Blog Layout

5 College Degrees with Above Average Salaries

College Grad Looking for Salary

5 College Degrees with Above Average Salaries

Different Areas of Study with Earning Potential

Attaining a college education increases your chances of earning a healthy compensation for your time. The truth is, you do not have to be a doctor or a lawyer to earn a healthy living. As expected in this age of technology, the computer “geeks” seem to be taking home the biggest salaries.

Shamrck took a look at some of the best options including these fields:

  1. Petroleum engineering. Engineering is well known for being a high paying industry, and the growing sector of petroleum engineering is no different. With just five to nine years of experience, you can earn a satisfying six-figure salary of $120,000.
    • According to Payscale.com, the average entry-level salary for graduates that hold a degree in petroleum engineering falls in the range of $66,000 to $91,000. And, after just 10 years of experience, an annual salary of $100,000 to $152,000 is common.
    • Petroleum engineers employed by private organizations earn between $99,000 and $205,000 per year, while the earnings of federal government employees are capped at $106,000 regardless of experience.
  1. Statistics. If you have a love for analyzing data and you’re good with numbers, you could find a handsomely paying career in Statistics. With five to nine years of experience under your belt, you can earn $93,000.
    • As a fresh college grad, you can expect to take home in the range of $42,000 to $66,000. And, after gaining 10 years of experience, the average salary is between $77,000 and $112,000.
    • Company employees earn between $62,000 and $100,000, while government employees earn on average $10,000 less per year.
  1. Computer science . With technology being one of today’s most popular career fields, it’s no wonder computer science majors take home over $53,000 during their first year in the workforce.
    • According to Payscale.com, those with five to nine years of experience can expect to earn $73,000. And, after 10 years on the job, an annual salary of over $90,000 is considered to be standard practice.
    • Company employees are compensated the greatest at an average salary of about $73,000, while employees of the federal government usually average $71,000.
  1. Geology . When it comes to making the big bucks as a geologist, location is the most crucial factor. While some states, such as Florida and Georgia, often pay an average salary of less than $40,000 for an experienced geologist, states such as California and Texas are willing to pay a premium.
    • Texas geologists earn in the range of $49,000 and $92,000. California also offers a healthy salary, ranging from $46,000 to $65,000. Salary is proportionate with experience.
    • Nationally, geologists with less than a year of experience earn between $35,000 and $52,000. However, after five to nine years on the job, a $62,000 salary can be attained. A geologist with over 10 years of experience can expect to earn an annual salary between $52,000 and $73,000.
    • Self-employed geologists have the highest earning potential tiptoeing in around $35,000 and upwards of $93,000.
    • The highest earning potential for government employees is around $64,000.
  1. Economics. Though the current economy may be undeniably depressed, those with a degree in economics can safely expect to earn a sizeable salary, even throughout the beginning years of their careers.
    • According to Payscale.com, fresh college graduates take home $36,000 to $58,000 in their first year on the job. After just five to nine years of experience, the average salary boosts to between $63,000 and $100,000. Highly experienced economists earn a respectable $82,000 to $122,000 annual salary.
    • Government employees are compensated at a higher level than company employees. On average, the government pays between $60,000 and $110,000, as opposed to the average $44,000 to $88,000 offered to company employees.

As you can see, even with a sour economy, it’s still possible to earn an impressive salary with a standard Bachelor’s degree . If you can focus in on a time-tested profitable degree, you’ll be able to live large, whether the economy is sinking or thriving.

Go to t he Dashboard  today for a personalized career plan and access to local opportunities that will help set you on the path for success.

Understanding the Benefits of an Apprenticeship

Understanding the Benefits of an Apprenticeship

Is an Apprenticeship the Right Step for You and Your Future?In the wake of the pandemic, we have found ourselves faced with “critical gaps in the skills needed” that present a renewed need for apprenticeships. Many employers are incredibly busy and find they have no...

read more
My Child is Being Bullied What Can I Do

My Child is Being Bullied What Can I Do

My Child Is Being Bullied -- What Do I Do?“My child is being bullied what can I do?” If there is one thing for sure, no parent ever wants to utter these words. And in a perfect world, no parent would ever have to address their child being bullied in the first place....

read more
Should I Go to College: Pros and Cons

Should I Go to College: Pros and Cons

Weigh Your Options to Find the Path That is Right For YouCollege is seen by many as the natural next step to take after you finish school and while it may be a great option for many, that isn’t the case for everybody. This article will examine some of the pros and...

read more

By Danielle Williams 15 Apr, 2024
The Path to Your Dream Career
By Danielle Williams 15 Apr, 2024
Navigating the Future with CTAE
By Danielle Williams 08 Apr, 2024
Incorporation of Apprenticeship Guide
More Posts
Share by: