Most people go to college to get a higher paying job. In the current economic climate, what are the most lucrative jobs for those with a college degree and what do they have in common?
The top 15 highest-earning college degrees all have one thing in common””math skills. That’s according to a recent survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which tracks college graduates’ job offers. Specifically, engineering diplomas account for 12 of the 15 top-paying majors. The three non-engineering majors in the top 15″”computer science, actuarial science, and construction management””all require a high level of math skill.
While engineering graduates are feeling the pinch of fewer job offers, graduates with technology degrees have an advantage in a tough job market. “It’s a tech-driven world, and demand [for engineers] is only going to grow,” said Farnoosh Torabi, employment expert and Quicken blog editor. “You can’t say that about many fields, especially in a recession.”
15 Top-Earning Degrees
1. Petroleum engineering $83,121
2. Chemical engineering $64,902
3. Mining engineering $64,404
4. Computer engineering $61,738
5. Computer science $61,407
6. Electrical engineering $60,125
7. Mechanical engineering $58,766
8. Industrial engineering $58,358
9. Systems engineering $57,438
10. Engineering technology $56,447
11. Actuarial science $56,320
12. Aeronautical engineering $56,311
13. Agricultural engineering $54,352
14. Biomedical engineering $54,158
15. Construction management $53,199
Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers