High paying jobs with a bachelors degree

The guide introduces the 50 highest-paying careers that only require a bachelor's degree. We include the best bachelor's degree for each career path, as well as average salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree prepares graduates for entry-level jobs in fields like business, engineering, and technology. Graduates with a bachelor's degree can also apply to graduate programs for additional training and opportunities.

During a bachelor's degree, undergraduates take general education and major coursework, gaining critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. Students can improve their competitiveness in the job market by completing internships, which offer valuable networking opportunities.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's Degree?

Diverse fields like business, technology, and engineering rank among the highest-paying for graduates with a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree meets the minimum education requirement for lucrative roles such as marketing manager, aerospace engineer, and computer network architect. Bachelor's degree graduates can also work as actuaries, software developers, or physical scientists, earning over $100,000 per year, on average.

The following list ranks the 50 highest-paid jobs for graduates with a bachelor's degree. We pulled job titles and salary information from the 2018 median annual salary information published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Natural sciences managers oversee the work of scientists in organizations. They may manage chemists, physicists, or biologists, depending on the field. Natural science managers direct research and development activities, including testing, quality control, and production, and establish and implement administrative policies and standards. They also work with executives to develop goals, create project budgets, and evaluate scientists and technicians.

Alternate Job Titles

Geochemical Manager; Geophysical Manager; Ocean Program Administrator; Agricultural Research Director.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Geology; Bachelor in Oceanography; Bachelor in Agricultural Sciences; Bachelor in Chemistry; Bachelor in Biology; any Bachelor degree relevant to the specific field of practice.

Personal Characteristics

Natural science managers rely on problem-solving skills to observe and analyze scientific information. They use leadership and communication skills to manage scientists.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Chemistry Programs in the World Today
  • The Best Life and Agriculture Sciences Programs in the World Today

Amount: $123,860

Purchasing managers oversee an organization's products and services purchases. They create procurement policies, manage buyers and purchasing agents, and enforce ethical guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest. They also evaluate and coordinate with suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage an organization's most complex procurement tasks. Most purchasing managers bring several years of experience as a buyer or purchasing agent to this bachelor's degree job.

Alternate Job Titles

Purchasing Manager; Purchasing Director; Contract Administrator; Contracting Manager; Director of Strategic Sourcing; Sourcing Manager.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Management; Bachelor in Business Administration.

Personal Characteristics

Purchasing managers rely on analytical and decision-making skills to evaluate suppliers and identify products with resale value. They also need negotiation skills.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Business Studies
  • The Best Online Associate in Management Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Management
  • The Best Online MBA Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Economics Programs

Amount: $118,940

Aerospace engineers design aircraft, missiles, satellites, and spacecraft. They create prototypes to test designs and coordinate the manufacturing of aircraft and aerospace products. Aerospace engineers also review proposals and evaluate designs to ensure they meet environmental regulations. When aerospace products malfunction, aerospace engineers identify the problem and possible solutions. Aerospace engineer ranks as one of the highest-paying careers for graduates with a bachelor's degree.

Alternate Job Titles

Aerospace Engineer; Aerodynamics Engineer; Aeronautical Engineer; Aircraft Engineer; Astronautical Engineer; Flight Test Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Aeronautics; Bachelor in Aeronautical Science; Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering; Bachelor in Aerospace Physiology; Bachelor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science; Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering; Bachelor in Physics.

Personal Characteristics

Aerospace engineers rely on analytical and problem-solving skills to review designs and troubleshoot problems. They also need strong math and business skills.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Aeronautics & Aviation Programs
  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World

Amount: $115,220

Nuclear engineers may work for a variety of industries, designing nuclear energy and radiation processes, instruments, and systems. They identify industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials, including medical equipment and power sources. They also research and test methods of using nuclear material. In nuclear power plants, nuclear engineers create operational instructions and direct maintenance activities. These engineers monitor nuclear facilities to identify safety violations and examine nuclear accidents to design preventative measures.

Alternate Job Titles

Nuclear Engineer; Nuclear Radiation Engineer; Radiation Engineer; Reactor Engineer; Atomic Process Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor of Nuclear Engineering.

Personal Characteristics

Nuclear engineers need logic and analytical skills to design complex systems and build equipment. They also need strong math skills and a detail-oriented outlook.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World

Amount: $107,600

Managers in every industry oversee an organization's staff. They set long-term goals for their division and determine how to meet those goals. Managers also evaluate staff performance, create procedures to increase efficiency, and design strategic plans for their division based on analysis. Managers can work in diverse fields, like government, education, healthcare, and technology.

Alternate Job Titles

General Manager; Operations Manager; Manufacturing Operations Manager; Engineering Manager.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor of Business Administration; Bachelor in Business Management.

