Top 12 highest paying US majors 2024

Are you wondering which college majors can lead to the highest-paying jobs? You're not alone.

Recent data suggests that the average student loan debt in the U.S. is a whopping $37,000. With tuition fees continuing to rise, it's no surprise that students are looking for majors that can provide a solid return on their investment.

Highest Paying Majors 2024 in the USA

In this article, we'll dive into the top 12 highest-paying majors in the United States, backed by data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. These majors offer a strong potential for a high income after graduation, helping you secure financial stability as you start your professional journey.

Here's what we'll cover:

• Top-paying majors in the fields of science, engineering, and healthcare
• The types of jobs these majors can lead to
• Average salaries for each major
• Tips on choosing the right major for your interests and goals

Keep reading to discover the best college majors for a financially rewarding career!

1. Health and Medical Preparatory (Pre-Med)

Health and Medical Preparatory, commonly known as 'Pre-Med', is a major that combines various courses such as biology, physics, anatomy, and physiology. It's a popular choice for students aiming to pursue careers in Medicine.

Average salary: The average salary for graduates in this field is $165,000 per year.

Job prospects: Graduates often become doctors, surgeons, or healthcare professionals.

Top colleges/universities: Top programmes offered by some respected universities in the United States for Pre-Med include John Hopkins, Sacred Heart University, and Washington State University. 

Personal or professional advantages: Pursuing this major can lead to rewarding careers in the medical field, providing opportunities to make a significant impact on people's lives while earning a substantial income.

Also read: Studying medicine in the USA

2. Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineering is a major with deep roots in the U.S. oil industry, offering graduates financial security and a chance to contribute to a massive global sector.

Average salary: Graduates can expect an annual income of around $156,000.

Job prospects: Career options include Oil Drilling Engineering, Oil Well Engineering, Production Engineering, and Oil Exploration Engineering.

Top colleges/universities: Top programmes offered by some respected universities in the United States for Petroleum Engineering include the University of Regina's Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum Systems and Louisiana State University's B.S. in Petroleum Engineering.

Personal or professional advantages: Choosing this major allows graduates to become part of a thriving, innovative industry. They'll enjoy lucrative salaries and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in energy production and sustainability.

Fun fact! The petroleum industry is worth an estimated $86 trillion globally, making it one of the most influential sectors in the world. By pursuing this major, you'll be joining a community of professionals dedicated to shaping our planet's energy future.

3. Zoology

Zoology, the fascinating study of animals and their environments, behaviours, and evolution, ranks third on our list. It's an excellent choice for those who are passionate about wildlife and looking to make a positive impact on the planet.

Average salary: Zoology graduates in the U.S. earn an attractive average salary of $142,000 annually.

Job prospects: A Zoology major can lead to exciting careers as Nature Reserve Wardens, Veterinarians, Environmental Consultants, and Gamekeepers.

Top colleges/universities: Some of the top programmes offered by respected universities in the United States for Zoology include Washington State University's Bachelor in Zoology (Pre-Physician Assistant), Kent State University's B.S. in Zoology, and the University of Central Florida's Zoology (Pre-Veterinarian Science) program.

Personal or professional advantages: Majoring in Zoology provides the opportunity to work with an incredible variety of animals and contribute to the conservation and understanding of the natural world. As a popular choice among students, it also fosters a strong community of like-minded professionals.

Fun fact! Approximately 110,000 U.S. graduates have majored in Zoology, which highlights the field's popularity and potential for growth.

4. Pharmacology

Pharmacology, a crucial field in the pharmaceutical industry, focuses on the study of drug action and encompasses the related field of Toxicology. The U.S. is known for its strong reputation in this area, and many colleges offer comprehensive programs for aspiring pharmacologists.

Average salary: Graduates in Pharmacology can expect an impressive average salary of around $136,000 per year.

Job prospects: Career opportunities for Pharmacology majors include roles such as Analytical Chemist, Clinical Research Associate, and Medicinal Chemist.

Top colleges/universities: Among the respected universities in the United States for Pharmacology, Arizona State University stands out with its exceptional BS in Biology (Pharmacology and Toxicology) programme, covering a wide range of topics from Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics to Drug Discovery and Development.

Personal or professional advantages: Pursuing a Pharmacology major can lead to rewarding careers in a rapidly evolving industry, with the potential to make a significant impact on healthcare and drug development. With around 13,000 graduates in the field, it offers a niche yet growing professional community.

5. Economics

Economics, a popular major with around 1 million graduates in the U.S., attracts individuals seeking strong financial prospects after graduation. It has been the choice of prominent figures such as former U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, entrepreneur Elon Musk, and top CEO Meg Whitman, highlighting its influence in both business and politics.

Average salary: Economics graduates can anticipate an average yearly salary of around $133,000.

Job prospects: Career options for Economics majors include Economic Consultant, Credit Analyst, Business Reporter, and Banker, among others.

Top colleges/universities: Some top programmes offered by respected universities in the United States for Economics include Gannon University's BSc in Business Administration - Economics, the University of North Carolina Greensboro's B.A. in Economics, and the University of Dayton's Business Economics programme.

Personal or professional advantages: Majoring in Economics opens doors to influential careers in various sectors, offering the potential to shape policies, businesses, and markets while enjoying a lucrative income.

Also read: Get ahead of the game - Discover the best bachelor degrees for a successful career

6. Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics, ranking sixth on our list, is an excellent choice for number enthusiasts seeking a solid financial future. Graduates in this major can expect an impressive average salary of $130,000.

Average salary: The average salary for Applied Mathematics graduates is around $130,000 per year.

