Top 10 Highest- and Lowest-Paying Majors
It can't be said often enough: the most important reason for choosing a major should be your student's level of interest. He or she should not pick a major solely based on money. On the other hand, some majors do lead to higher-paying jobs than others. Knowing the facts will help your student make the most informed decision.
The chart below shows median salaries for the 10 highest-paying and 10 lowest-paying undergraduate majors. (For the full list, check out PayScale.)
| Lowest-Paying Majors |
Starting Median Salary |
| Elementary education |
$33,000 |
| Social work |
33,400 |
| Music |
34,000 |
| Radio & TV |
34,000 |
| Theology |
34,800 |
| Religious Studies |
35,300 |
| Drama |
35,600 |
| Spanish |
35,600 |
| Interior Design |
35,700 |
| Fine Arts |
35,800 |
| Highest-Paying Majors |
Starting Median Salary |
| Chemical engineering |
$65,700 |
| Computer engineering |
61,700 |
| Occupational therapy |
61,300 |
| Electrical engineering |
60,200 |
| Aerospace engineering |
59,600 |
| Mechanical engineering |
58,900 |
| Industrial engineering |
57,100 |
| Computer Science |
56,400 |
| Civil engineering |
55,100 |
| Nursing |
54,900 |
As you can see, eight out of the top 10 are engineering majors. Does that mean your student is doomed to a low-paid life if he or she is more English lit than engineer? Not at all. Even a major listed as low-paying, such as interior design, can lead to a comfortable income. Here's why and how:
- These figures are medians—midpoints of what could be a wide range of pay. With commitment, passion and hard work, your student can be a top-tier earner and make much more than the median.
- These salaries are based on one undergraduate major. Picking a minor or second major will enrich your student's resume and increase marketability. For instance, a major in drama could be combined with a minor in business management for a truly special skill set and greatly increased job options. Some colleges let students mix-and-match programs to create a customized, unique credential.
- Again, these salaries are based on an undergraduate degree. To earn more, your student should consider graduate school. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a master's degree adds almost half a million dollars to lifetime earnings. And as long as your student can pass law boards or other entrance exams and has the required undergraduate courses, his or her major won't matter at all.