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35 Highest Paying Degrees 2024

35 Highest Paying Degrees 2024

Would you like to know what the 35 Highest Paying Degrees 2024 are?

When it comes to getting a good job, a college degree is essentially a must-have for graduates. However in terms of earning a lucrative salary, not all degrees qualify.

So, how much money do you think your current degree can make you in the job market? And which disciplines are the majors with highest salary?

After a salary research on PayScale, ScholarshipTab came up with this list of highest paid degrees in the world, including the highest paying bachelor degrees and top paying masters degrees.

Keep reading to find out if your dream or current course made it to the list of highest paying degrees 2024. But before you do that, read the tip we've left you below.

 

Read: 30 Best Universities in the World 2024

 

4 Reasons Why You Should Study Top Paying Majors

Besides enriching your pocket, a high paid course opens you up to a lot of other possibilities that have nothing to necessarily do with earning a good salary.  In case you've not thought about it before, these are 4 reasons why you should study top paying majors.

 

  1. High Job Market Demand

Courses that often pay the highest are always in high demand by industries looking for specialists in these fields. This mostly applies to specialised courses like Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, Medicine, and Nursing.

 

  1. High Earning Potential

Studying any of these top paying majors puts you in line to earn higher than professionals in lesser paying fields, even at an entry-level position. Your annual  salary can surpass theirs by far.

 

  1. Job Security

When you work in an organisation that employs a high paying degree, you're less likely to always worry about where you stand in your job and if the money you receive as salary is enough to cater for your needs. You will be comfortable doing your job and still be well-cared for.

 

  1. More Training Opportunities

If you are someone who really wants to become an expert in your field then studying any of these best paying degrees we've listed out is what you should do. This is because they require extra training and open up a path for you to acquire a higher certification to boost your skills and your authority in the selected field of study.

 

35 Highest Paying Degrees 2024 And Their Average Salaries

  1. Medicine - $157,264/year

  2. Aviation Management - $114,948/year

  3. Petroleum Engineering - $100,850/year

  4. Actuarial Mathematics - $98,383/year

  5. Physics - $96,071/year

  6. International Relations - $90,304/year

  7. Nuclear Engineering - $89,677/year

  8. Software Engineering - $88,280/year

  9. Business Analysis - $86,516/year

  10. Aerospace Engineering - $85,314/year

  11. Computer Science - $81,812/ year

  12. Electronics and Communications Engineering - $81,097/year

  13. Psychology - $80,848/year

  14. Marine Engineering - $79,940/year

  15. Materials Engineering - $78,675/year

  16. Economics - $78,375/year

  17. Electrical Engineering - $77,657/year

  18. Statistics - $77,246/year

  19. Chemical Engineering - $76,525/year

  20. Mechanical Engineering - $72,624/year

  21. Applied Mathematics - $71,423/year

  22. Industrial Engineering - $69,997/year

  23. Civil Engineering - $68,601/year

  24. Biomedical Engineering - $68,512/year

  25. Architecture - $67,970/year

  26. Nursing - $67,356/year

  27. Fashion Design - $66,137/year

  28. Management Information System - $64,270/year

  29. Finance - $62,452/year

  30. Information Technology - $58,383/year

  31. Accounting - $52,277/year

  32. Marketing - $52,202/year

  33. Biotechnology - $51,204/year

  34. Graphic Design - $47,032/year

  35. Journalism - $41,969/year

 

35 Highest Paying Degrees 2024

Compiled after a thorough salary research on PayScale, these are the 35 Highest Paying Degrees 2024. The results are based on how much practising professionals in each field earn with their respective degrees.

 

  1. Medicine

Medicine is a health discipline that studies the diagnosis of illnesses and their treatment, prevention of diseases, medical research, and other aspects of health. The course seeks to promote health maintenance and physical well-being. Medicine is one of the best paying majors in the world.

Average Salary Per Annum - $157,264

What Does A Medical Doctor Do?