Personal Characteristics

Managers draw on analytical skills to interpret data and create data-driven strategies. They also need strong communication and leadership skills.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Bachelor in Business Administration Programs
  • The Best Online Associate in Management Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Management Programs

Amount: $107,480

Chemical engineers solve problems involving the production of chemicals, fuel, food, and other products. Drawing on chemical principles, they design processes and equipment to manufacture and test products. They also develop manufacturing processes and plan the layout of manufacturing equipment. During the production process, chemical engineers conduct tests and monitor equipment performance. They also ensure compliance with government safety and environmental regulations.

Alternate Job Titles

Chemical Engineer; Chemical Research Engineer; Chemical Process Engineer; Fuels Engineer; Plastics Engineer; Absorption Engineer; Refinery Process Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Chemical Engineering.

Personal Characteristics

Chemical engineers need strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot designs and identify solutions to potential problems. They also need creativity and ingenuity.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World Today

Amount: $104,910

Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess the financial costs of risks and help businesses design policies that minimize those costs. They compile statistical data and estimate the likely economic cost of events such as a natural disaster, accident, or illness. They also design and test insurance policies and test investments and pension plans to minimize risk and maximize profits.

Alternate Job Titles

Pricing Actuary; Health Actuary; Actuarial Associate; Actuarial Mathematician.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Actuarial Science; Bachelor in Mathematics; Bachelor in Statistics; Bachelor in Economics.

Personal Characteristics

Actuaries rely on math and analytical skills to identify data patterns and quantify risk. Strong communication and interpersonal abilities help actuaries explain technical issues and make recommendations.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Bachelor in Mathematics Programs
  • The Best Mathematics Programs in the World Today
  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Economics Programs

Amount: $102,880

Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment and systems for industrial, medical, commercial, and scientific uses. They analyze customer needs and plan electronic equipment to meet those needs. Electronics engineers may conduct research and design equipment for fields like aviation, computing, manufacturing, and transportation.

Alternate Job Titles

Electronics Engineer; Telecommunication Engineer; Electronic Parts Designer; Antenna Engineer; Circuit Design Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Electrical Engineering; Bachelor in Electronics Engineering; Bachelor in Electrical Engineering Technology.

Personal Characteristics

Electronics engineers draw on math and analytical skills to analyze and design equipment. They also rely on communication skills to work with other engineers and technicians.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Programs
  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World

Amount: $102,700

Sales engineers sell scientific and technological products and services to businesses. As engineers, they bring knowledge of products' functions and services, including the scientific processes behind the products. They conduct technical presentations to explain a product or service, assess customer equipment needs, and work with sales teams to offer sales support. Sales engineers also recommend upgrades to customers.

Alternate Job Titles

Aerospace Products Sales Engineer; Missile Navigation Systems Sales Engineer; Nuclear Equipment Sales Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Sales engineers may want to have a scientific degree relevant to their field of work, though more general degrees can also be useful. Such degrees include: Bachelor in Business Administration; Bachelor in Sales Management; Bachelor in Chemistry; Bachelor in Industrial Engineering; Bachelor in Biology.

Personal Characteristics

Sales engineers need technical and business skills in addition to extensive knowledge of their products and services.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Associate of Business Administration Programs
  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World

Amount: $101,420

Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, oversee medical and health services. They may plan and direct clinical departments, medical practices, or healthcare facilities. They set goals and objectives to improve the quality of healthcare services and recruit and supervise staff members. Medical and health services managers rank among the highest-paid bachelor's degree jobs in healthcare.

Alternate Job Titles

Health Services Manager; Health Services Director; Medical and Health Information Manager; Public Health Administrator; Healthcare Administrator; Clinic Director; Emergency Medical Service Coordinator; Occupational Therapy Director; Wellness Director.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Health Administration; Bachelor in Health Management; Bachelor in Nursing; Bachelor in Public Health Administration; Bachelor in Business Administration.

Personal Characteristics

Medical and health services managers rely on interpersonal skills to manage healthcare professionals. The role also requires strong leadership skills.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration Programs
  • The Best Online Master's of Healthcare Administration Programs
  • The Best Online Associate in Healthcare Management Programs
  • The Best Online Master of Public Health Degrees
  • The 50 Best Online Bachelor's in Nursing Programs

Amount: $99,730

Engineers use science and math to solve real-world problems. They collect data, design new products, and identify uses for materials. Engineers can specialize in many areas, including aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, and computer hardware engineering. In these fields, engineers apply mathematical and scientific principles to design and test products. An engineering degree ranks among the highest-paying bachelor's degrees.

