College is often considered the best path to a successful career. But not all college degrees can get you a high-paying job. These 20 college majors present will guarantee you generous incomes and a plenty of job opportunities for sure.
1. Biomedical Engineering
Thanks to the increasing overlap between biology and technology, biomedical engineers is projected to grow 23 percent by 2024. They are on the forefront of developing cutting-edge prosthetics and 3D printed organs. Their average salary is $86,220.
2. Architectural Engineering
Architectural engineers combine building systems - structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, acoustics and fire protection - into an integrated whole. Their average annual salary is $88,000.
3. Information Security
Information security analysts are in rising demand to combat the hacker attacks and other types of data breaches. These classes include computer programming as well as legal and business courses. The median salary for this career is $90,120.
4. Actuarial Mathematics
Actuaries analyze the financial consequences of risk and uncertain future events, especially those concerned in pension programs and insurance. This career path expects to make a median salary of $99,507.
5. Computer Science/Software Engineering
Computer science focusing on the fundamentals of technology demands equal amounts of imagination and mathematical logic. Developers of systems software and applications earn respectively about $103,083 and $96,461.
6. Information Systems
This degree program includes classes like computer programming, sociology, project management, etc. It focuses on implementing technology within a company or organization. An information systems manager can earn a median $127,528 a year.
7. Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeon specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders, including congenital anomalies, tumors, vascular disorders, infections of the brain or spine, etc. Their average salary is $380,378 per year.
8. Law
A Lawyer is an advocate, adviser and counselor to the clients they represent. They counsel their clients about legal options and represent them in criminal or civil court proceedings. Lawyers earned an average annual salary of $136,260.
9. Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineers research and develop the instruments and systems to take advantages of nuclear energy and radiation, and many of them find medical uses for radioactive materials. Their average annual salary is $121,000.
10. Astronomy
Astronauts are trained to pilot or travel in a spacecraft, work in space and do activities related to human space exploration. They can earn up to $144,566 per year.
11. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers study the principles of chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics, and develop chemical manufacturing processes to solve problems involving the use or production of chemicals. This job has an average annual salary of $118,000.
12. Pharmacy
This health profession aims to ensure the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs. Pharmacist earned $114,040 per year. In the United States, you have to complete a doctor degree of pharmacy to become a licensed pharmacist.
13. Physician Assistant
Physician assistants provide health care services such as counseling patients, conducting complete physicals, and providing treatment. Their average salary is $112,050.
14. Research & Development
Research and development managers direct all research and development programs including introducing new products into the business framework, and providing advice to update existing infrastructure and products. Their median salary is $111,905.
15. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineers design all types of aircraft, including spacecraft, satellites and missiles. They expect to make a median annual salary of $107,260.
16. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers develop and supervise the manufacturing of equipment like electric motors, communication systems, radar and navigation systems, and power generation equipment. Their average annual salary is $95,230.
17. Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists clean teeth, and examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis. They also provide patients ways to improve and maintain good oral health. The median salary for this position is $72,800.
18. Nursing
Due to an aging population, nurses are in a consistently high demand. Registered nurses can earn a wage ($67,490) well above average, and enjoy plenty of job opportunities. They also feel a high sense of meaning in their careers.
19. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineers find oil and gas deposits below the Earth's surface, and develop methods to extract those oil and gas. They also dig new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells. This career brings an average salary of $168,000 per year.
20. Mining Engineering
Mining engineers design open-pit and underground mines, supervise the construction of mine shafts and tunnels, and develop methods for transporting minerals to processing plants. They can pull down a comfortable $109,000 per year.
