Before you spend the time and money to acquire a bachelor’s degree, it’s best to take a look at salaries. Students who strategically choose their major have a good chance of landing a good-paying job and avoiding a retail job.
This list shows high-paying jobs which only require a bachelor’s degree; however, some of the jobs are management positions which also require some experience.
The salaries are provided by PayScale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Jobs are listed based on their median mid-career salary.
1. Petroleum Engineer
$93,000 (median starting salary)
$157,000 (median mid-career salary)
Petroleum engineers design and develop procedures for extracting oil and gas from deposits located below the earth’s surface and from old wells.
Personal characteristics: An aptitude for math and science and strong analytical skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering!
2. Aerospace Engineer
$59,400 (median starting salary)
$108,000 (median mid-career salary)
Aerospace engineers design new technologies for defense systems, aviation, and space exploration, as well as missiles.
Personal characteristics: Strong analytical skills, creativity, and an aptitude for math and science.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation!
3. Chemical Engineer
$64,800 (median starting salary)
$108,000 (median mid-career salary)
Chemical engineers design and develop processes for converting chemicals and raw materials into useful and valuable substances. They also pioneer new materials and related processes essential to fields such as fuel cells, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering.
Personal characteristics: An aptitude for chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as strong analytical skills.
4. Electrical Engineer
$60,800 (median starting salary)
$104,000 (median mid-career salary)
Electrical engineers are involved with the generation and supply of power, as well as designing, developing, testing, and supervising the manufacturing of electrical equipment, systems, or components for industrial, commercial, scientific, and military use.
Personal characteristics: Accurate, creative, and strong analytical skills.
5. Nuclear Engineer
$63,900 (median starting salary)
$104,000 (median mid-career salary)
Nuclear engineers are involved in finding medical and industrial uses for nuclear energy and radiation. They also design nuclear power plants.
Personal characteristics: Creative, logical, precise, and good math skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Management!
6. Sales Manager
$51,760 (median starting salary)
$101,640 (median mid-career salary)
Sales managers oversee salespersons who sell products and services to customers. They also establish sales territories and policies for quotas and goals.
Personal characteristics: Creative, good communications and interpersonal skills, and good at motivating people. They should also enjoy directing the work of others.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration!
7. Applied Mathematician
$56,400 (median starting salary)
$101,000 (median mid-career salary)
Applied mathematicians work throughout the business, industry, and technological sectors, providing numerical solutions to practical problems.
Personal characteristics: Very good with numbers and computer programming, since the calculations are performed by a computer.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics!
8. Biomedical Engineer
$54,800 (median starting salary)
$101,000 (median mid-career salary)
Biomedical engineers utilize engineering, biology, medical knowledge, physics, mathematics, and chemistry to develop devices and procedures to solve health- and medical-related problems.
Personal characteristics: A strong interest in medicine and engineering, an aptitude for science and math, and strong analytical skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science!
9. Purchasing Manager
$58,000 (median starting salary)
$97,000 (median mid-career salary)
Purchasing managers oversee the buyers and purchasing personnel involved with purchasing products and/or services for a business.
Personal characteristics: Good communications and interpersonal skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Small Business Management!
10. Computer Hardware Engineer
$58,000 (median starting salary)
$93,000 (median mid-career salary)
Computer hardware engineers modify computer components to increase the speed and function of computers.
Personal characteristics: Inductive and deductive reasoning skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering!
11. Robotics Engineer
$56,000 (median starting salary)
$91,000 (median mid-career salary)
Robotics engineers design and maintain robots, develop new applications for robots, and perform research to expand the potential of robots.
Personal characteristics: Creativity and good analytical skills.
12. Software Engineer
$56,700 (median starting salary)
$91,300 (median mid-career salary)
Software engineers create and maintain software applications to meet the needs of companies, government agencies, and consumers.
Personal characteristics: Ability to pay close attention to details, good decision making skills, and an aptitude for math and science.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering!
