Top 30 High-Paying Careers With a Science Degree in 2026

A science degree opens doors across an unusually wide range of well-paying careers, from lab-based research roles to management positions built on scientific training. Some paths lead directly to a strong salary with a bachelor's degree alone, while others require years of additional graduate or professional schooling before reaching the pay levels described here.

This list breaks down 30 of those careers, ranked from highest to lowest median salary, spanning core sciences, math and computer science, psychology, and the health sciences. Each entry names the degree path involved and is upfront about how much additional schooling, if any, separates a bachelor's degree from the salary figure listed.

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.

30 High-Paying Careers With a Science Degree

The careers below are ranked from highest to lowest salary, based on the most current data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and, for one entry where BLS data is unreliable, PayScale. Each entry names the science-related degree path most closely tied to that career.

1. Physician

A pre-med biology, chemistry, or related science degree lays the foundation for medical school, followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and several years of residency training. This is one of the longest schooling paths on this list, typically a decade or more from undergraduate enrollment to full practice.

Physicians examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians and surgeons earned a median annual wage of $275,930, the highest figure on this list.

2. Nurse Anesthetist

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, followed by RN experience and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in nurse anesthesia, prepares graduates for this advanced nursing specialty. As of 2025, the doctoral degree is the standard entry point, replacing the master's degree that was once sufficient.

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical and diagnostic procedures. Nurse anesthetists earned a mean annual wage of $248,320, according to the most recent data. This figure reflects the nurse anesthetist occupation specifically, which BLS reports separately from the broader nurse practitioner category.

3. Dentist

A pre-dental biology or chemistry degree precedes dental school, which leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Both dental degrees require passing national and state licensing exams before a graduate can practice.

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related structures. Dentists earned a median annual wage of $176,110, according to the latest data. Some dental specialties, like orthodontics and oral surgery, require additional residency training and pay considerably more than this general figure.

4. Computer and Information Systems Manager

A computer science or information systems degree builds the technical foundation for this career, typically followed by several years of hands-on IT experience before moving into management. Many professionals later pursue an MBA or a master's in information systems to strengthen their path toward senior leadership.

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities within an organization. Computer and information systems managers earned a median annual wage of $175,140, according to recent data. This is one of the highest-paying careers on this list that doesn't require schooling beyond a bachelor's degree.

5. Physicist

A bachelor's degree in physics provides the foundation for this field, but most physicists working independently in research roles hold a doctoral degree. Graduate study typically focuses on a specialized subfield, such as particle physics, astrophysics, or condensed matter physics.

Physicists study the fundamental properties of matter and energy through research and experimentation. Physicists earned a median annual wage of $172,250, according to the most recent data. Entry-level roles for bachelor's-level graduates exist, but they typically pay considerably less than this figure, which reflects doctoral-level researchers.

6. Natural Sciences Manager

A bachelor's degree in any natural science, such as biology, chemistry, or environmental science, prepares graduates for this role, though most natural sciences managers spend years working as scientists before moving into management. The role oversees teams of chemists, physicists, biologists, and other researchers.

Natural sciences managers plan, direct, and coordinate research and other scientific activities. Natural sciences managers earned a median annual wage of $161,180, according to recent data. Employers typically expect five or more years of related scientific experience before considering a candidate for this role.

7. Podiatrist

A pre-medical science degree precedes podiatry school, which leads to a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree and a three-year residency. Every state requires podiatrists to be licensed before they can practice.

Podiatrists diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. Podiatrists earned a median annual wage of $152,800, according to the most recent data. This field also shows some of the slowest projected job growth on this list, worth weighing alongside the strong pay.

8. Optometrist

A pre-optometry science degree precedes optometry school, which leads to a Doctor of Optometry degree over four years of professional study. Most programs require the Optometry Admission Test for entry.

Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the eye. Optometrists earned a median annual wage of $141,550, according to the latest data. Optometry program enrollment has shifted toward a majority-female student body in recent years, a notable change from the field's historically male-dominated makeup.

9. Pharmacist

A pre-pharmacy science degree precedes pharmacy school, which leads to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree over four years of professional study. Every state requires pharmacists to be licensed.

Pharmacists review prescriptions, verify dosages, and counsel patients on medication use. Pharmacists earned a median annual wage of $140,910, according to recent data. Clinical rotations across different pharmacy settings typically make up the final year of the degree program.

10. Nurse Practitioner

RN licensure and clinical experience, combined with a master's or doctoral degree in a nurse practitioner specialty, prepare graduates for this advanced practice role. Nurse practitioners must also pass a national certification exam in their chosen specialty.

Nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare, in many states with prescribing authority. Nurse practitioners earned a mean annual wage of $137,300, according to the most recent data. This role continues to show some of the strongest projected job growth of any career on this list.

