Getting a college degree is very rewarding, but some degrees are more monetarily rewarding than others. If you are thinking about college and want to enter an industry that pays well and has ample job openings, here a some majors you should consider.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers design and manage large construction projects. If you have a knack for math and science this can be a very rewarding career. The starting salary averages $53,000 with a median pay of $79,000. If you land a gig with the government the salary can be ever greater. Extensive experience and a master's degree is the best way to line yourself up for success in this field.
Actuarial Mathematics
Actuaries calculate the cost of risks in the finance and insurance industries, so their background must include intensive knowledge of statistics and finance. With a starting salary of $58,000 and a median salary of $90,000, actuaries enjoy the best of both worlds – high pay and manageable hours.
Computer Science
The Computer Science field covers a wide variety of topics, from coding to analytics and even robotics. Graduates will have little trouble finding work after graduation because there were about 2 Million annual job postings in 2014 and the industry is rapidly growing. Long works hours is the price to pay for a hefty median salary of $102,000.
Statistics
If you are interested in business and math, the future is bright. Statistical Analysts are in high demand as the industry is rapidly growing. With a bachelor's degree in statistics expect a starting salary around $52,000. With a master's degree the median salary increases to $98,000.
Physics
If you enjoy math, consider a career with Physics because it is demanded everywhere, from museums to the military. The starting salary for a Physicist with a bachelor's degree average $49,000. But if you can go on to continue your higher education, the mid-career salary jumps to about $100,000.
Economics
Economics is a broad field so the career opportunities are practically endless. There are almost 1 million online job posting a year! The starting salary averages $50,000 and an Economist with a graduate degree averages a mid-career salary of $96,000. If you are interested in economics, jump on the career path early with summer internships that look great on a resume.
Finance
The long days (and sometimes nights) of Financial Analysts are rewarded with big bucks. The starting salary averages around $49,000 and the median salary is about $76,000. Those who are interested in making more aim to become a Financial Advisor. Finance majors are in high demand with over a million annual online job postings.
Nursing
Nursing is a profession that is expanding rapidly. In 2014, there were over 1 Million online job openings. Registered nurses earn an average salary of $65,000 with a starting salary around $55,000. In order to become a registered nurse one must obtain an associate's degree, a nursing program diploma, or a bachelor's degree, which is strongly preferred.
Construction Management
Construction Managers usually work together with Civil Engineers to plan, organize, and supervise a project. The Construction Management field is expected to increase by 17%, creating thousands of new jobs. The average starting salary is $50,000 and the average mid-career salary is $85,000.
Management Information Systems
Information Systems Managers combine technology and business to manage diverse projects. They are basically translators, making sure IT and the business part of a firm are on the same page. There are over 2.5 Million annual job postings for MIS graduates. The starting salary averages $53,000 with a median salary of $92,000.
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Managers plan and oversee the flow of goods and services from raw materials to finished products. Positions usually require a bachelor's or even masters degree in Supply Chain Management, but the hard work does pay off. The starting salary averages $55,000 but Senior Supply Chain Managers can make around $120,000.
Biochemistry
If you love science, but can't decide between Biology and Chemistry, Biochemistry is the way to go! A biochemistry career is both flexible and rewarding. The starting salary is about $41,000 and the median mid-career salary is $84,000. Biochemists can work in hospitals, labs, pharmaceutical companies, and manufacturers.
Software Engineering
Software Engineers mainly plan, create, implement, and test various computer software programs. Trained software engineers are increasingly become more and more coveted. The starting salary is a nice $60,000 and the mid-career salary averages $99,000.
Information Technology
Information Technology, or IT, is a rapidly growing industry because practically everything we do involves computers. A bachelor's degree puts you on the path to becoming a Computer Systems Analyst with a median salary of $79,000. The starting salary isn't far behind, averaging $49,000.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering combines chemistry and biology with physics to transform, create and use chemicals, materials, and energy. New graduates are in high demand and can expect to start around $68,000. The mid career salary averages $115,000.