Alternate Job Titles

Optical Engineer; Photonics Engineer; Salvage Engineer; Corrosion Control Engineer; Mathematical Engineer; Ordnance Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Engineers should have Bachelor's degrees relevant to their professional field, such as: Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering; Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering; Master of Production Engineering.

Personal Characteristics

Engineers need strong math and analytical skills to analyze data, conduct testing, and solve problems. Engineers also rely on creativity to complete their tasks.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World
  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Engineering Management Programs
  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Biomedical Engineering Programs

Amount: $96,980

Electrical engineers design and develop electrical equipment, such as navigation systems, communication systems, electric motors, and power generation equipment. After conducting research, electrical engineers create manufacturing and construction standards based on that research. They also design new methods for using electrical power and improving current electrical equipment. Additionally, electrical engineers evaluate electrical equipment problems and develop solutions.

Alternate Job Titles

Electrical Engineer; Electrical Design Engineer; Electrical Systems Engineer; Power Distribution Engineer; Illuminating Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Electrical Engineering; Bachelor in Electronics Engineering; Bachelor in Electrical Engineering Technology.

Personal Characteristics

Electrical engineers use analytical and math skills to develop complex electrical systems. They also rely on communication skills to work with other engineers and technicians.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Programs
  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World

Amount: $96,640

Atmospheric and space scientists investigate and interpret atmospheric data. They collect data from meteorological stations, satellites, and radars to create weather forecasts. Atmospheric and space scientists also investigate atmospheric phenomena and conduct investigations after a weather event. These professionals include forecasters and meteorologists who present weather information for public use.

Alternate Job Titles

Meteorologist; Weather Analyst; Atmospheric Scientist; Space Scientist; Climatologist; Oceanographic Meteorologist.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Meteorology; Bachelor in Geoscience; Bachelor in Geology; Bachelor in Chemistry; Bachelor in Physics.

Personal Characteristics

Atmospheric and space scientists rely on critical thinking and analytical skills to interpret data and solve problems. They often need strong public speaking abilities to communicate forecasts to the public.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Life and Agricultural Sciences Programs in the World Today
  • The Best Chemistry Programs in the World Today
  • The Best Physics Programs in the World Today

Amount: $94,110

Construction managers plan and oversee construction projects from the earliest phases to completion. Before beginning construction, they review plans to prepare cost estimates and create budgets. During construction, they oversee workers and report progress to clients. Also known as general contractors, construction managers work with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to build a project. They must comply with building and safety codes and address any work delays or problems.

Alternate Job Titles

Construction Manager; Construction Coordinator; Construction Superintendent; General Contractor.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Construction Science; Bachelor in Construction Management; Bachelor in Architecture; Bachelor in Civil Engineering.

Personal Characteristics

Construction managers need business and construction experience. They draw on analytical skills to plan projects and customer service skills to work with clients.

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  • The Best Online Bachelor/s in Project Management Programs
  • The Best Online Master/s in Civil Engineering Programs

Amount: $93,370

Marine engineers and naval architects design and build ships, including military vessels like aircraft carriers and submarines. They create ship layouts and schematics, conduct performance tests on equipment, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. Marine engineers design a ship's internal systems, including electrical and propulsion systems, while naval architects create stable and safe hulls to design ships.

Alternate Job Titles

Marine Architect; Naval Architect; Marine Equipment Engineer; Naval Engineer; Marine Structural Designer; Ships Equipment Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Marine Engineering; Bachelor in Civil Engineering; Bachelor in Naval Architecture; Bachelor in Architecture.

Personal Characteristics

Marine engineers and naval architects rely on problem-solving skills to design and test systems. They also draw on math abilities and interpersonal skills to complete their work.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs
  • What Can You Do With an Engineering Degree?
  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Civil Engineering Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Civil Engineering Programs

Amount: $92,560

Materials engineers test the materials used in products like computer chips, aircraft, and medical devices. They develop products, create new materials, and plan and oversee projects. During a project, they supervise technologists and technicians while monitoring the production process. If a product fails, materials engineers determine the cause of the failure and identify solutions. They also monitor the performance of materials and evaluate their deterioration.

Alternate Job Titles

Forensic Materials Engineer; Metallurgist; Welding Engineer; Automotive Sheet Metal Engineer; Ceramic Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Materials Science; Bachelor in Material Engineering; Bachelor in Chemical Engineering.

Personal Characteristics

Materials engineers rely on analytical and problem-solving skills to research materials. They also use writing skills to create reports.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Chemistry Programs in the World Today
  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World Today

Amount: $92,390

Mining and geological engineers design mines and ensure mines meet safety standards while efficiently removing manufacturing minerals, like coal and precious metals. Mining and geological engineers also supervise mine construction, devise methods to transport minerals, and prepare technical reports for miners. During mining operations, they monitor production and measure the effectiveness of the operation. Mining and geological engineers also develop solutions to problems like sustainability and pollution.