13. Industrial Engineer
$58,200 (median starting salary)
$97,600 (median mid-career salary)
Industrial engineers determine the best ways for an organization to use its resources, including employees, equipment, material, energy, and information, whether in factories, stores, offices, or other settings.
Personal characteristics: Good communications and analytical skills, creativity, and an interest in people and systems.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Technology Management!
14. Mechanical Engineer
$58,300 (median starting salary)
$97,400 (median mid-career salary)
Mechanical engineers research, design, and develop machines, equipment, and tools, as well as a wide array of mechanical components and devices.
Personal characteristics: They should have a practical, mechanical inclination and an interest in technical processes.
15. Civil Engineer
$53,500 (median starting salary)
$93,400 (median mid-career salary)
Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee the construction of a wide variety of public and private structures and facilities, as well as participate in community planning and urban renewal.
Personal characteristics: Good communication skills and the ability to analyze data.
16. Statistician
$50,000 (median starting salary)
$92,900 (median mid-career salary)
Statisticians utilize mathematical techniques to evaluate and interpret data and make conclusions. They typically apply their skills to specific industry issues.
Personal characteristics: Mathematical and practical skills, the ability to think logically, and detail oriented.
17. Financial Analysts
$47,500 (median starting salary)
$91,500 (median mid-career salary)
Financial analysts gather, evaluate, and apply economic, financial, and statistical data to analyze investment opportunities and industries.
Personal characteristics: Good analytical and communication skills. They should also enjoy a methodical approach to collecting information.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance!
18. Training and Development Manager
$53,000 (median starting salary)
$91,000 (median mid-career salary)
Training and development managers plan and oversee programs which enhance the skills and knowledge of employees. They also oversee a staff of training and development specialists.
Personal characteristics: Good communication skills, effective public speaking skills, flexible, and enjoy variety in their work, helping others, and being innovative.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Leadership!
19. Information Systems Managers
$50,900 (median starting salary)
$90,300 (median mid-career salary)
Information systems managers plan and oversee activities in fields such as information systems, electronic data processing, computer programming, and systems analysis to help people and organizations function more efficiently.
Personal characteristics: Good communication skills and the ability to think analytically.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems!
20. Telecommunications Engineer
$56,000 (median starting salary)
$90,000 (median mid-career salary)
Telecommunications engineers design and install equipment used for transmitting telephone, cellular, cable, and broadband data. They usually specialize in a specific type of technology.
Personal characteristics: Analytical and methodical, as well as the ability to work with teams of people to complete projects.
21. Environmental Engineer
$51,000 (median starting salary)
$85,000 (median mid-career salary)
Environmental engineers design and evaluate processes and equipment for soil, air, and water pollution assessment, hazardous and solid waste management, and remediation of contaminated sites.
Personal characteristics: The ability to think logically and perform detailed work, as well as good organizational skills and a desire to promote public health and a clean, safe environment.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences!
22. Supply Chain Manager
$49,400 (median starting salary)
$84,500 (median mid-career salary)
Supply chain managers oversee the process of bringing a product from a raw material to being available for sale, which includes planning, developing, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution.
Personal characteristics: Flexibility, good time management abilities, and good organizational and oral and written communication skills. They should also enjoy the managing process and people.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management!
23. Materials Engineer
$53,000 (median starting salary)
$84,000 (median mid-career salary)
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials utilized to make a variety of products and they also help choose and develop new ways to use materials.
Personal characteristics: Enjoy being innovative and doing work which requires precision. Also have good analytical and communication skills.
24. Computer Forensic Analyst
$42,000 (median starting salary)
$83,000 (median mid-career salary)
Computer forensic analysts find and recover information from computers and storage devices for legal purposes. Many computer forensic analysts work for law enforcement agencies.
Personal characteristics: Detail oriented and good analytical skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Security!
25. Industrial Designer
$42,100 (median starting salary)
$82,300 (median mid-career salary)
Industrial designers are involved in developing brand-new products and redesigning old products.
Personal characteristics: Creative, good communications skills, and good project management skills.
26. Geoscientist
$44,600 (median starting salary)
$82,200 (median mid-career salary)
Geoscientists perform prospective development for the potential value of land for the oil and gas industry or consult on environmental issues.
Personal characteristics: Good communication skills, and they should enjoy working outdoors and in a laboratory, as well an intellectual challenge.
27. Biochemistry
$39,800 (median starting salary)
$82,000 (median mid-career salary)
Those in biochemistry have an understanding of the chemical components and processes of living systems, including insects, plants, mammals, viruses, and other microorganisms. They work in fields such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, food science, agriculture, pharmacology, and more.
Personal characteristics: Creativity, good oral and written communication skills, and enjoy working with others to discover applications for their work.
28. Production Manager
$50,000 (median starting salary)
$81,000 (median mid-career salary)
Production managers determine the allocation of resources, make adjustments to the process, track production schedules and costs, and coordinate the receiving of raw materials and the shipping of final goods.
Personal characteristics: Organizational abilities, flexibility, and good oral and written communications and analytical skills, as well as the ability to motivate and manage employees.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management!
29. Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst
$44,000 (median starting salary)
$79,000 (median mid-career salary)
Network systems and data communications analysts help companies store and share information through computer systems and networks including the Internet and databases.
Personal characteristics: Good communication skills and the ability to think analytically.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Networks!
30. Enterprise Resource Planning Analyst
$48,000 (median starting salary)
$78,000 (median mid-career salary)
Enterprise resource planning analysts extract and use data from a company’s systems to do forward planning, find cost savings, and make decisions to positively influence the bottom line.
Personal characteristics: Good analytical and communications skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting!
31. Network Security Specialist
$40,000 (median starting salary)
$78,000 (median mid-career salary)
Network security specialists prevent, detect, and resolve security threats to computer networks, and play a vital role in maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of an organization’s data and information systems.
Personal characteristics: Creativity, flexibility, honesty, integrity, good analytical and communications skills, and a desire to stay current with new developments and technology. They should also enjoy analyzing information.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Security!
32. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
$52,300 (median starting salary)
$77,000 (median mid-career salary)
Occupational health and safety specialists prevent harm to the general public, workers, the environment, and property.
Personal characteristics: Good communications and interpersonal skills. They should also enjoy analyzing information.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services!
33. Agricultural Engineer
$46,000 (median starting salary)
$74,000 (median mid-career salary)
Agricultural engineers design solutions to engineering problems in agricultural production.
Personal characteristics: An interest in scientific development and good oral and written communication skills.
34. Advertising Executive
$37,800 (median starting salary)
$73,200 (median mid-career salary)
Advertising executives combine creativity with business sense to market products based on financial, psychological, and sociological research.
Personal characteristics: Flexibility, initiative, creativity, excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to learn quickly, great organizational skills, and the ability to pay close attention to details and see the big picture.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Communications!
35. Financial Services Sales Agent
$34,000 (median starting salary)
$72,000 (median mid-career salary)
Financial services sales agents offer banking, insurance, securities, and other related services.
Personal characteristics: Good analytical and communications skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Planning!
36. Logisticians
$46,000 (median starting salary)
$71,910 (median mid-career salary)
Logisticians are responsible for the complete life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery of the product, and the final disposal of resources.
Personal characteristics: Ability to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks, work well with others, be an effective communicator, good analytical skills, and good at paying attention to details.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management!
37. Computer Programmer
$46,000 (median starting salary)
$71,380 (median mid-career salary)
Working from specifications provided by software developers or other individuals, they write the instructions which direct computers to process information.
Personal characteristics: Analytical skills and the ability to pay close attention to details and to concentrate for long periods of time.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Programming!
38. Nurse
$52,700 (median starting salary)
$68,200 (median mid-career salary)
Nurses help prevent disease, evaluate patient health problems, and provide nursing care to injured, ill, convalescent, and disabled patients.
Personal characteristics: Good communication and organizational skills, the ability to make quick decisions, a caring attitude, and flexibility.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing!