Job prospects: This major leads to diverse career opportunities, such as Data Processing Specialist, Global Pricing Analyst, Statistician, and Quantitative Analyst.

Top colleges/universities: Some top programmes offered by respected universities in the United States for Applied Mathematics include The University of Utah's Applied Mathematics programme and Colorado Mesa University's BS in Applied Mathematics - Mathematics.

Personal or professional advantages: Choosing Applied Mathematics as a major can lead to financially rewarding careers and a competitive edge in various industries, allowing graduates to make a meaningful impact using their mathematical skills.

7. Actuarial Science

Actuarial Science is a major that delves into the fascinating world of evaluating and managing financial risks. As a vital component in numerous industries, it claims the seventh spot on our list.

Average salary: Actuarial Science graduates can anticipate an average yearly salary of $129,500.

Job prospects: Actuaries, being risk management experts, find employment in insurance companies, finance sectors, and investment firms. They leverage data and computational models to become valuable assets in handling large sums of money.

Top colleges/universities: A few notable Actuarial Science programmes offered by respected universities in the United States are Trine University's BS in Actuarial Science and the University of the Pacific's BS in Actuarial Science.

Personal or professional advantages: With relatively few graduates in the field (around 21,000), Actuarial Science is an excellent major to consider for those seeking a niche, high-demand career with a lucrative income.

8. Engineering and Industrial Management

Engineering and Industrial Management is a major that prepares students for leadership roles in the engineering sector, covering a diverse range of topics such as science, economics, and social studies.

Average salary: The average salary for graduates in this field is $129,000 per year.

Job prospects: Graduates often become Construction Managers, Quality Assurance Control Managers, or Industry Production Managers.

Top colleges/universities: Many reputable universities across the U.S. offer strong Engineering and Industrial Management programs, providing students with a solid foundation for their careers.

Personal or professional advantages: Pursuing this major can lead to high-paying and rewarding careers in the engineering industry, equipping students with a versatile skillset for various management roles.

Also read: Will studying abroad help my career?

9. Engineering Mechanics, Physics and Science

Physics is a highly regarded science field in the United States, with only three institutions for this subject outside the country listed in the Times' Higher Education Guide. Although Princeton University is considered the top choice for this major, it is offered in many other U.S. institutions.

Average salary: Graduates in this field earn an average yearly salary of $129,000.

Job prospects: Graduates can work in teaching, research, as a Lab Technician, Technical Specialist or Design Engineer.

Top colleges/universities: Some highly regarded programmes offered by respected universities in the United States for Engineering Physics include UMass Boston's Engineering Physics programme and Wichita State University's BS in Physics - Engineering Physics.

Personal or professional advantages: Pursuing a major in Engineering Mechanics, Physics, and Science can lead to a rewarding career in various industries, including education, research, and engineering. With a high average salary, this major is an excellent option for those interested in these fields.

10. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering is a specialised field of study that focuses on the engineering and construction of ships, boats, and other watercraft. With an average yearly salary of $128,000 for graduates, this major takes the tenth spot on our list of the highest-paying majors in the U.S.

Average salary: Graduates in this field earn an average yearly salary of $128,000.

Job prospects: Naval Architects can work for private companies and governments, including BAE Systems in the U.K., the U.S. Navy, and Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea.

Top colleges/universities: Various colleges and universities in the U.S. offer this major.

Personal or professional advantages: Pursuing a major in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering can lead to a rewarding career in the field of shipbuilding and design. With practical applications and high earning potential, this major is an excellent choice for those interested in the industry.

11. Biomedical engineering

Biomedical Engineering is a rapidly growing industry that is witnessing various innovations in the medical field, offering abundant opportunities for graduates. This major primarily focuses on devising and optimising medical instruments that solve diverse issues related to diagnostics in medicine and biology.

Average salary: Graduates in this field earn an average yearly salary of $97,090.

Job prospects: Graduates can work in the healthcare industry, research and development, as well as in academia.

Top colleges/universities: A few notable Biomedical Engineering programmes offered by respected universities in the United States include The University of Utah's Biomedical Engineering programme and Marquette University's Biomedical Engineering programme.

Personal or professional advantages: Pursuing a major in Biomedical Engineering can lead to a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, providing opportunities to make a significant impact on people's lives while earning a substantial income. With a wide range of technical knowledge and skills, graduates can also work in research and development, tackling social issues in medicine and biology.

12. Materials engineering

Materials engineering is a course that focuses on the study of materials based on their strength, heat resistance, and diverse applications in our daily lives. With an average yearly salary of $93,000, it is the 12th highest-paying degree in 2024.

Average salary: Graduates in this field earn an average yearly salary of $93,000.

Job prospects: Graduates can work as metallurgists or manufacturing industry pioneers. They can also take up opportunities in the defence and armed forces weaponry section or become skilled assets in the automobile industry.

Top colleges/universities: Some notable Materials Engineering programmes offered by respected universities in the United States include the University of Central Florida's BS in Materials Science and Engineering and Auburn University's MEd in Materials Engineering.

Personal or professional advantages: Pursuing a major in materials engineering can lead to a rewarding career in various industries, including manufacturing, defence, and automobile. With a high average salary, this major is an excellent option for those interested in materials science and engineering.

Start your path to high-paying careers today with Edvoy

Are you excited about the prospect of pursuing a major that can lead to a high-paying and rewarding career? Then it's time to take the next step and start planning your educational journey.

Creating an account on Edvoy can help you navigate the process of choosing the right college or university to achieve your goals. With our personalised platform, you can explore the top colleges and universities in the U.S. for each major discussed in this article and find the best fit for you.

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