11. Software Developer

A bachelor's degree in computer science covers programming languages, algorithms, and software design principles. Coding bootcamps and other nontraditional paths exist, but a bachelor's degree remains the typical entry point employers look for.

Software developers design, build, and test computer applications and systems. Software developers earned a median annual wage of $135,980, according to the most recent data. This is one of the higher-paying careers on this list that's genuinely accessible with a bachelor's degree alone.

12. Physician Assistant

A pre-health science degree precedes a Master of Physician Assistant Studies, which typically requires prior healthcare experience for admission. Clinical rotations across multiple medical specialties make up a substantial part of the program.

Physician assistants examine patients and diagnose and treat illness under a physician's supervision. Physician assistants earned a median annual wage of $135,880, according to the most recent data. This is one of the more female-dominated fields on this list, with women making up a strong majority of both PA program enrollment and the practicing workforce.

13. Veterinarian

A pre-veterinary biology or animal science degree precedes veterinary school, which leads to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree over four years. Every state requires veterinarians to be licensed before practicing.

Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals. Veterinarians earned a median annual wage of $130,100, according to the latest data. Veterinary school admission is highly competitive, often more so than admission to medical school relative to the number of applicants.

14. Actuary

A bachelor's degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or statistics builds the quantitative foundation for this career, though the real credentialing happens through a series of professional exams that most actuaries complete over several years on the job. Employers often hire candidates who have passed at least one or two exams before graduation.

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty. Actuaries earned a median annual wage of $130,000, according to the most recent data. This career pairs a math or statistics degree with a credentialing path that runs independently of formal schooling.

15. Astronomer

Nearly all research astronomer positions require a doctoral degree, though a bachelor's degree in physics or astronomy provides the starting foundation. Graduate study typically involves years of specialized observational or theoretical work.

Astronomers study celestial objects and phenomena using ground- and space-based instruments. Astronomers earned a median annual wage of $128,820, according to the latest data. This is one of the smallest fields on this list by total employment, so openings are limited relative to demand.

16. Biochemist or Biophysicist

A bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry provides an entry point, though many research-focused roles in this field expect a master's or doctoral degree. Research projects in this field are often interdisciplinary, drawing on physics, chemistry, and computer science.

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and biological processes. Biochemists and biophysicists earned a median annual wage of $127,410, according to recent data. This field also shows strong projected growth, among the fastest on this list.

17. Mathematician

A bachelor's degree in mathematics builds the core quantitative foundation for this field, though many mathematician roles, particularly in research settings, expect a master's or doctoral degree. Coursework tends to emphasize abstract problem-solving alongside applied statistical methods.

Mathematicians use advanced mathematics to develop and understand mathematical principles and solve real-world problems. Mathematicians earned a median annual wage of $126,710, according to the most recent data. This is a genuinely small occupation nationally, so competition for the strongest-paying roles can be significant.

18. Economist

A bachelor's degree in economics or a related quantitative field provides an entry point, though most economist roles, especially in research and policy settings, expect a master's or doctoral degree. Coursework blends mathematical modeling with the study of markets, policy, and human behavior.

Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. Economists earned a median annual wage of $124,720, according to the most recent data. Federal government roles pay particularly well within this field compared to other common employment settings.

19. Data Scientist

A bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or computer science builds the foundation for this fast-growing field. Some employers require or prefer a master's or doctoral degree, particularly for more senior or research-focused roles.

Data scientists use statistical and computational methods to extract insights from large datasets. Data scientists earned a median annual wage of $120,230, according to the most recent data. This field also shows exceptionally strong projected growth, among the fastest of any career on this list.

20. Materials Scientist

A bachelor's degree in materials science, chemistry, or a related engineering field prepares graduates for this career, which studies the structure and properties of materials to develop new products and applications. Many materials scientists work closely with engineers on product development teams.

Materials scientists study the structures and chemical properties of materials to develop new products or improve existing ones. Materials scientists earned a median annual wage of $117,790, according to the latest data. This role pays meaningfully more than the closely related chemist occupation described further down this list.

21. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

A bachelor's degree in psychology provides the foundation, but most industrial-organizational psychology roles require a master's or doctoral degree with a specific I-O concentration. This field applies psychological principles to workplace issues like hiring, training, and organizational structure.

Industrial-organizational psychologists study workplace behavior and apply psychological principles to improve organizational effectiveness. Because BLS wage data for this occupation comes from an unusually small national survey sample and swings significantly year to year, PayScale offers a steadier picture: PayScale reports an average base salary of $110,313 for this role.

22. Statistician

A bachelor's degree in statistics or mathematics builds the foundation for this career, and many statisticians pursue a master's degree to strengthen their qualifications for research-heavy roles. Coursework emphasizes data collection methods, probability theory, and statistical modeling.

