In today’s fast-changing world, picking a degree that’s both interesting and offers good future prospects has never been more important. It’s not just about finding a job — it’s about building a career that can grow with you. Here are some popular and well-paid degrees that can help set you on the right path.
Engineering: A Reliable Path to a High Salary
Engineering degrees have long been known for high salaries. For example, Petroleum Engineering graduates often start with salaries over $100,000 per year. Other strong options include:
- Computer Engineering: around $80,000
- Electrical Engineering: around $75,000
- Chemical Engineering: around $72,000
- Nuclear Engineering: around $85,000
Engineering jobs are in demand across energy, tech, and manufacturing industries, offering both good pay and career stability.
IT and Computer Science: Tech is Booming
As AI, cybersecurity, and data science continue to rise, degrees in IT and computer science are in high demand, and so are the salaries. Some standout roles include:
- Cloud Architect: earns over $150,000 per year
- DevOps Engineer: around $130,000
- Machine Learning Specialist: around $120,000
While the pay is great, it’s also a highly competitive field. According to the New York Federal Reserve, unemployment rates for computer science and engineering graduates are still relatively high. This area is best suited for those who enjoy solving problems, keeping up with new technologies, and are willing to keep learning.
Business and Finance: Practical and Rewarding
If you’re good with numbers or enjoy problem-solving, degrees in finance, economics, or actuarial science are solid choices. While starting salaries may be slightly lower than engineering, the long-term opportunities are strong:
- Finance and Economics: around $65,000
- Actuarial Science: around $70,000
- Management Information Systems: around $68,000
Top firms offer impressive pay to attract talent. For instance, Citadel’s summer internship pays over $20,000 a month — but it’s extremely selective.
Non-Traditional Careers: Freelance and Digital Work on the Rise
There’s also a growing number of high-income careers outside the traditional path, like ethical hacking, voice acting, content creation, game streaming, and eSports.
- Ethical Hackers: $140,000–$300,000
- Voice Actors: up to $400,000
With platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, it’s easier than ever to build a freelance career, reach a global audience, and earn a living by doing what you love.
Conclusion: In the Age of AI, Be Irreplaceable
As AI takes over routine tasks, the key to future career success is having skills that machines can’t replace — like creativity, communication, adaptability, and learning agility.
Choosing a degree that helps you build these strengths while aligning with your interests and market trends can make all the difference. It’s not just about getting a job — it’s about staying valuable in a changing world.
References：
1. 7 College Majors With the Highest Starting Salaries
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/7-college-majors-highest-starting-170111983.html
2. List of Popular College Majors Seeing Salaries Increase: Report
https://www.newsweek.com/list-college-majors-seeing-salaries-increase-report-2067394
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://BLS.gov
4. Levels.fyi
https://www.levels.fyi/
5. Federal Reserve Bank of New York
https://www.newyorkfed.org/
6. These Are the College Degrees That Offer the Best Starting Pay
https://www.inc.com/bruce-crumley/these-are-the-college-degrees-that-offer-the-best-starting-pay/91184679
7. Hidden High-Paying Jobs That People Don’t Know About
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2025/04/27/hidden-high-paying-jobs-that-people-dont-know-about/
8. Gen Alpha is snubbing the careers that boomers dreamed of. As influencers become the new faces of entrepreneurship, they want in
https://fortune.com/article/gen-alpha-dream-careers-youtuber-influencer-social-media/