Introduction
Choosing the right degree can mean the difference between struggling with student debt and landing a high-paying job right after graduation.
This guide ranks the best degrees for high salaries in 2024, based on:
Median starting & mid-career salaries (Pay Scale, Glassdoor)
Job growth projections (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Employer demand (LinkedIn, Indeed job postings)
Top 10 Highest-Paying Degrees in 2024
| Rank | Degree | Median Starting Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Job Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science (CS) | $85,000 | $130,000+ | 22% (Much faster than average) |
| 2 | Petroleum Engineering | $95,000 | $180,000+ | 8% (Steady demand) |
| 3 | Electrical Engineering (EE) | $80,000 | $120,000+ | 5% (Stable) |
| 4 | Data Science / AI | $90,000 | $140,000+ | 35% (Booming) |
| 5 | Finance / Quantitative Economics | $75,000 | $150,000+ | 7% (Wall Street & Fintech) |
| 6 | Biomedical Engineering | $70,000 | $110,000+ | 10% (Healthcare tech growth) |
| 7 | Actuarial Science | $65,000 | $130,000+ | 23% (High demand in insurance) |
| 8 | Pharmacy (PharmD) | $120,000+ | $140,000+ | 3% (Consistent need) |
| 9 | Computer Engineering (CE) | $85,000 | $125,000+ | 5% (Hardware + software roles) |
| 10 | Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $180,000+ | $200,000+ | 9% (High-paying medical field) |
(Sources: U.S. BLS, PayScale, Glassdoor 2024)
Key Trends in High-Earning Degrees
1. Tech Dominates (Again)
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AI, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing degrees are seeing 30%+ salary bumps.
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FAANG companies pay $120K+ starting for top CS grads.
2. Healthcare’s Hidden Gems
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Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn more than many doctors without med school debt.
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Biotech & Genetic Engineering are emerging high-salary fields.
3. Business Degrees with a Tech Edge
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“Fintech” and Quantitative Finance majors out-earn traditional MBAs.
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Supply Chain + Data Analytics hybrids are in demand.
Degrees with Declining ROI
Be Cautious With:
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General Liberal Arts (low starting salaries unless paired with tech skills)
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Journalism (shrinking industry, median salary ~$45K)
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Fine Arts (high debt, unpredictable income)
How to Maximize Your Degree’s Earnings
1. Add a Minor in High-Demand Skills
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CS + Business = Tech startup roles
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Biology + Data Science = Biotech analytics
2. Target Schools with Strong Industry Ties
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MIT, Stanford, CMU for tech
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Wharton, NYU Stern for finance
3. Intern Early & Often
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Google, Goldman Sachs, and Pfizer often convert interns to $100K+ jobs.
FAQs: Best Degrees for High Pay
1. Which degree has the highest starting salary?
Petroleum Engineering (95K)and∗∗Nurse Anesthetist∗∗(180K+) lead.
2. Is a CS degree still worth it in 2024?
Yes! AI & cybersecurity shortages mean $130K+ mid-career salaries.
3. Can I earn well without STEM?
Yes—top law schools (JD), MBA programs, and niche healthcare roles pay well.
4. Do Ivy League degrees guarantee higher pay?
Not always—state schools like Georgia Tech and UT Austin have strong ROI too.
5. What’s the fastest-growing high-paying field?
AI/ML (35% growth) and Renewable Energy Engineering (15%+).
Conclusion
The best degrees for high-paying jobs in 2024 blend tech, healthcare, and quantitative skills. While CS, Engineering, and Data Science dominate, niche healthcare roles (CRNA) and finance-tech hybrids also pay extremely well.
Next Steps:
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Compare salary vs. passion (Do you love coding or patient care?)
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Check job growth projections before committing.
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