With the cost of college continuing to rise each year, more and more students are looking for ways to make their degrees more valuable. Fortunately, plenty of high-paying careers are available for those with a bachelor’s degree. Here are the 20 highest-paying bachelor’s degree jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
1. Petroleum Engineer: With an average salary of $137,720 per year, petroleum engineering tops the list of highest-paying bachelor’s degree jobs. Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface.
2. Computer and Information Systems Manager: This job pays an average of $135,800 per year and involves managing the computer systems of a company.
3. Software Developer: Software developers design and build applications for computers and mobile devices. They make an average of $105,590 per year.
4. Management Consultant: Management consultants provide advice and strategies to businesses and organizations to help them improve their performance. They make an average of $104,340 per year.
5. Pharmacist: Pharmacists are responsible for filling and dispensing medications. They make an average of $102,170 per year.
6. Financial Manager: Financial managers oversee the financial activities of a company or organization. They make an average of $101,140 per year.
7. Actuary: Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They make an average of $99,550 per year.
8. Air Traffic Controller: Air traffic controllers monitor the aircraft’s movement in the sky and on the ground. They make an average of $97,500 per year.
9. Market Research Analyst: Market research analysts collect and analyze data about consumer markets. They make an average of $95,150 per year.
10. Computer Systems Analyst: Computer systems analysts review computer systems and develop strategies to improve their efficiency and performance. They make an average of $90,920 per year.
11. Human Resources Manager: Human resources managers oversee and manage personnel within an organization. They make an average of $90,800 per year.
12. Industrial Engineer: Industrial engineers design processes and systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs. They make an average of $88,020 per year.
13. Architect: Architects design and plan buildings and other structures. They make an average of $87,920 per year.
14. Operations Research Analyst: Operations research analysts use mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations solve problems and make decisions. They make an average of $87,780 per year.
15. Computer Network Architect: Computer network architects design and build computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. They make an average of $87,070 per year.
16. Accountant: Accountants prepare financial statements and reports. They make an average of $83,650 per year.
17. Physician Assistant: Physician assistants provide medical care under the supervision of a doctor. They make an average of $83,610 per year.
18. Health Services Manager: Health services managers oversee health services and health information systems. They make an average of $82,240 per year.
19. Public Relations Specialist: Public relations specialists create and maintain a positive public image for an organization. They make an average of $81,250 per year.
20. Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices and systems. They make an average of $80,580 per year.
Whether you’re just starting college or are already on your way to earning your bachelor’s degree, there are plenty of high-paying jobs available. With the right degree and a bit of hard work, you could be making a six-figure salary in no time.
