Choosing the right bachelor’s degree is a big decision. It affects not just career opportunities but also earning potential. Many students wonder if their degree will lead to a good salary.
The earning potential of a bachelor’s degree varies widely by field. Graduates in engineering and finance often start with high salaries, while those in arts and humanities may take longer to reach financial stability.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM-related degrees tend to yield higher wages compared to social sciences or education fields.
Understanding the bachelor degree average salary can help with career planning. Knowing which industries pay well allows students to make smarter choices.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary in the United States for bachelor’s degree holders is significantly higher than for those without a degree. But, salaries vary by field, industry, and location.
So, which degrees offer the best salaries? Let’s explore the key factors that impact earnings and the highest-paying degrees in the U.S.
Key Factors That Determine a Bachelor's Degree Salary
A bachelor’s degree is a valuable investment in one’s future, but salaries differ greatly depending on various factors.
Field of study, industry, location, and experience all play a role in determining earning potential.
Understanding these factors can help graduates make informed career choices.
1. Field of Study Matters
Not all degrees pay the same. STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) typically offer higher starting salaries than humanities or arts degrees.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers in 2024 , a computer science graduate can earn around $74,778 per year, while a fine arts graduate may start at $40,000.
A salary for a business administration degree falls in the middle, averaging $63,907 annually. Meanwhile, engineering degrees continue to lead, with $76,736 as the projected starting salary for 2024.
Some degrees, like healthcare and finance, provide stable career paths with high earnings. Others, like education or journalism, may require further specialization for salary growth.
2. Industry and Job Market Impact Salary
Your industry matters as much as your degree. Tech, finance, and healthcare tend to offer higher salaries than education or retail.
According to ZipRecruiter (2025), the average fresh graduate salary in the U.S. is $56,340 per year. However, in high-paying industries like finance or tech, entry-level employees can make $70,000+ annually.
A bachelor’s degree average salary in the engineering sector is higher than one in social sciences. This is because high-demand industries pay more to attract talent.
A marketing degree in a corporate setting can provide a higher salary than a marketing role in a nonprofit. Picking the right industry can maximize your earnings and career growth opportunities.
3. Location Affects Earning Potential
Where you work matters. In high-cost cities, salaries tend to be higher to match living expenses.
According to ZipRecruiter, Cupertino, CA offers the highest salaries for fresh graduates, averaging $69,509 annually. Other high-paying cities include Berkeley, CA ($68,984) and Redwood City, CA ($68,980).
By comparison, graduates in smaller towns may earn less, but lower living costs can balance the difference. Some professionals move to tech hubs like San Francisco for higher pay, while others choose remote work for a better work-life balance.
4. Experience and Specialization Increase Salary
A degree alone doesn’t guarantee a high salary. Internships, certifications, and additional skills boost earning potential.
New graduates earn entry-level salaries, but with experience, wages grow. According to Bankrate, the median salary for those aged 25-34 is $54,912 but jumps to $67,756 for professionals aged 45-54.
Specialized roles pay more. A finance graduate with a CPA certification earns significantly more than one without. Similarly, IT graduates with coding skills can command higher salaries.
Networking also matters. Building industry connections can lead to higher-paying job opportunities and faster career growth.
5. The Impact of Gender and Racial Wage Gaps
Unfortunately, gender and racial pay gaps still exist in the U.S. job market.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, male graduates earn $75,080 per year, while female graduates earn $60,850—a 20.9% difference.
Race also impacts earnings. Asian graduates earn $81,420, while Black graduates make $56,030, despite having the same education level.
Legislation like the Equal Pay Act aims to address these gaps, but inequalities persist. Salary negotiation and choosing high-demand careers can help close the gap.
6. Fresh Graduate Salary Trends in 2025
The job market is changing. According to Bankrate, the average projected salary for the class of 2024 is $68,516, up from 2023.
Engineering graduates lead with a projected $76,736 salary, followed by computer science majors at $74,778. Meanwhile, humanities majors saw the biggest increase—28.9% more than last year, reaching $68,227.
Despite rising salaries, hiring projections are down 5.8%. This means fewer jobs, making internships and networking even more important.
Bachelor’s Degrees with the Highest Starting Salaries
Not all college degrees lead to the same paycheck. Some fields offer significantly higher starting salaries than others. If maximizing earnings is a priority, choosing the right major matters.