Statisticians develop and apply statistical methods to collect and analyze data to help solve real-world problems. Statisticians earned a median annual wage of $105,650, according to the most recent data. This career overlaps significantly with data science, though it leans more heavily on formal statistical theory.

23. Medical Scientist

A bachelor's degree in biology or a related life science provides an entry point, but medical scientists typically hold a doctoral degree, often a PhD or a combined MD-PhD. This career focuses on research aimed at understanding disease and developing new treatments.

Medical scientists conduct research to better understand disease or to develop breakthroughs in treatment. Medical scientists earned a median annual wage of $103,410, according to the most recent data. This field shows strong projected growth as pharmaceutical and biotech research continues expanding.

24. Physical Therapist

Three years of professional study in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program follow a pre-health science bachelor's degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.

Physical therapists help patients manage pain and improve movement after an injury or illness. Physical therapists earned a median annual wage of $102,760, according to the latest data. This field shows solid projected growth, driven partly by an aging population that increasingly needs rehabilitative care.

25. Geoscientist

A bachelor's degree in geology or earth science provides the foundation for this career, which studies the physical structure and processes of the Earth. Fieldwork, often in remote or physically demanding locations, makes up a meaningful part of many geoscience roles.

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, including its composition, structure, and processes. Geoscientists earned a median annual wage of $101,920, according to recent data. Energy, environmental protection, and resource management all contribute to demand for this field.

26. Clinical or Counseling Psychologist

Independent practice and use of the title "psychologist" requires a doctoral degree, either a PhD or PsyD, built on an undergraduate psychology foundation. Most programs also require a supervised clinical internship before licensure.

Clinical and counseling psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical and counseling psychologists earned a median annual wage of $100,580, according to the most recent data. This is one of the more accessible doctoral-level fields on this list in terms of program availability nationwide.

27. Speech-Language Pathologist

A bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders precedes a master's degree in speech-language pathology, the standard entry point for this field. All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed, typically including a clinical fellowship and passing an exam.

Speech-language pathologists assess and treat people with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists earned a median annual wage of $97,870, according to the most recent data. This field also shows strong projected growth, well above the average for all occupations.

28. Chemist

A bachelor's degree in chemistry provides the standard entry point into this field, which studies the composition, structure, and properties of substances. Many chemists work in laboratories developing or testing new materials, drugs, or consumer products.

Chemists conduct research and develop new or improved chemical products and testing methods. Chemists earned a median annual wage of $91,240, according to the latest data. Chemists with a doctoral degree, particularly those leading independent research, typically earn considerably more than this figure.

29. Epidemiologist

Public health threats and disease patterns are the focus of epidemiology, a field entered through a bachelor's degree in biology or public health followed by a master's degree in public health or epidemiology. Coursework emphasizes biostatistics, disease surveillance methods, and outbreak investigation.

Epidemiologists monitor infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, and other public health concerns. Epidemiologists earned a median annual wage of $87,220, according to the most recent data. This field also shows unusually strong projected growth, well above most other careers on this list.

30. Environmental Scientist

A bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field provides the standard entry point into this career, which studies how to protect the environment and human health. Fieldwork, often outdoors and in variable weather, makes up a meaningful part of the job.

Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research and investigations to identify, control, or eliminate sources of pollution or hazards. Environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual wage of $82,220, according to recent data. This is the lowest figure on this list, though it still lands comfortably above the median wage for all occupations nationally.

How We Rank These Careers

To create this list, we review current occupational data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, supplementing with PayScale where BLS data for a specific occupation is unreliable or based on an unusually small survey sample. Careers span every degree level, from bachelor's through doctoral and professional degrees, since strong pay exists at each stage of science education.

• Salary potential: Careers are ranked using the median annual wage for the occupation most closely tied to each degree path, based on the latest available data.
• Degree breadth: This list spans core sciences, math and computer science, psychology, and the health sciences, reflecting how broadly "science degree" can lead to a well-paying career.
• Schooling transparency: Each entry states clearly how much education beyond a bachelor's degree, if any, is typically required to reach the salary figure listed.
• Career alignment: Each degree path is matched to a realistic occupational outcome, rather than a best-case scenario.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Long Does It Take to Earn One of These Degrees

Timelines on this list vary more than almost any other factor, ranging from four years for a bachelor's-only career like software development to a decade or more for careers like medicine that require a doctoral or professional degree plus residency training. Master's-level careers, like speech-language pathology or physician assistant studies, typically add one to three years beyond a bachelor's degree.

Reaching the salary figures listed above often requires experience well beyond the degree itself, particularly for management roles like natural sciences manager or research-heavy roles that reward a strong publication record. A newly credentialed graduate in nearly any field on this list should expect at least a few years of career growth before reaching the figures described here.