Medical Doctors generally assess patient wellness, diagnose diseases, and treat medical conditions. They also order and perform tests and make prescriptions.

 

Read: 20 Best Medical Colleges In The World 2024.

 

  1. Aviation Management

Aviation Management is the course for people who want to venture into travel and its management, tourism, management of aviation systems,and  air transportation. It is also the study of airlines, airports, and businesses related to the aerospace industry. Aviation Management is one of the most top paying degrees you can do.

Average Salary Per Annum - $114,948

What Does An Aviation Manager Do?

An Aviation Manager handles all the major operations related to the aviation business and department, they ensure that air regulations are met, oversee maintenance safety and the proper execution of scheduling operations.

 

  1. Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineering is that branch of engineering that deals with all activities related to the production of Hydrocarbons which could be crude oil or natural gas.  This discipline is considered as one of the highest paying engineering degrees. 

Average Salary Per Annum - $100,850

What Does A Petroleum Engineer Do?

A Petroleum Engineer finds oil and gas to cater for their country's energy needs. They design and come up with methods that aid the extraction of oil and gas from deposits under the earth, and also find new ways to extract these resources from dried up older oil wells.

 

  1. Actuarial Mathematics

Actuarial Mathematics is a field that equips experts with the ability to analyse and solve financial problems in the race of uncertainty using mathematical models. People who study this course are good at design, financing and operation of insurance plans, annuities, pensions, and other forms of employee benefit plans. Being an Actuary is a lucrative career, as it is one of the highest paid degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $98,383

What Does An Actuary Do?

An Actuary analyses the financial costs of risks and uncertainties, they assess the risks of potential events using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory and help businesses to create policies that minimise that risk. It is an Actuary that will put together statistical data and other information, estimate probabilities and likely costs of deaths, sickness, accident, or natural disaster. They design and experiment insurance policies, investment policies, and other business strategies to minimise risk and maximise profitability. This set of professionals can find work in an insurance company.

 

  1. Physics

Physics is defined as a natural science that studies matter, its fundamental constituents, motion and behaviour through space and time, as well as its related entities of energy and force.  Physics is one of the highest paying phd.

Average Salary Per Annum - $96,071

What Does A Physicist Do?

Physicists discover and study the ways energy and matter interact. They conduct, investigate, and conclude solutions or theories in science. In this field you will also design scientific equipment for experiments like electron microscopes, particle accelerators, and lasers. As a physicist you can work in any career in science, technology, and education, or conduct basic research at a university or national laboratory or applied research in industrial or commercial areas.

 

  1. International Relations

International Relations is a discipline that studies interactions between nation states and non-governmental organisations and their maintenance in politics, economics, and security. This course is very important and a high paid degree.

Average Salary Per Annum - $90,304

What Does A Diplomat Do?

As a Diplomat you will create and maintain strong international ties between countries in areas like peacekeeping, war, trade, economics, culture, environmental issues, or human rights. You will also gather and convey vital information that affects your nation's interest, and give top government officials advice. 

 

  1. Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear Engineering is an engineering branch that handles the science and application of nuclear and radiation processes which often consists of the release, control, and use of nuclear energy, and production and use of radiation and radioactive materials in research, industry, medicine, and even national security. Nuclear Engineers are one of the most demanded specialist professionals, making this course a highest paid associates degree.

Average Salary Per Annum - $89,677

What Does A Nuclear Engineer Do? 

Nuclear Engineers research and build the processes, instruments, and systems we use to benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. They also find uses for radioactive materials in the industrial and medical field like in equipment used for medical diagnosis and treatment. Other Nuclear Engineers lean towards the development of nuclear power sources for ships or spacecraft.

 

  1. Software Engineering

Software Engineering takes on an engineering approach on software development of systematic application. Software Engineers design, develop, evaluate, maintain, test, and evaluate computer software. This course is one of the good paying degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $88,280

What Does A Software Engineer Do?