Top Paying College Degree Study, engineering, finance, and healthcare-related fields consistently rank at the top.
Let’s look at five of the highest-paying degrees for fresh graduates.
1. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineering offers some of the highest salaries among all bachelor’s degrees. With an average salary of $110,000 per year, it’s a lucrative field.
These engineers work with oil and gas extraction, ensuring efficient drilling and production. The demand for energy keeps salaries high, making it a competitive career choice.
Petroleum engineers continue to earn well above other fields, even at the entry level. However, job availability depends on global energy trends.
2. Computer Science
A computer science degree opens doors to high-paying tech careers. Graduates earn an average of $100,000 per year in roles like software development, cybersecurity, and AI engineering.
Tech companies are always hiring, making job security and salary growth strong in this industry. Remote work opportunities also add to the appeal.
Figures from NACE indicate that computer science grads have one of the fastest-growing salaries, with a projected increase of 2.7% from last year.
3. Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pharmacy majors enter a field with consistent demand. The average salary for new graduates is around $100,000 per year, making it one of the best-paying degrees in healthcare.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in patient care, ensuring medications are used safely. With an aging population, the need for qualified professionals continues to grow.
Pharmacy degrees require additional licensing but lead to stable, well-paying careers in hospitals, research labs, and retail pharmacies.
4. Finance and Economics
For those interested in numbers, finance and economics degrees offer strong earning potential. New graduates in this field earn around $75,000 per year, depending on their specialization.
Jobs in investment banking, financial analysis, and consulting are highly competitive. Those with certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) can see even higher salaries.
Finance professionals in major cities like New York and San Francisco often earn 20-30% above the national average.
5. Business Administration and Management
A business administration degree is one of the most versatile options. Graduates start with an average salary of $63,907 per year, but earnings vary based on industry and role.
Those who specialize in marketing, operations, or entrepreneurship can see higher salary growth over time. Some pursue MBAs to boost their earning potential.
Business administration salaries have grown 3% compared to last year, with tech and finance sectors offering the highest wages.
Picking the right major can make a huge financial difference. Engineering, tech, and finance degrees consistently offer high starting salaries and strong job security.
Before choosing a major, compare average bachelor’s degree salary trends. Use Paysight’s Salary Tool to explore different industries and plan for a successful career!
Tips for Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree for Optimal Salary
Choosing the right degree is a big decision. It affects both career satisfaction and financial stability. To maximize earning potential, consider these three key strategies:
- Balance Passion with Earning Potential
Following your passion is great, but it’s also important to think about salary prospects.
STEM majors, such as engineering and computer science often lead to the highest-paying jobs. Meanwhile, fields like humanities and arts may have lower salaries.
If your passion lies in a lower-paying field, consider pairing it with a minor or certification in a high-demand skill.
- Research Industry Trends Before Committing
Not all degrees offer the same job stability. Based on Bankrate’s findings, industries like tech and healthcare are growing, making them strong choices for future job security.
Before choosing a major, check employment trends and salary projections. Websites like Paysight and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can help you compare earning potential across different fields.
- Gain Experience Early Through Internships and Networking
A degree alone isn’t always enough to secure a high salary. According to LinkedIn’s career experts, graduates with internships and industry connections often land better-paying jobs.
Internships provide real-world experience, making your resume more attractive to employers.
Networking, whether through professors, alumni, or professional events can open doors to high-paying opportunities.
Making an informed decision about your bachelor degree average salary means looking beyond personal interests.
By choosing a degree with strong earning potential, staying updated on job market trends, and gaining hands-on experience, you can set yourself up for financial success after graduation.
Finding the Right Bachelor’s Degree for Financial Success
Choosing a bachelor’s degree isn’t just about passion. It’s also about understanding job market trends and earning potential. A well-informed decision can lead to better financial stability and career satisfaction.
Some degrees offer higher starting salaries, but long-term career growth is just as important.
Fields like engineering and business administration have strong earning potential. However, continuous skill development and industry demand also impact future income.
The key to maximizing your average bachelor’s degree salary is research and strategic planning. Understanding salary expectations, industry growth, and job opportunities can help you make the best choice for your future.
Not sure which degree offers the best financial return? Use Paysight’s Salary Tool to compare salaries, job prospects, and industry trends in the United States. Get real-time insights and plan your career with confidence!