39. Human Resources Specialist
$38,100 (median starting salary)
$61,900 (median mid-career salary)
Human resources specialists are involved in personnel management, assisting in the selection of job candidates, developing employee recruitment and retention programs, facilitating employee professional development, and providing information to employees.
Personal characteristics: Good analytical, interpersonal and communications skills, good organization and time management skills, leadership ability, integrity, and the ability to keep employee information confidential. They should also enjoy coaching and counseling employees and managers.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources!
40. Multimedia Artists
$40,100 (median starting salary)
$61,200 (median mid-career salary)
Multimedia artists create special effects, animation, and other types of visual images for movies, computer games, commercials, and music videos.
Personal characteristics: Creativity, artistic ability, detail-oriented, work well as a team member, and enjoy finding innovative approaches.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Graphics and Multimedia!
41. Web Designer
$40,100 (median starting salary)
$61,200 (median mid-career salary)
Web designers create web pages and web applications and design websites which are aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Personal characteristics: Effectively organize information, detail oriented, good communication skills, and they should enjoy analyzing and developing information.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Web Development!
42. Market Research Analyst
$34,000 (median starting salary)
$61,000 (median mid-career salary)
Market research analysts perform research to determine what types of products consumers want, what types of people will buy them, and at what price.
Personal characteristics: An interest in evaluating and interpreting statistical data, good communication and presentation skills, and they should enjoy planning and administering projects.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing!
43. Healthcare Administrator
$37,700 (median starting salary)
$60,800 (median mid-career salary)
Healthcare administrators coordinate and organize the delivery and financing of healthcare, as well as assist in managing healthcare facilities.
Personal characteristics: Good organizational and communications skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration!
44. Compliance Officer
$37,000 (median starting salary)
$60,000 (median mid-career salary)
Compliance officers ensure companies follow business and environmental regulations.
Personal characteristics: Detail oriented and good communications skills.
45. Fashion Merchandise Buyer
$35,000 (median starting salary)
$59,300 (median mid-career salary)
Fashion merchandise buyers visit clothing, accessory, and shoe manufacturers, as well as attend trade shows, to determine which fashions items their store will carry every season.
Personal characteristics: Creative, good communications and negotiating skills.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion!
46. Medical Technologist
$43,800 (median starting salary)
$59,300 (median mid-career salary)
Medical technologists perform laboratory analysis with sophisticated laboratory instruments and computers to help doctors detect, diagnose, and treat diseases.
Personal characteristics: An aptitude for math and science, able to perform detailed work and maintain a high level of accuracy, and good communication and interpersonal skills. They should also enjoy taking a methodical approach to their work and analyzing results.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Radiology!
47. Nutritionist
$42,200 (median starting salary)
$56,700 (median mid-career salary)
Nutritionists are involved with the prevention and treatment of illnesses through proper dietary care and via education and research. They also promote good eating habits in schools, prisons, nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics.
Personal characteristics: Good communication skills, flexible, diplomatic, and results-oriented. They should also enjoy developing materials and programs and analyzing information.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Science!
48. Interior Designer
$34,000 (median starting salary)
$56,000 (median mid-career salary)
Interior designers create and improve interior spaces to improve quality of life and increase productivity at workplaces.
Personal characteristics: Good communication and budgeting skills, creativity, good at paying attention to details, and the ability to work well with people from a variety of backgrounds.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Arts!
49. Public School Teacher
$35,100 (median starting salary)
$54,900 (median mid-career salary)
Teachers provide education to students in kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, or high school.
Personal characteristics: Good interpersonal and communications skills, organized, a genuine interest in helping students, strong leadership skills, and good at presenting information.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education!
50. Health Data Analyst
$38,000 (median starting salary)
$54,000 (median mid-career salary)
Health data analysts help design, produce, and evaluate health data reports, as well as computer applications and procedures.
Personal characteristics: Good analytical skills and detail-oriented.
Apply Now for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Informatics!
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