Highest-Paying Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree can be a difference-maker in today’s competitive job market. Getting a degree generally leads to higher pay, better job security, and more job options.

Some careers stand out among those requiring a bachelor’s degree. The highest-paying jobs that require bachelor’s degrees offer a better return on investment than other positions in less lucrative fields.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as of February 2025, the four highest-paying majors are computer science, engineering, physics, and finance. It’s no surprise that these majors are all in STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and math.

Here’s a list of the 10 highest-paying jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree. We aimed to provide a mix of careers from different fields. To do this, we limited certain degrees to two career paths. For instance, since seven of the highest-paying jobs are engineering-related, we narrowed the options for degrees in the engineering field.

Computer science professionals research and develop hardware and software solutions. They write code and analyze data processing challenges. They also improve existing systems and may analyze or suggest software to solve problems.

The job outlook in this field is strong. For example, the BLS projects that jobs for computer and information research scientists will grow by 26% from 2023-2033, which is a much higher rate than average. Median early career earnings in computer science are around $80,000 annually, and the median mid-career salary in this field is $115,000.

Computer engineers design, develop, and test computer systems and equipment for various applications, including industrial and military use. They analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and maintain up-to-date knowledge in their field.

The median early career salary for computer engineers is $80,000, rising to around $122,000 with experience. The job outlook is favorable, with an expected growth rate of 7% from 2023-2033, according to the BLS.

Chemical engineers create equipment and processes for fuels, plastics, and detergents. They track data, develop safety measures, and separate components using controlled methods. They also solve manufacturing problems and improve equipment for safety and environmental compliance.

The BLS projects the chemical engineering field to grow by 10% from 2023-2033. Early career chemical engineers earn a median annual salary of $80,000, and mid-career professionals make around $120,000 each year.

Physics majors find jobs in many areas. They use their analytical skills to address complex problems in technology, finance, and healthcare. Their deep understanding of physics helps them in research, development, innovation, and academia roles.

The median early career salary for physics majors is $70,000, while mid-career salaries are closer to $100,000. According to BLS data, common careers for physics majors, such as aeronautical engineers and data scientists, have a positive job outlook.

Finance professionals handle various financial tasks, including budgeting, analysis, and client advising. They evaluate liabilities, financial objectives, and the buying and selling of financial assets.

The job outlook in the field is generally promising, with the BLS projecting 9% job growth for financial analysts from 2023-2033. The median early career salary for finance professionals is $70,000 and rises to around $110,000 by mid-career.

Economists examine economic trends, policies, and data to address production, distribution, and finance issues. By analyzing statistical information, they forecast market behaviors and provide guidance to organizations.

The BLS projects 5% job growth for economists from 2023-2033, indicating steady demand. Economists have a median starting salary of around $70,000. By mid-career, their earnings can reach $110,000 per year.

Construction professionals, such as construction managers, cost estimators, and civil engineers, run projects on time and within budget. Managers coordinate activities and budgets. Cost estimators calculate expenses for bids. Civil engineers design and maintain infrastructure, including roads and bridges.

The job outlook for these roles is strong but varies by role. The BLS expects 9% job growth for construction managers from 2023-2033, while civil engineers have 6% projected job growth. In contrast, the BLS projects that jobs for cost estimators will decline by 4%.

Business analytics professionals leverage data to improve business decisions and performance. They produce financial insights and identify trends through reporting and data analysis. Their work includes creating reports for stakeholders, maintaining business intelligence tools, and analyzing industry trends.

The job outlook is positive in some areas of business analytics. The BLS projects 36% growth from 2023-2033 for data scientists, a related career, indicating strong demand in this field.

Nursing professionals check patient health, create care plans, and keep medical records. They care for patients who are sick, hurt, or healing. They may also offer advice on staying healthy. Nurses often administer medications and monitor for side effects.

The nursing field has a solid job outlook. The BLS expects 6% growth in nursing jobs from 2023-2033, which is faster than average. Early career nurses earn a median annual salary of $65,000, while mid-career salaries are around $84,000.

Mathematicians focus on understanding math fundamentals and how they apply to science, management, and other areas. They use math skills to tackle problems, share their results through reports and conferences, and keep up with the latest developments by reading journals and connecting with others in their field.

The job outlook is promising, with an expected 11% growth for mathematicians and statisticians from 2023-2033. Mathematicians who are just starting out earn a median salary of $65,000, and those who are in the middle of their careers make around $100,000.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering opens the door to lucrative career opportunities. Here are the highest-paying engineering fields you can enter.