Software Engineers develop software solutions for individuals and businesses using computer science principles, they build numerous solutions from desktop and web applications, mobile apps, games, robots, operating systems like iOS, Windows, Android, and network systems. When it comes to design, these types of engineers favour programming languages like Java, Python, frameworks, databases, servers, and other technologies that transform ideas into final products.

 

  1. Business Analysis

Business Analysis is the identification of business needs and determination of solutions to business problems. The solutions offered by Business Analysis usually include software-systems development component and process improvements, organisational change, strategic planning, and policy development as well. This course is recognised as one of the highest paying business majors.

Average Salary Per Annum - $86,516

What Does A Business Analyst Do?

In an organisation, a business analyst works with them to improve their processes and systems. They conduct research and analysis so as to come up with solutions to common business problems and introduce the systems to businesses and clients.

 

  1. Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering is an engineering field tasked with the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft. Like other engineering majors in this article, Aerospace is also among the highest paying majors 2024.

Average Salary Per Annum - $85,314

What Does An Aerospace Engineer Do?

As an Aerospace Engineer you will be involved in the designing of everything from aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. You will also create and test prototypes for functioning designs, and direct and coordinate aircraft and aerospace products design, manufacture, and testing. 

 

  1. Computer Science

Going right on the top of highest paying bachelor degrees is Computer Science. Computer Science simply put is the study of computers and computational systems. 

Average Salary Per Annum - $81,812

What Does A Computer Scientist Do?

Computer Scientists often handle software and it's systems like theory, design, development, and application. Additionally, as a computer scientist you will also tackle challenges by designing and analysing algorithms and study computer hardware and software performance.

 

  1. Electronics and Communications Engineering

Electronics and Communications Engineering is another branch of engineering that makes the list of good paying majors. It deals with the design and development of applications and devices like televisions, radios, computers, and mobile phones that make life more convenient. 

Average Salary Per Annum - $81,097

What Does An Electronics And Communications Engineer Do?

Electronics And Communications Engineers are the experts who handle the designing and maintenance of satellites that transmit to our televisions, telephones, and internet service, they create advanced facilities for communication like video conferencing, and develop programs for control and Communications systems.

 

  1. Psychology

Psychology is simply defined as the study of the mind and behaviour as well as the understanding of mental processes, brain functions, and behaviour. It is recognised as one of the highest paying phd degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $80,848

What Does A Psychologist Do

As a Psychologist, a huge part of your job will revolve around studying cognitive, emotional and  social processes, and behaviour by interpreting, identifying, and recording how people interact with themselves and their environment.

 

  1. Marine Engineering

Marine Engineering is the engineering of waterborne transportations like boats, ships, submarines, and other marine centred vessels, as well as ocean systems and structures. This course is one of the highest paying bachelor degrees 2024.

Average Salary Per Annum - $79,940

What Does A Marine Engineer Do?

In a water vessel, a Marine Engineer puts in place mechanical systems, they make water and water borne crafts exploration possible, take charge of ship building and design, and handle offshore drilling, marine systems, engineering and safety, and technical consulting related tasks. As an expert marine engineer, you will also design, develop, build, install, inspect and maintain propulsion systems, engines, pumps, and other technical equipment for boats and marine crafts.

 

  1. Materials Engineering

Materials Engineering AKA materials science and engineering entails the design and discovery of new materials. It also features the use of maths, physics, and chemistry as tools for exploring, understanding, and controlling how materials work. Material Engineering is one of the top paying masters degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $78,675

What Does A Materials Engineer Do?

Materials Engineers are specialists in creating and studying materials at atomic level, they understand and model the mannerisms of materials and their components using computers, and they tackle challenges in mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace engineering.

 

Related: 190 Best Engineering Schools In The World 2024.

 

  1. Economics

Economics as a social science studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and focuses on the economic agents' behaviour and interactions, and how economies work. Economics is recognised among best paying bachelor degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $78,375

What Does An Economist Do?

