Highest Paying Majors

Median salary: $187,300

Starting salary: $93,200

New jobs opening per year: 2,500

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 2.39%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 7.46%

Petroleum Engineering tops our list of the highest paying majors. The primary responsibility of petroleum engineers is to design and develop ways to extract natural resources oil and gas from Earth. They work in offices or at excavation sites. Traveling to sites for coordination with other engineers and ground workers is frequent.

Median salary: $140,900

Starting salary: $58,600

New jobs opening per year: 99,000

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 9.79%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 1059%

Computer and information sciences come second on our list of highest paying jobs. Professionals in this field analyze and solve complex problems using computational methods and technologies. They develop software, design algorithms, and build systems to process and manage data efficiently. They research and innovate in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the advancement of computing and information sciences.

Median salary: $138,700

Starting salary: $68,600

New jobs opening per year: 38,300

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 7.49%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 7.49%

Pharmacology & Toxicology is a field that focuses on studying the effects of drugs and chemicals on living organisms. It involves investigating how drugs interact with the body at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. Pharmacologists and toxicologists analyze the benefits, risks, and mechanisms of action of substances to develop safe and effective medications and assess potential hazards to human health and the environment.

Median salary: $135,900

Starting salary: $76,900

New jobs opening per year: 18,000

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 3.40%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 8.86%

Chemical engineers design, produce, transport, operate, and transform intensive industrial processes that take raw materials as input and turn them into valuable products as outputs. Those with a passion for experimentation and an aptitude for natural sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology will benefit most from this specialization.

Chemical engineers work in laboratories or offices. They may also be allocated to industrial plants and refineries to monitor active problems onsite.

Median salary: $134,400

Starting salary: $67,700

New jobs opening per year: 2,200

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 20%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 8.80%

Actuarial science involves applying mathematical and statistical methods to assess and manage financial risks, particularly in insurance and pension industries. Actuaries analyze data, develop models, and provide expert advice to help organizations make informed decisions regarding pricing, risk assessment, and financial planning.

Median salary: $131,000

Starting salary: $79,000

New jobs opening per year: 149,700

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 20%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 9.81%

A computer engineer designs and develops computer hardware and software systems, combining principles of electrical engineering and computer science. They work on designing, testing, and implementing new technologies, improving computer performance, and solving complex problems in the field of computing.

Median salary: $129,400

Starting salary: $76,400

New jobs opening per year: 1,100

Projected change of job openings in 2028: -0.56%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 6.21%

Nuclear engineering is among the highest paying engineering jobs. Specialization in this field involves in-depth research and development to create the methodology, processes, and tools to harness and utilize nuclear energy. Nuclear engineers may delve into the medical field to research radiation treatments and develop the safety protocol for nuclear management.

Median salary: $125,800

Starting salary: $74,700

New jobs opening per year: 35,600

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 1.78%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 7.72%

Electrical engineering is a discipline in which the design and application of devices and systems which utilize electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism are studied.

Similar to electronics engineers, electrical engineers work in industries such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and the government. Depending on the nature of their work, they work indoors or outdoors.

Median salary: $125,400

Starting salary: $66,600

New jobs opening per year: 4,700

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 1.72%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 6.75%

Astronomy and Astrophysics are crucial for understanding the universe, from the formation of stars and galaxies to the exploration of exoplanets and the study of dark matter and energy. Professionals in this field conduct research, analyze data, and develop theories to expand our knowledge of the cosmos, unravel its mysteries, and provide insights into our origins and place in the universe.

Median salary: $122,000

Starting salary: $68,300

New jobs opening per year: 64,200

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 8.48%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 8.48%

Applied Mathematics is of utmost importance as it enables professionals to solve real-world problems by utilizing mathematical concepts and techniques. Professionals in this field analyze data, develop models, and make informed decisions in various sectors such as engineering, finance, computer science, and more, contributing to advancements and innovation in these industries.

Median salary: $121,200

Starting salary: $76,900

New jobs opening per year: 28,500

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 3.69%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 7.30%

Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering are of utmost importance as they encompass the design, development, and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies, driving advancements in transportation, exploration, and national security. Professionals in these fields specialize in designing and constructing aircraft and spacecraft systems, conducting research and analysis, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of aerospace operations.

Median salary: $119,700

Starting salary: $65,900

New jobs opening per year: 35,500

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 13.83%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 8.54%

Physics is crucial for understanding the fundamental principles governing the natural world, enabling technological advancements, and providing insights into complex phenomena. Professionals in physics conduct research, develop theories, and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems, ranging from exploring the universe’s mysteries to improving medical imaging technologies.

Median salary: $117,400

Starting salary: $71,900

New jobs opening per year: 22,600

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 8.36%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 7.94%

Industrial engineering is a specialization dealing with the improved production and manufacturing of consumer and industrial goods. Professionals eliminate wasteful to produce and scale industrial processes to make them more efficient. This field of engineering overlaps with supply chain.

Median salary: $115,700

Starting salary: $62,000

New jobs opening per year: 52,400

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 5.98%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 9.52%

Economics is crucial in understanding how societies allocate scarce resources and make decisions, guiding policymakers and individuals in making informed choices. Professionals in economics analyze data, conduct research, and provide insights on various aspects such as market trends, policy implications, and business strategies to inform decision-making and foster economic growth.

