For every young person who is entering the professional world, it is important to know what career prospects are? And what degrees will pay more? What are the career choices that will pay the highest? Because whatever the career choice they make, it will affect their whole life. For that reason, making the right choice is very important. But you can only make the right choice if you know all the options and data that supports these options. The article below has information about the fifteen highest-paying bachelor’s degree jobs. These are the jobs that you can get after completing your bachelor’s degree. Some of these degrees may require added on-the-job training, but apart from that, there are no other requirements. Read the article below to know more about these bachelor’s degree jobs.

Here is a shortlist of the jobs after bachelor’s degrees that pay the highest.

• Systems Manager
• Engineering Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Natural Science Manager
• Human Resource Manager
• Petro-Chemical Engineer
• Financial Manager
• Sales Manager
• Commercial Pilots
• Computer Hardware Engineer
• Aerospace Engineers
• Computer Network Architect
• Software Engineer
• Actuary
• Nuclear Engineer

Top 15 Highest-Paying Bachelor’s Degree Jobs

Here is the list of the top fifteen highest-paying bachelor’s degree jobs.

1. Systems Manager:

Systems Manager is a job position that you can get after a bachelor’s degree, and it is one of the highest-paying jobs after a bachelor’s degree. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information systems managers have a median income of $151,150, while the top earners in this profession can make more than $208,000 while the lowest earners can make up to $90,430 per year. Also, there are multiple jobs available in this profession and currently, there are a total of 482,000 jobs in this profession.

The job growth outlook data for the next ten years shows a growth rate of 11%, which is among the average fast range. To become a computer systems manager, you will need a degree in the field of computer science, IT, information system management, and related fields. This job requires having some experience, along with a degree. Companies also hire fresh candidates, but their salaries may not be as high as $100,000 at the start. But once you have spent some time in the company, you can expect a lot of growth in your career.

2. Engineering Manager:

Engineering has been known as one of the highest-paying career choices for a long time. Currently, engineering project managers are among some of the highest earners after a bachelor’s degree holder. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the engineering project managers have a median income of $149,530, while the top earners in this profession can make more than $208,000 while the lowest earners can make up to $95,310 per year.

More than 197,800 engineering project managers are working in different fields of engineering including architectural, civil engineering projects. The job outlook data for the engineering project managers show a growth rate of 4% which is slow as compared to other professions. You can get into this profession after obtaining a degree in civil engineering, engineering management, and architectural engineering. Also, this job requires having some experience in their field. But some companies also employ fresh candidates as well.

3. Marketing Manager:

The profession of Marketing Manager is also among the top paying career choices that you have after a bachelor’s degree. To start a career in the field of marketing, you only need a bachelor’s degree and some experience in the field of marketing. After that, you can easily obtain this job in a good company that pays very well. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Marketing and Advertising Managers have a median income of $141,490, while the top earners in this profession can make more than $208,000 while the lowest earners can make up to $68,940. The wide gap in the lowest and highest salaries depends on what type of company you join and where you are working.

For example, if you are working in a multinational corporation or a big brand, you can expect a six-figure salary as a marketing and advertising manager. But if you are working in a small company or organization that does not have a huge budget, you cannot expect a huge salary and for that reason, you may have to compromise on your salary. The good news is that there are a lot of job positions related to marketing managers and advertising managers. That means it is easy to get a job as a marketing manager as compared to other jobs. According to the data, as of 2020, there are more than 316,800 jobs related to this position and it has a growth rate of 10% which is among the fastest in highest-paying career choices.

4. Natural Science Manager:

The job of a natural science manager is to work with scientists and help them organize their research, and development work. This is a career choice that you can make after a bachelor’s degree, and it can help you get a good salary. There are a lot of institutes that hire natural science managers. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a natural science manager is $137,940, while the top earners can make more than $208,000 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $71,400. This job data also shows that the growth rate for the next decade in this profession is about 6% which is slow as compared to other jobs.