Economists research issues pertaining to the economy, carry out surveys, and collect and analyse data using mathematical models, statistical techniques, and software. They present their research findings in reports, tables, charts. Economists also interpret and forecast market trends, advise businesses, governments, and individuals on economic topics. They also give solutions for economic problems.

 

  1. Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering is a field of engineering involved in the study, design, application, and maintenance of equipment, devices, and systems that function with electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. This discipline is another highest paid engineering major.

Average Salary Per Annum - $77,657

What Does An Electrical Engineer Do?

As an Electrical Engineer, you will design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of various electrical equipment from televisions to washing machines to broadcast and communication systems like GPS, etc. You will also spearhead activities like the creation of electrical systems for automobiles and aircrafts.

 

  1. Statistics

Statistics is recognised as one of the highest paying master's degrees. It is the science of developing and studying steps for collecting, analysing, interpreting, and presenting empirical data. 

Average Salary Per Annum - $77,246

What Does A Statistician Do?

Statisticians design and manage experiments and surveys, and collect data. They process and analyse data and develop patterns for making decisions, and also advise on findings and recommended strategy. 

 

  1. Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering designs, develops, produces, transforms, transports, operates, and manages  industrial processes that manufacture raw materials into valuable products by combining natural and experimental sciences like chemistry and physics, life sciences like biology, microbiology and biochemistry, and then mathematics and economics. This field of engineering is one of the highest paying majors 2024.

Average Salary Per Annum - $76,525

What Does A Chemical Engineer Do?

Chemical Engineers are engineers who solve problems associated with the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food or other products, by using 

the principles of subjects like chemistry, biology, physics, and maths. These experts also design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan, and test production methods and byproducts treatment and direct facility operations.

 

  1. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is a branch of engineering that designs, analyses, manufactures, and maintains mechanical systems through a combination of engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science. It entails design, production, and operation of machinery. Mechanical Engineering is a high paid degree.

Average Salary Per Annum - $72,624

What Does A Mechanical Engineer Do?

Mechanical Engineers are responsible for tasks like designing, developing, building, and testing of mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, as well as tools, engines, and machines. 

 

  1. Applied Mathematics

Making the list of highest paid degrees is Applied Mathematics which is the use of mathematical theory to solve problems in science, engineering, physics, medicine, biology, business, computer science, finance, and industry. 

Average Salary Per Annum - $71,423

What Does An Applied Mathematician Do?

Applied Mathematicians formulate and solve practical problems in areas like business, government, engineering, social sciences, and even in the real world, using theories and techniques like mathematical modelling and computational methods.

 

  1. Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering is an engineering specialisation that handles how to produce or do things better, it crosses a wide range of disciplines related to manufacturing industrial or consumer products.

Average Salary Per Annum - $69,997

What Does An Industrial Engineer Do?

Industrial engineers are experts in eliminating wasteful produce production processes. They think up efficient systems that integrate different production areas for manufacturing a product or rendering a service like workers, machines, materials, information, and energy. Industrial Engineers are highly demanded, making them one of the majors with the highest salary.

 

  1. Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is a type of professional engineering that handles the design, construction, and maintenance of physical and natural environment, as well as the construction of public works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, and the structural components of buildings and railways. Due to its vitality in the society, this course is among the highest paying masters degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $68,601

What Does A Civil Engineer Do?

As a civil engineer you will design and oversee the building of infrastructure like roads, bridges, dams, tunnels, buildings, transport terminals, water and sewage systems. You will also be involved in a city's town planning and make decisions on how best to develop a place.

 

  1. Biomedical Engineering

Gracing our list of top paying majors is Biomedical Engineering which is the applying of principles and problem-solving techniques of the field of engineering to biology and medicine disciplines. Biomedical is a field of engineering that solely focuses on improvements in medicine that enhances all-round human health and healthcare.

Average Salary Per Annum - $68,512

What Does A Biomedical Engineer Do?

Biomedical Engineers constantly further research and push the boundaries of medical possibilities via innovation, design, and development of new technologies. They also test, implement, or develop new diagnostic tools and medical equipment, establish safety standards for medical devices.

