Some people go to college for the lifestyle, others go for their dreams, but they all have
one thing in common: They hope to leave with a degree that will allow them to make a comfortable living. Beyond that, some jobs just pay more than others. You know the usual ones—doctors, lawyers and engineers—but here are a few more majors that might be worth the effort.
We compiled this list based on starting salary, job growth and accessibility, using data from Best College Reviews and PayScale.com.
This health care field is on the rise as technology is advancing every day. Medical technology is offered as a bachelor’s degree at select universities. Courses may include chemistry, biology and several laboratories. Starting salaries are expected at $50,000, with an expected growth of 13% by 2020.
Registered nurses have had a stabilized employment rate over the past few years. A registered nurse will need a minimum of an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The median salary income tops off at $70,000 annually, with an expected growth of 26% by 2020.
Construction management is another major with increasing demand in employment, especially in the D.C., New York and California areas. With a median salary of $72,803, a career in construction management can be pursued by earning a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree at most universities. Projected employment growth should hit 17% by 2020.
Electrical engineering is a high-paying major with an average annual income of $74,438. This major is very rigorous and time-consuming, but the compensation and job opportunities are everlasting. A bachelor’s degree is required, but you may want to work your way through a master’s and doctorate for the most opportunities. The expected growth for electrical engineers is 6% by 2020.
Physical therapy is a rewarding and beneficial career. The road to becoming a physical therapist is quite challenging as you can obtain a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree. Coursework may include biology, anatomy and other health sciences. The average annual salary tops off at $86,520, with an expected growth of 33% by 2020.
Amongst the highest-paying majors, pharmacology can hold its own. A pharmacist is always in demand at pharmaceutical laboratories, pharmacies and hospitals. With a median salary of $106,000 based on education level and job experience, pharmacology is turning a lot of heads with teenagers starting their college journey. Coursework includes calculus, chemistry, biology and several other sciences. The expected job growth is 25% by 2020.
Aeronautics and aviation technology is a very hard major and not meant for the weak-minded. This major produces a diverse group of professionals as some graduate to become pilots while others focus more on the engineering side or on airport management. The median salary for aeronautics and aviation comes in at $158,686 annually, and you’ll need an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree. The expected growth of this profession is 5% by 2020.
