from bachelor's programs in fields like computer science and petroleum engineering to doctoral and professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, and law. Each entry includes the typical career path, degree level required, and current salary data to help you compare your options.

Salary Disclaimer: The salary ranges provided in this article are estimates based on national averages. Actual earnings may vary depending on location, employer, level of experience, and industry demand.

Do Many Degrees Pay $100K?

Six-figure salaries aren't limited to a small handful of careers. Dozens of occupations across healthcare, technology, business, law, and engineering report median wages above $100,000, and the fields represented span a wide range of educational paths. Some, like computer science and actuarial science, only require a bachelor's degree. Others, like medicine and law, call for years of additional graduate or professional study.

A few factors influence how likely a given degree is to lead to six-figure pay. Field matters most: healthcare, technology, and specialized business roles dominate the highest-paying career paths. Experience matters too, since many roles on this list report median wages that reflect workers with years in the field, not entry-level salaries. Credential level plays a role as well, with doctoral and professional degrees generally commanding higher pay than bachelor's degrees, though there are notable exceptions. Location also affects earning potential, with wages varying significantly by state and metro area.

Understanding these factors puts the degrees below into better context. A bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering and a doctoral degree in dentistry can both lead to six-figure salaries, but the path, timeline, and investment required look very different. 

Top 15 Degrees That Pay $100K 

Each degree below connects to at least one career with a median salary of $100,000 or higher, based on the most recent BLS wage data. Some fields, like medicine and dentistry, offer several high-paying specialties within the same degree. Others lead more directly to a single well-paying role. Where a degree opens multiple lucrative paths, a few of the top-paying options are highlighted below. 

1. Doctor of Medicine (MD) / Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

An MD or DO takes four years of medical school plus three to seven years of residency, depending on specialty. Physicians consistently top BLS wage charts, with pay well into six figures across most specialties. According to the most recent data, some of the highest-paying paths include:

• Pediatric surgeons, averaging over $550,000 annually
• Cardiologists, averaging nearly $500,000 annually
• Radiologists, averaging over $420,000 annually
• Psychiatrists, earning a median of roughly $282,000 annually
• Family medicine physicians, earning a median of roughly $244,000 annually

Whichever specialty you choose, an MD or DO remains one of the most reliable paths to six-figure pay, though the schooling timeline and cost are significant considerations.

2. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A DNP is the terminal degree in nursing practice, typically requiring two to four years of doctoral study after a bachelor's or master's in nursing. Nurses who earn a DNP can pursue advanced clinical roles that pay well above the $100,000 mark. The most recent BLS data shows:

• Nurse anesthetists earn a median of roughly $236,600 annually, among the highest-paying nursing roles
• Nurse midwives earn a median of roughly $134,000 annually
• Nurse practitioners earn a median of roughly $132,300 annually

A DNP offers one of the fastest-growing paths to a high salary in healthcare, particularly for nurse anesthetists, who also see strong projected job growth nationally.

3. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) / Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

A DDS or DMD typically requires four years of dental school after a bachelor's degree, and both credentials qualify graduates for the same scope of practice. General dentists already clear the $100,000 mark, and several specialties pay considerably more. According to the most recent data:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn a median of roughly $352,200 annually
• Prosthodontists earn a median of roughly $311,200 annually
• Orthodontists earn a median of roughly $289,100 annually
• General dentists earn a median of roughly $171,000 annually

Reaching the higher-paying specialties requires two to six additional years of residency training beyond dental school, depending on the specialty.

4. Computer Science

A bachelor's degree in computer science opens the door to several well-paying technology careers, with median wages ranging from around $130,000 to over $175,000. The most recent data from the BLS shows:

• Computer and information systems managers earn a median of roughly $175,100 annually
• Computer hardware engineers earn a median of roughly $161,700 annually
• Software developers earn a median of roughly $136,000 annually

Reaching manager-level pay typically requires five or more years of relevant experience beyond the degree, and some employers prefer or require a graduate degree for these roles. Computer and information research scientist roles, which also pay well, typically call for a master's degree.

5. Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA builds on a bachelor's degree, typically in business or a related field, with one to two additional years of graduate study. While some management roles are attainable with a bachelor's degree alone, an MBA can accelerate the path to leadership positions and higher pay. According to the most recent data:

• Chief executives (CEOs, etc) earn a median of roughly $214,000 annually 
• Marketing managers earn a median of roughly $166,800 annually
• Financial managers earn a median of roughly $166,600 annually
• Human resources managers earn a median of roughly $149,300 annually

Most of these roles also require five or more years of experience in a related field, regardless of degree level, so the MBA works alongside real-world experience rather than replacing it.