Also, according to the data, as of 2020 there are 79,000 natural science manager job positions in the U.S. You do not need any on-the-job training but having some experience in this field can increase your employability. It is among the highest-paying career choices but there is a problem that there are only a few jobs available. That means competition for this job is extremely high. You can get this job with a bachelor’s degree only if you have been involved in research work or have worked with scientists on their project management.

5. Petro-Chemical Engineer:

Another highest-paying career choice after a bachelor’s degree is the job of a petrochemical engineer. You will need a degree in petrochemical engineering, petroleum engineering, or any other related field. After completing your education, you can apply in the petrochemical industry for the job. Mostly there is no on-the-job training or any experience needed, but in some companies, there can be experience-related requirements. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a petrochemical engineer is $137,330.

Meanwhile, the top earners can make more than $208,000 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $78,620 per year. If you have some working experience, you can also expect even better salaries than that. The data for this job outlook also shows a growth rate of 8% for the next decade and the total number of people employed in this profession is 28,500. As you can see that there are only a few thousand jobs available which means the competition for these jobs is extremely high and you must be a high performer to get this job.

6. Financial Manager:

Another highest-paying job that you can get after a bachelor’s degree is the job of a financial manager, planner, or advisor. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a financial manager is $134,180. Meanwhile, the top earners can make more than $200,000 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $70,830 per year. The data for this job outlook also shows a growth rate of 17% for the next decade.

That is among the fastest growth rates in high-earning professions. Also, the total number of people employed in this profession is 681,700. That means there are a lot of jobs and less competition. But still, if you are not a high performer, it will be hard for you to get this job. There is no on-the-job training needed for this job but having some experience is mandatory in many cases.

7. Sales Manager:

Among the professions related to business, the job of a sales manager is one of the highest paying. You can get this job soon after completing your degree. Your salary may not be as much as the median salary but after some time, you can expect a six-figure income per year. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a sales manager is $132,290. Meanwhile, the top earners can make more than $200,000 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $63,170 per year.

The data for this job outlook also shows a growth rate of 7% for the next decade. This is one of the average growth rates in business and management fields.  Also, the total number of people employed in this profession is more than 397,900. That means there are multiple opportunities but there is also a lot of competition for this job.

8. Commercial Pilots:

The job of a commercial airline pilot is also among the highest-paying career choices after a bachelor’s degree. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a commercial pilot is $130,440. Meanwhile, the top earners can make more than $208,000 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $80,920 per year.

You need a degree in the field of aviation to become a pilot. It is one of the highest-paying careers choices. After your degree, you will have to pass your flight time requirements to become a commercial pilot. The data for this job outlook also shows a growth rate of 8% for the next decade and the total number of people employed in this profession is 28,500. That means there is a lot of competition as the number of jobs is limited.

9. Computer Hardware Engineer:

Everything we see around us that has a screen usually has a built-in computer chip in it. That means we are surrounded by computer hardware. That is why there is a lot of demand for computer hardware engineers. You need a degree in computer hardware engineering to become a hardware engineer. Companies like Hewlett Packard, and IBM hire computer hardware engineers to work on their hardware solutions.

The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of a computer hardware engineer is $119,560. Meanwhile, the top earners can make more than $200,000 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $70,100 per year. The data for this job outlook also shows a growth rate of 2% for the next decade and the total number of people employed in this profession is 66,200. This small number of jobs and slow growth rate means there is a lot of competition in this field and only high performers get the job. 

10. Aerospace Engineers:

Aerospace engineering is also among the top-paying career choices after a bachelor’s degree. Aerospace engineers work on research projects related to space. They also design specialized equipment that will be used in space missions. There are many sub-fields in this degree but the job of aerospace engineers. They also study rocket propulsion systems and how the mechanics of a rocket engine works. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an aerospace engineer is $118,610.

The top earners can make more than $171,220 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $72,770, per year. The data for this job outlook also shows a growth rate of 8% for the next decade and the total number of people employed in this profession is 61,400. As you can see that there are only a few thousand jobs available in this profession that means competition is extreme for those who want to pursue this as a career. Salaries are high but employability is low in this field.

