Many students are surprised to learn that some of the highest-paying careers in the U.S. require only a bachelor’s degree, not an MBA or PhD. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dozens of in-demand fields offer six-figure salaries with just a four-year degree.
This guide breaks down the 25 best-paying bachelor’s degree careers, their average salaries, and the top universities to launch each path.
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Top 10 Highest Salary Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree
| Rank | Career | Average Salary | Typical Bachelor’s Degree | Job Outlook (2026) | Top Schools / Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airline Pilot | $226,600 | Aviation, Aeronautical Science, Aviation Management | High demand due to retirements + pilot shortages | Embry-Riddle, Purdue, Western Michigan, Arizona State, Lewis University |
| 2 | Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | $180,000–$260,000+ | Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, Info Systems | Very strong—growing tech leadership roles | MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech |
| 3 | Natural Sciences Manager | $161,180 | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science | Strong—STEM research expansion continues | Princeton, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Georgia Tech |
| 4 | Architectural & Engineering Manager | $160,000 | Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Engineering | Growing—steady construction & design demand | Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Rice, UNC Charlotte, Tulane |
| 5 | Petroleum Engineer | $154,780 | Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering | Cyclical but high salary; strong in energy states | Texas Tech, Penn State, University of Tulsa, Missouri S&T, LSU |
| 6 | Information Systems Manager | $143,000–$170,000 | Information Systems, IT, Computer Science | Very strong—cybersecurity & cloud growth | NYU, Florida Atlantic, Maryville, Colorado State, University of Toledo |
| 7 | Financial Manager | $143,530 | Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Economics | High—finance roles remain in top growth tier | UC Berkeley, Boston College, Ohio State, UVA, MIT |
| 8 | Sales Manager | $138,060 | Business, Marketing, Communications | Moderate–high; strong in tech, pharma, medical devices | University of Houston, Oregon State, Liberty, Saint Joseph’s, Lamar |
| 9 | Computer Hardware Engineer | $138,000–$155,000 | Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science | Strong—AI hardware, chips, robotics | UT Austin, Duke, Rensselaer, Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland |
| 10 | Public Relations Manager | $138,520 | Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing | Moderate–high—digital media & brand strategy growing | Florida State, USC, St. John’s, Auburn, University of South Carolina |
Industries With the Highest Bachelor-Level Salaries in 2026
- Tech (AI, cybersecurity, cloud)
- Aviation & aerospace
- Wall Street finance
- Engineering
- Energy & petroleum
- Healthcare management
1. Airline Pilot
Airline pilots are cloud captains who safely navigate the skies to transport people or cargo many miles. They’re FAA licensed to create flight plans, manage cockpit controls, check for mechanical errors, and conduct smooth landings.
Average Salary: $226,600
Top Schools: Embry-Riddle, Purdue, Western Michigan, Arizona State
2. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
A Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a senior executive who oversees a company’s technology strategy, innovation, and digital infrastructure. They lead technical teams, evaluate emerging technologies, and ensure the organization stays competitive in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
Average Salary:$180,000–$260,000+ per year
Top Bachelor’s Degrees: Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or Data Science.
Top Schools: University of California, Berkeley , MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, Georgia Tech
3. Natural Sciences Manager
Natural sciences managers are STEM lab chiefs who coordinate empirical research to test hypotheses about the physical world. They hire PhD-level scientists, allocate project funds, purchase equipment, and review progress.
Average Salary: $161,180
Top Schools: Princeton, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Vanderbilt
4. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers are gas extractors who design drilling methods to reach oil reserves deep below Earth’s crust. Their duties include innovating rig equipment, surveying wells, recording production data, and leading oilfields.
Average Salary: $154,780
Top Schools: Texas Tech, Penn State, Tulsa, Missouri S&T, and Louisiana State
5. Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers are tech gurus who oversee corporate IT departments to ensure smooth digital sailing. They install apt hardware, take security precautions, fix computer glitches, and administer network upgrades.
Average Salary: $143,000-$170,000
Top Schools: Florida Atlantic, Maryville, Colorado State, NYU, and Toledo
6. Architectural Manager
Architectural managers are building foremen who supervise the planning of edifices for new construction. Their NAAB training helps analyze blueprints, dissect project proposals, hire talented architects, and check technical soundness.
Average Salary: $160,000
Top Schools: Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Rice, UNC-Charlotte, and Tulane
7. Director of Manufacturing
A Director of Manufacturing oversees all production operations within a facility, ensuring products are made efficiently, safely, and at high quality. They manage teams, optimize processes, analyze performance data, and implement strategies to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Average Salary: $144,000
Top Bachelor’s Degrees: Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management.
Top Schools: Virginia Tech, Purdue University, Georgia Tech, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Penn State University
8. Financial Manager
Financial managers are money watchers who control organizational cash flow for profitable returns on investment. They’re often CFA certified to forecast revenues, make budget decisions, minimize asset risks, and abide tax laws.
Average Salary: $143,530
Top Schools: Berkeley, Boston College, Ohio State, Virginia, and MIT
9. Sales Manager
Sales managers are retail savants who create the corporate strategies for customer reps to persuade purchases. Their tasks include setting prices, training salespeople, assessing buyer demand, and resolving service complaints.
Average Salary: $138,060
Top Schools: Houston, Oregon State, Liberty, Saint Joseph’s Maine, and Lamar
10. Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers are IT builders who plan schematics for wiring electronics devices that access the internet. They modify circuit boards, test processors, manufacture routers, design keyboards, and update RAM.