Median salary: $115,700

Starting salary: $52,800

New jobs opening per year: 27,300

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 2.31%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 6.13%

Pharmaceutical Sciences & Administration plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare by conducting research, developing new drugs, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, and managing pharmaceutical operations. Professionals in this field are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including drug discovery, formulation, quality control, regulatory compliance, and optimizing the use of medications for patient care.

Median salary: $115,200

Starting salary: $72,700

New jobs opening per year: 3,500

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 0%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 7.26%

Also known as materials science, this division of engineering entails the discovery and design of new materials. You’ll be exploring materials and understanding how they work by studying physics, math, and chemistry subjects. It is not only one of the highest paying majors jobs but an interesting one too.

Materials engineers work in offices generally on computers or other design equipment. Depending on the demand, materials engineers may work overtime hours.

Median salary: $109,000

Starting salary: $65,000

New jobs opening per year: 28,300

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 6.27%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 8.66%

Another popular and high-paying engineering career is civil engineering; handling the construction and maintenance of structures such as roads, dams, bridges, canals, airports, pipelines, and the foundations of buildings and railways.

Civil engineers divide their time between working in offices, and onsites at construction operations so they can detect problems and solve them immediately.

Median salary: $108,700

Starting salary: $63,500

New jobs opening per year: 64,200

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 8.48%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 8.48%

Mathematics is of great importance as it provides a foundation for logical thinking, problem-solving, and critical reasoning skills, which are essential in various fields such as engineering, finance, and computer science. A degree in Mathematics equips individuals with a deep understanding of mathematical principles and techniques, enabling them to pursue careers as mathematicians, data analysts, actuaries, or researchers, where they apply mathematical concepts to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.

Median salary: $108,000

Starting salary: $63,200

New jobs opening per year: 40,200

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 9.79%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 8.52%

Construction Management is crucial for successful project completion as it involves planning, coordinating, and overseeing construction activities, ensuring efficient resource utilization, cost control, and adherence to quality standards. A major in Construction Management equips professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage construction projects, including scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and communication with stakeholders, to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Median salary: $105,200

Starting salary: $60,200

New jobs opening per year: 275,800

Projected change of job openings in 2028: 10.78%

Workers who leave the profession annually: 18.89%

Finance is the discipline that deals with the management of money, investments, and financial resources. A major in finance is important as it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to make informed financial decisions, analyze markets, manage risks, and contribute to the overall financial well-being of individuals and organizations.

Finance professionals analyze financial data, develop investment strategies, evaluate risks, make financial forecasts, and provide recommendations to help individuals and organizations achieve their financial goals and maximize their resources.

Which are the highest-paying majors?

The top 5 highest paying majors are Petroleum Engineering, Computer & Information Sciences, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Chemical Engineering, and Actuarial Science.

What are the best college majors in 2023?

Actuarial Science, Computer Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering are often considered among the best college majors due to factors such as high demand and job opportunities, financial reward, constant evolution, and intellectual challenge. However, it is important to note that the notion of “best” majors can vary depending on each person’s interests, abilities, and career goals.

Which are the hardest college majors?

Some of the hardest college majors include Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry due to their rigorous coursework and high academic demands.

In order to determine the best and worst states’ college majors, Scholaroo compared 103 college majors across three key dimensions:

1. Job Availability & Salary
2. Job Stability
3. Career Cost

We evaluated those dimensions using 12 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weight. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 being the max.

Finally, we determined each degree’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.

Job Availability & Salary (50 points)

Starting Median Salary: Regular Weight (9.09 points)
Note: This metric measures the starting median salary of workers from 0 to 5 years of experience.

Median Income: Double Weight (18.18 points)
Note: This metric measures the median income of workers with more than 10 years of experience.

Projected Job Availability in 2028: Double Weight (18.18 points)
Note: This metric measures the percent of projected change in job availability for 2028.

Annual Job Openings: Half Weight (4.55 points)
Note: This metric measures the number of annual job openings.

Job Stability (35 points)

Unemployment Rate: Double Weight (12.73 points)
Note: This metric measures the degree’s unemployment rate.

Job Openings per Graduate: Regular Weight (6.36 points)
Note: This metric measures the annual job openings per graduate.

Yearly Turnover: Double Weight (12.73 points)
Note: This metric measures the percentage of workers who leave the profession every year.

Change in Degrees Awarded: Half Weight (3.18 points)
Note: This metric measures the percentage change in degrees awarded from 2019 to 2020.

Career Cost (15 points)

Median In-State Public Tuition: Regular Weight (5.00 points)
Note: This metric measures the median in-state public tuition of four-year institutions.

Median Out-of-State Private Tuition: Half Weight (2.50 points)
Note: This metric measures the median out-of-state private tuition of four-year institutions.

Change in Median In-State Public Tuition: Regular Weight (5.00 points)
Note: This metric measures the percentage change in public tuition.

Change in Median Out-of-State Private Tuition: 2.50 Weight (2.50 points)
Note: This metric measures the percentage change in private tuition.