11. Computer Network Architect:

After doing a bachelor’s degree in computer network engineering, you can become a computer network architect. It is one of the highest-paying career choices that you have after a bachelor’s degree. The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of network architects is $116,780. This is also among those jobs that have a huge salary but there are limited chances of employment.

Meanwhile, the top earners can make more than $175,570 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $67,190 per year. There is a huge gap between minimum and maximum salaries. You will earn more if you have the right skills and some experience. The data for this job outlook also shows a growth rate of 5% for the next decade and the total number of people employed in this profession is 165,200.

12. Software Engineer:

You can also become a software engineer after completing your education in computer science, software engineering, or IT-related fields. This job only requires having a good command of software engineering. You will handle coordinating the efforts to create software. It is a new profession that saw huge growth potential in the earlier two or three decades.

There is more than one field in the software engineering profession, and you can take the ones that relate to your ability. The data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of a software engineer is $110,140. Meanwhile, the top earners can make more than $170,100 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $65,210 per year. The data for this job outlook also shows a growth rate of 22% for the next decade and the total number of people employed in this profession is 1,847,900. That means there is an unlimited number of growth opportunities and job employment opportunities in this field.

13. Actuary:

You can also become an actuary after completing a degree or bachelor’s degree. The job of an actuary is to record the financial transaction, find out discrepancies, issues, and risks related to financial transactions and processes. According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of an actuary is $111,030. This is one of the highest-paying career choices in the field of accounting, economics, and business category.

You can get this job after completing your degree in actuarial sciences. The top earners can make more than $196,010 and the lowest ten percent earners can make up to $66,030 per year. The data for this job outlook also shows a growth rate of 24% for the next decade and the total number of people employed in this profession is 27,700. You can see that there are only a limited number of seats available, but this job has great growth potential for the next few years.

14. Nuclear Engineer:

This is also a job that you can get after a bachelor’s degree that pays very well. Nuclear engineers work in various fields including the energy sector, defense, and other related fields. Mostly they oversee successfully running the nuclear power plants.  According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of a nuclear engineer is $116,140.

The maximum per year income in this profession is about $185,550 while the minimum income per year is $74,800. The relative data about this job from BLS shows that this job has a growth rate of -7% and the total number of jobs in this profession is about 17,200. That means this profession is slowly shrinking and there are only a limited number of jobs available.

15. Training and Development Manager:

This is also one of the top-paying jobs in the field of professional education, training, and development. The job of a training and development manager is to create strategies and training methods that a company or its employees can use. The purpose of these training sessions is to produce highly trained professionals who will improve the overall efficiency of the company so that it can achieve its goals easily.

The data from BLS shows the median income at $115,640, while maximum income is about $200,210 and the minimum income is at $66,270. This job requires having training and being able to teach and create teaching methods. As of 2020, more than 42,100 people are working in this profession and the growth rate in this profession is about 11% which is average as compared to other jobs in this category.

Average Salaries for People with a bachelor’s degree:

This is a very important thing to know before moving forward about the top paying bachelor’s degree jobs. The question here is how much people with bachelor’s degree holders are paid on average? The answer to this question will give you a better perspective about the average income of average earners. From that, you can calculate the difference between the average, top, and bottom earners.

According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a high-school diploma and associate degree make between $40,612 to $48,776 on average if they get a good job. That means they earn less than $1000 per week on average. But people with a college degree have a median income of $1400+ per week. That means there is a $500 to $700 increase in per week income of those who have a college degree as compared to those who have associate degrees or high school diplomas.

Here we are talking about the median income and not the income of the highest-paid candidates. From the data given in the above paragraph, it becomes clear that having a bachelor’s degree could increase your salary by up to 100% or even more in some cases. This discussion concludes that bachelor’s degree holders are paid more. So, having a bachelor’s degree will not only improve your employability and suitability for multiple jobs, but it will also affect your salary and you will be making more than what a high school diploma holder or an associate degree holder.