How Much Does One of These Degrees Cost

Costs on this list range enormously by degree level, from roughly $40,000 to $100,000 for a bachelor's degree at a public university to well over $200,000 for the longest professional programs, like medical or dental school. Master's-level programs generally fall in the $30,000 to $80,000 range, though costs vary significantly by school and program length.

Public universities and in-state tuition rates generally offer the most affordable path at every degree level on this list. Comparing total program cost, rather than sticker price alone, will give you the clearest sense of what a specific career path will actually require financially before you reach the salary figures described here.

Financial Aid for These Degrees

Students pursuing these degrees have access to a wide range of financial aid, some of it specific to graduate and professional programs. Understanding what's available before you enroll can meaningfully reduce how much you pay out of pocket.

• Federal financial aid: Completing the FAFSA opens the door to federal grants, work-study, and Direct Unsubsidized Loans for eligible students at every degree level.
• Graduate assistantships and fellowships: Many doctoral programs in the sciences, particularly PhD programs, offer funded positions that cover tuition and provide a stipend in exchange for research or teaching work.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Employers in healthcare, tech, and research-heavy industries frequently offer partial or full tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing a relevant advanced degree.
• Professional and industry scholarships: Organizations tied to fields like medicine, pharmacy, and engineering often offer scholarships specifically for students in their field.
• Military and veteran benefits: GI Bill benefits and other military education programs can cover some or all tuition costs for eligible service members and veterans.

How to Choose the Right Degree for You

With 30 well-paying fields to choose from spanning multiple degree levels, narrowing down the right one comes down to matching the field to your interests, strengths, and how much additional schooling you're willing to pursue. The considerations below can help guide that decision.

Your Natural Strengths and Interests

Consider whether you're drawn to hands-on clinical work, quantitative and computational problem-solving, laboratory research, or the study of human behavior. A genuine interest in the daily work will matter more over a full career than the salary figure alone, especially for the longer doctoral and professional paths on this list.

Total Time and Cost Investment

Some careers on this list, like software development or actuarial science, offer strong pay with just a bachelor's degree, while others, like medicine or clinical psychology, require a decade or more of additional schooling. Weighing your appetite for a longer education timeline against your target field's realistic payoff matters as much as the salary figure itself.

Industry Growth and Job Security

Look beyond current salary figures to how a field is expected to grow over the next decade. Fields like data science, epidemiology, and physician assistant studies show particularly strong projected growth, while smaller fields like astronomy and mathematics offer fewer total openings nationally.

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Many careers on this list require a state license or national certification beyond the degree itself, particularly in healthcare and psychology. Researching your target field's specific licensure requirements early can help you plan a realistic timeline from enrollment to full practice.

Job Growth for These Careers

Job growth varies considerably across this list, and it's worth weighing alongside salary since strong pay means less if a field isn't adding new positions. Data scientists, epidemiologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners all show particularly strong projected growth, driven by expanding demand in technology and healthcare.

On the other end of the spectrum, fields like podiatry and mathematics show more modest growth projections, reflecting how established and comparatively small these occupations already are. None of this rules out any field on this list, but it's worth factoring growth alongside salary when weighing a longer or more expensive degree path.

FAQs About High-Paying Careers With a Science Degree

These are some of the questions prospective students ask most often when researching high-paying science careers. Use them as a starting point for your own research into the fields that interest you most.

Do I Need to Choose a Specific Science Major to Qualify for Graduate or Professional Programs?

Not always, though most graduate and professional programs on this list expect specific prerequisite coursework, such as biology, chemistry, and physics for medical or dental school. It's worth researching your target program's exact prerequisites early, since switching majors later to meet them can add time to your overall timeline.

Can I Work in Industry Instead of Research With a Science Degree?

Yes, many careers on this list, including chemist, data scientist, and materials scientist, offer substantial industry opportunities outside academic or government research settings. Industry roles sometimes pay more than comparable academic positions, though the type of work can differ significantly from research-focused roles.

How Much Does a Doctoral Degree Add to My Timeline Compared to a Master's?

A doctoral degree typically adds two to four years beyond a master's degree, depending on the field and whether the program includes a dissertation or clinical residency. Fields like clinical psychology and medicine tend to have the longest doctoral timelines on this list.

Is Research Experience Important for Getting Into Graduate Programs?

Yes, particularly for competitive doctoral programs in fields like medical science, psychology, and the physical sciences, where admissions committees often weigh research experience heavily alongside grades and test scores. Undergraduate research opportunities, including work in a professor's lab, can meaningfully strengthen a graduate school application.

Do These Careers Offer Remote Work Options?

It varies considerably by field. Careers like data science, actuarial work, and some economist roles commonly offer remote or hybrid arrangements, while clinical and laboratory-based careers, like physical therapy or chemistry, generally require in-person work.

Explore Science Degree Programs in These High-Paying Fields

Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admissions requirements, program formats, and costs. Whichever field you choose from this list, a science degree can open the door to genuine long-term earning potential.