6. Juris Doctor (JD)

A JD typically requires three years of law school after a bachelor's degree, followed by passing a state bar exam to practice law. Lawyers earn strong median pay nationally, with senior roles reaching even higher. BLS data from the most recent year shows:

• Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates earn a median of roughly $154,000 annually
• Lawyers earn a median of roughly $159,700 annually

Passing the bar exam is a required step beyond earning the degree itself, and judicial roles typically require several years of practice as a lawyer first.

7. Industrial-Organizational Psychology

A master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology typically takes two years beyond a bachelor's degree and focuses on applying psychological principles to workplace issues like employee performance, organizational structure, and hiring practices. Some professionals in this field pursue a Ph.D. instead, which can open doors to research or consulting roles, but a master's degree is typically sufficient for most positions.

According to the most BLS recent data, industrial-organizational psychologists earn a median of roughly $194,000 annually, one of the highest-paying master's-level careers overall. Because this is a smaller, specialized occupation, opportunities may be more concentrated in larger organizations, consulting firms, and government agencies than in smaller companies.

8. Professional Flight / Aviation

A bachelor's degree in professional flight or aviation provides the academic foundation for a pilot career, but reaching airline pilot status requires substantially more than the degree alone. Graduates must earn FAA certifications, accumulate flight hours, and typically build experience as a commercial or regional pilot before qualifying for airline positions.

The most recent BLS data shows that airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers earn a median of roughly $232,100 annually. Commercial pilots, an earlier-career step for many aspiring airline pilots, earn considerably less, and reaching airline pilot pay can take several years of flight experience beyond graduation.

9. Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

A Pharm.D. typically requires four years of pharmacy school, often following two to four years of prerequisite undergraduate coursework. All states require pharmacists to be licensed, which includes passing national and state-specific pharmacy licensure exams after graduation.

According to the most recent data, pharmacists earn a median of roughly $140,900 annually. Pay can vary based on practice setting, with hospital and outpatient care roles often paying more than retail pharmacy positions, and because pharmacist employment growth is projected to be slower than average, prospective students may want to research demand in their specific region before committing to this path.

10. Petroleum Engineering

A bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering prepares graduates to work directly in the field, with many employers valuing internship experience alongside formal coursework. Unlike many other high-paying fields, petroleum engineering doesn't typically require graduate study or additional licensure to reach six-figure pay, though a Professional Engineer (PE) license can support career advancement.

According to the most recent data, petroleum engineers earn a median of roughly $144,900 annually, one of the higher-paying bachelor's-level careers on this list. Job growth in this field is projected to be slower than average, so it's worth researching demand and industry outlook in the specific region or sector you're considering.

11. Doctor of Optometry (OD)

An OD typically requires four years of optometry school after a bachelor's degree, with coursework focused on eye health, vision correction, and diagnosing eye conditions. All states require optometrists to be licensed, which includes passing national board exams after graduation.

The most recent BLS data shows optometrists earn a median of roughly $136,600 annually. Optometrists who want to perform a broader range of eye surgeries typically pursue ophthalmology instead, which requires a medical degree, but an OD alone is sufficient for most private practice and clinical roles in this field.

12. Physician Assistant Studies (MS/MPAS)

A master's degree in physician assistant studies typically takes two to three years and includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations across multiple medical specialties. All states require physician assistants to be licensed, which includes passing a national certification exam after graduation.

According to the BLS, the most recent data shows physician assistants earn a median of roughly $135,900 annually. This field is projected to grow much faster than average, making it one of the more promising paths on this list for long-term job security alongside strong pay.

13. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

A DVM typically requires four years of veterinary school after a bachelor's degree, with coursework and clinical training covering the care of multiple animal species. All states require veterinarians to be licensed, which includes passing a national board exam after graduation.

The most recent data from the BLS shows veterinarians earn a median of roughly $130,100 annually. Veterinarian employment is projected to grow significantly faster than average, driven in part by rising pet ownership, making this a strong option for students interested in both animal care and long-term career stability.

14. Actuarial Science

A bachelor's degree in actuarial science covers statistics, probability, and financial theory, preparing graduates to assess risk for insurance companies, financial firms, and other organizations. Reaching full actuary status also requires passing a series of professional exams administered by actuarial societies, a process that can take several years to complete alongside full-time work.

BLS data shows actuaries earn a median of roughly $130,000 annually. This field is projected to grow much faster than average, and because the licensing exams are rigorous and ongoing even after landing a job, prospective students should be prepared for a career that combines formal education with years of continued professional testing.

