One of the expected perks of graduating from college is to get a well-paying job that will set you up for a rewarding career. But some college majors are better suited than others not only what they pay, but also job sustainability and growth in the field.
10 Top-Paying College Majors for a Secure Career
Dive into the data with these key bullet categories: Starting Salary reveals what fresh faces pocket on average, while Median Salary unveils the field’s overall earning average. Projected Growth Rate charts the anticipated percentage spike by 2033, and Postgraduate Degree Percentage uncovers the share holding advanced degrees in the game. Here are 10 college majors that are well positioned for the future in both pay and sustainability.
1. Engineering
Engineering in general is a large field with many different paths to take to become an engineer. For example, there are electrical, industrial, civil, architectural, marine, nuclear, petroleum and chemical engineering … just to name a few of the more popular engineering fields.
- Starting Salary: $68,600
- Median Salary: $100,640
- Projected Growth Rate: 4%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage: 41%
2. Computer Engineering
Computer engineers work on the development and design of computer systems, and software, but with more of a focus on the architecture and hardware side of computer systems than on the software side.
- Starting Salary: $70,100
- Median Salary: $128,170
- Projected Growth Rate: 5%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage: 40%
3. Computer Science
Similar to computer engineering, workers in this field work more on designing and developing theories and applications used in computer systems and software.
- Starting Salary: $75,900
- Median Salary: $131,490
- Projected Growth Rate: 21%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage: 33%
4. Healthcare Informatics
A newer career field, this field combines health care and computer science to create specialized digital computer and software systems tailored just to the healthcare field. It is also one of the fastest growing fields with the highest projected growth percentage of the ten fields in this list.
- Starting Salary: $89,000
- Median Salary: $101,340
- Projected Growth Rate: 28%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage: 57%
5. Nursing
Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care. Also, a big part of their job is to educate patients on various health conditions that may be affecting them.
- Starting Salary: $65,775
- Median Salary: $77,600
- Projected Growth Rate: 6%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage: 28%
6. Finance
Those working in this field usually specialize either in business or personal financial management. However, both types guide decisions regarding expending money to attain profit. On the personal side, this is guidance is to how best to invest money so that it grows over time and becomes an income for retirement.
- Starting Salary: $55,000
- Median Salary: $95,570
- Projected Growth Rate: 9%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage: 33%
7. Cybersecurity
Professionals working in this field play a crucial role in protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage. This field is has the fastest projected growth of the majors in this list.
- Starting Salary: $76,482
- Median Salary: $119,860
- Projected Growth Rate: 35%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage: 25%
8. Public Administration
Those people working in this field play a crucial role in the functioning of government (local, state and federal) and other public organizations. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks aimed at implementing and managing public policies, programs, and services.
- Starting Salary: $51,630
- Median Salary: $122,510
- Projected Growth Rate: 6%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage:50%+
9. Economics
Economists research, prepare reports and evaluate monetary and fiscal policy issues. Many also work with statistical data when analyzing and making financial decisions.
- Starting Salary: $65,100
- Median Salary: $105,630
- Projected Growth Rate: 6%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage: 50%+
10. Construction Management
Individuals working in this field plan, coordinate, budget and supervise construction projects. This is a great field for those that do not like being cooped up in an office and prefer to work outside. Most Construction Managers spend their time working on construction sites with the trades people.
- Starting Salary: $54,607
- Median Salary: $98,890
- Projected Growth Rate: 8%
- Postgraduate Degree Percentage: 0%
If you will be separating from the military soon and are undecided on a civilian career choice, any of these college majors would be a good choice to use your GI Bill. However to use your limited GI Bill benefits wisely, carefully choose a field that interests you, so that you don’t have to switch majors partway through college.