Alternate Job Titles

Geological Engineer; Geophysical Engineer; Mineral Engineer; Mining Engineer; Mining Safety Engineer; Seismic Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Geological Engineering; Bachelor in Mining Engineering; Bachelor in Civil Engineering; Bachelor in Environmental Engineering.

Personal Characteristics

Mining and geological engineers rely on analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate mining plans and address problems. They also need strong decision-making skills.

Find the Best School For You

  • The five Best Online Bachelor in Geography Programs
  • The Best Life and Agricultural Sciences Programs in the World Today
  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World Today

Amount: $92,250

Computer occupations include web administrators, database architects, business intelligence analysts, and video game designers. In these fields, professionals apply technical training to manage websites, analyze data, and oversee information technology projects. Video game designers, for example, create and test video games, while web administrators perform testing and quality assurance for websites.

Alternate Job Titles

Computer Laboratory Technician.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Computer Science; Bachelor in Computer Engineering; Bachelor in Electrical Engineering; Bachelor in Information Technology; Bachelor in Information Systems.

Personal Characteristics

Computer occupations require troubleshooting skills to identify and fix problems. Computer professionals also need analytical skills and a detail-oriented outlook to perform their duties.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Bachelor in Computer Science Programs
  • The Best Online Bachelor in Computer Information Systems Programs
  • The Best Online Bachelor in Information Assurance & Security Programs
  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Programs
  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering Programs
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Amount: $90,270

Biomedical engineers design and create computer systems and software in healthcare. They also create medical equipment and devices like artificial internal organs and machines that diagnose medical conditions. After designing biomedical equipment, biomedical engineers test, maintain, and repair that equipment. They also train healthcare professionals on the use of biomedical equipment and provide technical support. Many biomedical engineers conduct research and present their findings in research papers and presentations.

Alternate Job Titles

Biomedical Engineer; Biochemical Engineer; Biomechanical Engineer; Biomaterials Engineer; Genetic Engineer.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Biomedical Engineering; Bachelor in Bioengineering; Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering; Bachelor in Electrical Engineering.

Personal Characteristics

Biomedical engineers use analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify patient needs and solve problems in biological systems. Strong communication skills help biomedical engineers work with patients and medical professionals.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Biomedical Engineering Programs
  • The Best Online Master's in Electrical Engineering Programs
  • The Best Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences Programs in the World

Amount: $88,550

Mechanical engineers research and develop mechanical and thermal devices, including engines, machines, and tools. They begin by analyzing a problem that mechanical engineering methods can solve before designing a device or subsystem to improve it. After creating a prototype, mechanical engineers conduct tests and analyze the results to modify the design. When equipment fails, mechanical engineers conduct an investigation and recommend solutions. Mechanical engineers also oversee mechanical and thermal device manufacturing processes.

Alternate Job Titles

Mechanical Engineer; Mechanical Engineering Director.

Recommended Degrees

Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering.

Personal Characteristics

Mechanical engineers rely on math, observational, and problem-solving skills to complete their duties.

Find the Best School For You

  • The Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs
  • What Can You Do With an Engineering Degree?
  • The Best Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering Programs
  • The Best Engineering Technology Programs in the World Today

Amount: $87,370

What is a Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree is a four-year degree that trains undergraduates in a specific area of study. In addition to major coursework, bachelor's degree students complete general education courses that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In some majors, students complete an internship to build professional skills. Most colleges and universities also let students choose electives to customize the degree around their interests and career goals.

Undergraduates typically need 120 credits to earn their bachelor's degree, which takes around four years of full-time study to complete. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in fields like business, arts and sciences, engineering, or education. Majors in business administration, marketing, and accounting rank as some of the highest-paying degrees. Engineering and tech degrees also offer high average salaries.

What's the highest paying job with a bachelor degree?

Highest Paying Jobs With a Bachelor's Degree.

What is the easiest degree with highest pay?

8 Easy Degrees That Pay Well.
Business Administration. Business administration is one major that is usually considered “easy.” Some programs will also only take 3 years to finish! ... .
English. ... .
Human Resources. ... .
Criminal Justice. ... .
Marketing. ... .
Supply Chain Management. ... .
Psychology. ... .
Communication..

What is the easiest job with a bachelor's degree?

Easiest Jobs to Get With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher.
Computer and Information Systems Manager: $90K to $208K+ ... .
Software Developer: $65K to $170K+ ... .
Health Services Manager: $60K to $196K+ ... .
Business or Operations Manager: $46K to $208K+ ... .
Accountant: $45K to $129K+ ... .
Personal Financial Advisor: $44K to $208K+.