15. Economics

A bachelor's degree in economics provides a strong foundation in the field, but most economist positions require a master's degree, adding roughly two years of additional graduate study. Coursework typically covers statistical analysis, economic theory, and data modeling.

According to the most recent BLS data, economists earn a median of roughly $124,700 annually, with federal government roles often paying more than state or local positions. Because a bachelor's degree alone is rarely sufficient for the title of "economist," students interested in this path should plan for graduate school as part of their overall timeline and cost.

How to Choose a Degree

Salary potential matters, but it shouldn't be the only factor in choosing a degree. The strongest fit accounts for your interests, financial situation, and long-term career goals alongside earning potential. A few factors worth weighing as you narrow down your options:

• Job outlook: Some high-paying fields, like physician assistants and veterinarians, are projected to grow much faster than average, while others, like petroleum engineering, show slower growth. Strong pay today doesn't guarantee strong demand a decade from now.
• Total cost and time investment: Doctoral and professional degrees often mean six to eight years of school and significant tuition, while bachelor's-level paths like computer science or actuarial science reach six figures with less time and often lower upfront cost.
• Licensing and ongoing requirements: Fields like law, pharmacy, and actuarial science require passing exams beyond the degree itself, sometimes on an ongoing basis throughout your career.
• Personal interest and fit: A high salary won't offset years of daily dissatisfaction, so consider the actual day-to-day work involved in a given field before committing.

Balancing these factors against your own priorities can help you choose a degree that supports both your financial goals and your long-term satisfaction. For further information on top-paying degrees, check out:

• Easiest degrees that pay 100k
• Associate degrees that pay 100k
• Bachelor's degrees that pay 100k
• Master's degrees that pay 100k
• Doctoral degrees that pay 100k

How to Pay for a High-Paying Degree

Many of the degrees on this list, particularly doctoral and professional programs, come with substantial tuition costs. Fortunately, several funding options can help offset the investment.

• Federal financial aid: Completing the FAFSA opens the door to federal grants, work-study, and both subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans, which often carry more favorable terms than private loans.
• Scholarships and fellowships: Many schools, professional associations, and private organizations offer scholarships specific to fields like nursing, engineering, or law, and some doctoral programs offer fellowships that cover tuition in exchange for research or teaching work.
• Employer tuition assistance: Some employers, particularly in healthcare and technology, offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs for employees pursuing relevant degrees.
• Military aid: Service members, veterans, and their families may qualify for benefits like the GI Bill, tuition assistance programs, or ROTC scholarships, which can cover some or all of the cost of a degree in exchange for service commitments.
• Income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness: Graduates entering public service or nonprofit roles may qualify for loan forgiveness programs, while income-driven repayment plans can make monthly payments more manageable based on earnings after graduation.

Researching these options early, ideally before committing to a specific program, can meaningfully reduce the financial burden of pursuing a high-paying degree.  

FAQs About Degrees That Pay 100k

Here are answers to a few common questions about high-paying degrees.

What's the Highest-Paying Degree on This List?

An MD or DO leads the list by a wide margin, with several physician specialties reporting median pay well above $200,000 annually. Dentistry and nursing practice doctorates also rank among the top earners.

Can You Earn $100K With Just a Bachelor's Degree?

Yes. Several fields on this list, including computer science, petroleum engineering, and actuarial science, reach six-figure median pay without requiring graduate school, though some roles still call for years of experience to hit that threshold.

Which Degree Offers the Best Salary-to-Schooling Ratio?

Computer science tends to offer strong pay relative to the time invested, since a four-year bachelor's degree can lead directly to well-paying roles, with management-level pay following several years of experience rather than additional schooling.

Do All High-Paying Careers Require Licensure?

Not all, but many do. Fields like medicine, law, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine require passing a licensing exam after graduation, while others, like computer science and data-related roles, typically don't require a license to practice.

How Long Does It Take to Start Earning $100K After Choosing One of These Degrees?

This varies significantly by field. Bachelor's-level paths like petroleum engineering or actuarial science can lead to six-figure pay within a few years of graduation, while doctoral and professional degrees often require additional years of residency, licensure, or specialized training before reaching that level.

Are Online Degrees a Good Option for These Fields?

Many of these fields, particularly those requiring clinical training or hands-on lab work, aren't well suited to fully online programs, though some coursework may be offered online as part of a hybrid format. Business, economics, and some technology-related degrees are more commonly available in fully online formats.

Discover High-Paying Degrees

A career that nets you over $100k a year could be in your future. Find your perfect high-paying degree by exploring the programs and resources featured on Learn.org.