Top Ten Percent Earners Salaries After Bachelor’s Degree:

The paragraph above explains how having a bachelor’s degree will affect your career and how it will increase your salary and employability? But not all bachelor’s degree holders get paid the same. Some get paid the most and some get paid the least. This depends on what type of degree you are doing and what your percentage was? The chart for higher-income shows that the students who get paid the most are the ones who scored the best in their college degrees.

For example, the top ten percent earners after a bachelor’s degree are those students who have the highest percentage. According to the data, students who scored 90% or more in their college degree get paid the highest. The top ten percent of earners after a bachelor’s degree are making more than $3000 per week. That is double what the median income of average candidates is. To simplify this data for your understanding, think of it as if you scored better in college, the chances are you will be paid the highest and that was about $3000+ per week for 2020. So, having a bachelor’s degree will not only help you earn more, but it will also help you get paid to the highest level.

Lowest Ten Percent Earners Salaries After bachelor’s degree:

Not all of those who have a bachelor’s degree get the same salary. Most people get paid according to the median salary after a bachelor’s degree. But some people get the highest pay, and the reason for that highest pay is their percentage in college. Similarly, some people get paid much less as compared to others with the same degree. Mostly, the reason behind this low salary is that these people had less percentage in their college.

According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest ten percent earners after a bachelor’s degree are paid between $700 to $1000 which is much less as compared to the top ten percent earners. But this data does not supply insight into many jobs in which the basic income or salary is less but there are more commissions.

Better Salaries vs Better Chances of Employment:

Another very important thing that you need to consider is better salaries vs better chances of employment. Some jobs pay very well after a bachelor’s degree, but these jobs are scarce, and the chances of employment are low. Meanwhile, other jobs pay much less but they have a lot of chances of employment. For example, the chances of becoming a financial officer after a bachelor’s degree are low, but if you become a financial advisor, your salary will be much higher. On the other hand, if you get the job of an office administrative assistant or a junior advisor, or a junior financial consultant, your salary will be less than the financial advisor, but there will be more chances of employment. Keeping these two things in mind is very important so that you can make better decisions.

Bachelor of Arts vs Bachelor of Science – What Pays More?

There is a clear difference between the salaries of people with a Bachelor of Arts degree vs Bachelor of Science degree holders. There are some degrees where Bachelor of Arts may pay more, while in most cases, Bachelor of Science degrees pay more. We cannot say that it is true every time, but in most cases it is true. Bachelor of Arts degrees mostly lead towards careers that are related to teaching, writing, doing administrative work, and these are not some of the highest paying career choices.

While the Bachelor of Science degree leads towards careers such as engineering, finance, computer science, IT, and technology, which are known as some of the highest paying career choices. There are some high-paying career choices in the arts field as well, such as human resource management, marketing, and business, finance, and economics-related fields. So, whatever the career choice you are making, make sure that you look at the data before choosing so that you know exactly what type of degree you are doing and what type of salaries it will provide?

Conclusion:

The article above holds information about the top twenty jobs after a bachelor’s degree that you can get. These jobs are ranked in order of the median salary. For example, the first jobs are the ones that supply the highest median salary. Most of these jobs are related to technology, IT, engineering, finance, business, human resource fields. If you want to get into any of these jobs, you must work hard during your college years of education. The higher the percentage you have in college, the higher your salary will be. For example, people with an 80% to 90% GPA are the ones that get paid the highest salaries in every field. So, make sure that you study hard during your college years to get these jobs.

FAQs:

Question: What are the highest-paying professional fields?

Answer: The fields of IT, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Management, and Social Services are some of the highest-paying professional fields. To get a job in these fields, you mostly need a bachelor’s degree.

Question: Are highest-paying career degrees easy?

Answer: No. According to the data and evidence, those degrees that are tougher to get into, and pass, are also the ones that pay more. Some easy degrees pay very well, but you must work hard during those degrees and get a good GPA.