 

See Also: 44 Best Medical Schools In The World 2024.

 

  1. Architecture

Architecture, simply defined, is the use of art, mathematics, science, and logistics to design and construct buildings. In an architectural degree, students primarily learn to draw building designs correctly either by using their hands or a computer software. Architecture is one of the highest paying degrees 2024.

Average Salary Per Annum - $67,970

What Does An Architect Do?

Architects design buildings, they develop structure concepts into images and building plans for houses, offices, and other facilities. It is an architect's job to ensure that a space is safe, meets the people's needs, and is conducive to live in.

 

  1. Nursing

Nursing is the care of people, families, and communities to assist them in achieving or gaining health or recover from illnesses. Nurses are by far one of the most sought after professionals in the world, and also one of the best paying masters degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $67,356

What Does A Nurse Do?

Besides administering treatment to patients, Nurses also perform other duties like recording an individual's  medical history and symptoms for future reference, collaborate with medical teams to plan a patient's care, monitor individuals under treatment, operate medical equipment, and lecture people on general health and wellbeing practises.

 

Find Nursing Study Opportunities: 40 Best Online Nursing Programs 2024.

 

  1. Fashion Design

Fashion Design is a study that covers the art of applying design, aesthetics, clothing construction, and natural beauty to the designing of clothes and fashion accessories. This course draws inspiration from the work of popular designers, culture of the time, and different trends. Fashion Design is one of the highest paid degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $66,137

What Does A Fashion Designer Do?

As a Fashion Designer you will create original wears like clothing, accessories, and footwear. You will also sketch designs, choose fabrics, and patterns, and decide how the wears you design should be made. Additionally, Fashion Designers are tasked with studying trends in fashion and coming up with designs that'll suit consumers.

 

  1. Management Information System 

Management Information Systems is the study of people, technology, organisations, and how they relate with each other. It is also concerned with assisting firms with realising massive benefits from investing in personnel, equipment, and business processes. MIS is one of the best paying degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $64,270

What Does A Management Information System Specialist Do?

Management Information Specialists provide support and maintain computer systems and organisation databases. They assist users with system functionality and technical issues and train them on how to use new applications. Other things MIS specialists do include system maintenance and applications backup and store quality business information by implementing necessary security measures within organisations.

 

  1. Finance

Finance is the study of how people or businesses manage their funds. Often combined with Accounting or Business, learning Finance provides students with a vast understanding of how money influences people and places. This course is part of the highest paying undergraduate degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $62,452

What Does A Financial Analyst Do?

As a Financial Analyst, you will guide businesses and people on how to expend their money to make profits. You will also assess performance stocks, bonds, and other forms of investment.

 

  1. Information Technology

IT is the production, manipulation, storage, organisation, retrievement, and transmission of data through the application of computers and telecommunications systems. In addition to this it also entails the development, installation, implementation, management, and maintenance of computer hardware and software within organisations. Information Technology is not only a sought after major in the job market, but it is also among the top paying degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $58,383

What Does An IT Specialist Do?

As an IT Specialist, you will be everyone's go to person for solving their computer related problems. You will provide  desktop, printer or network support, install networking equipment like routers and switches, and monitor the network to ensure that there are no hindrances to its performance. Additionally, IT Specialists will oversee installations of computers and other IT products, software, and generally ensure that all equipment is running smoothly.

 

  1. Accounting

Making the list of degrees that pay the most is Accounting. Accounting or Accountancy is the measurement, processing, and communication of a business or corporation's financial or non-financial information. 

Average Salary Per Annum - $52,277

What Does An Accountant Do?

Accountants do a number of financially related tasks like keeping and interpreting financial records for individuals, large businesses, or their home organisations.

 

  1. Marketing

Listed as one of the highest paying business degrees, Marketing covers the study of branding, promotion of products and services of a business to the public, and how to target specific audiences. This course covers the areas of advertising, communications, branding, consumer behaviour, public relations, and marketing strategy and research.

Average Salary Per Annum - $52,202

What Does A Marketing Specialist Do?

A Marketing Specialist designs, creates, and manages marketing projects like multi platform marketing campaigns, advertising, promotions, and sales. Marketing Specialists can specialise in different communication channels like email, social, digital, content, or product area.

 

  1. Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a field of study that uses biological systems, living organisms or its parts to develop or create various products. It focuses on exploiting biological processes for industrial use or for the purpose of the genetic manipulation of microorganisms to produce antibiotics, hormones, etc. Biotechnology is one of the best paying majors.

Average Salary Per Annum - $51,204

What Does A Biotechnologist Do?

As a Biotechnologist, you will create and improve products and processes for agriculture, medicine, and conservation using biological organisms. You will study the genetic, chemical and physical attributes of cells, tissues and organisms and their industrial uses. Biotechnologists will also develop new medicines and vaccinations, cross breed plants and animals, and use bacteria for food production and waste treatment. They also work with state-of-the-art technology like genetic modification and stem cell research.

 

  1. Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a discipline that covers the projection of visual communications for conveying messages to social groups, with specific messages. It is one of the most in-demand and highest paid degrees.

Average Salary Per Annum - $47,032

What Does A Graphic Designer Do?

As a Graphic Designer you will design visual concepts using computer software or hand to communicate ideas for business to inspire, inform, or entertain their customers. You will also develop overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and reports. 

 

  1. Journalism

Journalism is the study of how to gather, prepare, and distribute news and related commentary and feature materials through print or electronic medium like newspapers, magazines, books, blogs, webcasts, podcasts, social networking and social media sites, e-mail, radio, motion pictures, and television. It is one of the top paying majors.

Average Salary Per Annum - $41,969

What Does A Journalist Do?

Journalists write and report news on current happenings in the world on a number of topics like social issues, politics, sports, and entertainment. It is the news you report and information you give that people will use to form opinions and make decisions accordingly. It is also a journalist's duty to educate and inform the public on events and how their lives are affected by it.

 

5 Tips On How To Become An Expert In A High Paying Job

If you want to grow in the field you've chosen a career in, we have left you with a parting gift which are these 5 tips on how to become an expert in a high paying job.

 

  1. Find A Mentor In Your Workplace

Having a mentor at work is a sure fire way for you to grow in your career because from them you would be getting first hand practical skills on how to become an expert in your field. Additionally, a mentor guides you on the next steps to take during work projects, and you can always go to them with difficult tasks you need advice on.

 

  1. Don't Shy Away From Challenges

Most new employees are always reluctant to take on challenges and special tasks in their workplaces, but the truth is if you really want to become an expert then you have to volunteer for these challenges and learn from them. 

 

  1. Keep Studying

Every day new discoveries are being made in each field and if you really want to stay relevant in the job market or become an authority in your career then you have to learn as much as you can about new findings and practises in your field. Don't just learn to know, learn to understand and practice as well. Additionally, you should also take courses online in order to get certifications.

 

  1. Talk To Other Professionals...

Both in your department and outside it. Whether or not said professionals are in your department or not, endeavour to talk to them about their own jobs, skills they need for performing them and learn what you can from them.

 

  1. Utilise Learning Opportunities In Your Office

Most companies have available learning and training opportunities for employees, so it is up to you to use them. You can talk to your company's HR officer, to find out which of those opportunities are available to you.

 

Now that you know what the highest paying degrees 2024 are, the next logical step for you to take to increase your earning potentials, and your future, would be to start realigning your choices  if you haven't already to reflect at least one of these courses or applying to them. 

Below we have left you a good mix of universities and courses you can use to kick start the process we have suggested. 

Happy Hunting!

 

Related:

15 Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. 2024.

40 Online Computer Science Degrees 2024.

40 Best Online Accounting Programs 2024.

25 Cheapest Post Graduate Diploma in Canada 2024.

30 Best Online IT Degrees 2024.

 

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