Average Salary: $138,000–$155,000
Top Schools: UT-Austin, Duke, Rensselaer, Johns Hopkins, and Maryland
11. Benefits Manager
Benefits managers are HR professionals who devise rewarding pay structures that keep employees satisfied and productive. They set wages, acquire insurance contracts, coordinate retirement plans, and distribute vacation time.
Average Salary: $140,360
Top Schools: Baylor, Gonzaga, Loyola Chicago, UW-Madison, and Marist
12. Public Relations Manager
Public relations managers are media masterminds who nurture a positive corporate identity for product promotion. They’re PRSA certified to draft press releases, create online buzz, handle journalist inquiries, and write speeches.
Average Salary: $138,520
Top Schools: Florida State, St. John’s, USC, Auburn, and South Carolina
13. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking leader in an organization, responsible for setting the company’s vision, making major strategic decisions, and ensuring overall performance and growth. CEOs work closely with executive teams to guide operations, manage resources, and drive long-term success.
Average Salary: $200,000–$350,000
Top Bachelor’s Degrees: Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Management, Engineering
Top Schools for Future CEOs (Bachelor’s Level): University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT
14. Software Architect
A Software Architect designs the high-level structure of complex software systems, ensuring that applications are scalable, secure, and efficient. They make critical technical decisions, guide development teams, and select the tools, frameworks, and design patterns used throughout the software lifecycle.
Average Salary: $135,600
Top Bachelor’s Degrees: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Engineering
Top Schools: Georgia Tech, Carnegie Mellon, MIT, University of California, Berkeley
15. Avionics Systems Manager
An Avionics Systems Manager oversees the design, testing, integration, and maintenance of electronic systems used in aircraft, including navigation, communication, and flight-control technologies. They lead engineering teams, ensure compliance with FAA and industry safety standards, and coordinate system upgrades throughout an aircraft’s lifecycle.
Average Salary: $134,830
Top Bachelor’s Degrees: Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Avionics Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Electronics Engineering Technology
Top Schools: Arizona State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Purdue University
16. Astronautical Engineer
Astronautical engineers are spacecraft creators who prepare prototypes for travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Their obligations include building satellites, testing rockets, manufacturing missiles, and monitoring galaxy exploration.
Average Salary: $134,840
Top Schools: Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Dayton, and UC-Boulder
17. Vice President of Communications
A Vice President of Communications oversees an organization’s internal and external communication strategy, shaping brand messaging, public relations, media engagement, and crisis communication. They lead teams across PR, digital communications, content, and stakeholder outreach to ensure consistent, strategic storytelling that strengthens the organization’s reputation.
Average Salary: $131,000
Top Bachelor’s Degrees: Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Strategic Communications
Top Schools: Syracuse University, USC, Northwestern University, University of Florida, Penn State University
18. Machine Learning Engineer
A Machine Learning Engineer designs, builds, and optimizes algorithms that allow computers to learn from data and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed. They work at the intersection of software engineering and data science, developing scalable models used in AI systems, automation, analytics, and intelligent applications.
Average Salary: $131,450
Top Bachelor’s Degrees: Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Computer Engineering
Top Schools: MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California, Berkeley, Georgia Tech
19. IT Security Specialist / Cybersecurity Analyst
An IT Security professional protects an organization’s computer systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and digital threats. They monitor systems, investigate breaches, implement security tools, and ensure compliance with security standards to keep information safe.
Average Salary: $124,910
Top Bachelor’s Degrees: Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, and Network Security
Top Schools: University of Maryland Global Campus, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Texas at San Antonio
20. Financial Planner
Financial planners are wealth advisors who help clients best manage their assets for long-term investment goals. They finish CFP credentialing to simplify saving, suggest stocks, manage portfolios, and give mortgage/loan advice.
Average Salary: $124,140
Top Schools: San Diego State, Clemson, Georgia, Mizzou, and Utah Valley
21. Advertising Manager
Advertising managers are consumer psychics who craft the right messaging to attract public attention to goods or services. Their duties include analyzing print layouts, buying ad space, filming commercials, and planning billboards.
Average Salary: $123,880
Top Schools: Georgetown, Portland State, Tampa, Emory, and Temple
22. Operations Manager
Operations managers are task jugglers who wear many hats overseeing the daily functioning of departments. They’re busy ensuring quality control, doing performance appraisals, tracking productivity, and handling logistics.
Average Salary: $123,460
Top Schools: UPenn, Iowa State, Bellevue, Oregon Tech, and CSU-East Bay
23. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are plane protectors who direct the safe movement of flight vehicles to and from runways. They’re FAA trained to give landing instructions, monitor radar routes, inform pilots, and address emergencies.
Average Salary: $120,260
Top Schools: Kent State, Miami Dade, Hampton, LeTourneau, and ENMU
24. Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers are corporate principals who run insightful instructional programs that teach employees skills. They’re often SHRM certified to study workforce needs, plan workshops, and create curricula.
Average Salary: $127,090
Top Schools: Quinnipiac, Louisville, Geneva, Harding, and Lipscomb
25. Actuary
Actuaries are mathematical wizards who help insurance carriers calculate the risks of coverage to increase profits. They’ve passed SOA exams to do statistical modeling, pinpoint probability, make charts, and design policies.
Average Salary: $120,000-$125,000
Top Schools: Butler, Murray State, Otterbein, Rutgers, and SUNY Albany
Additional High-Paying Careers:
- Chemical Engineer: $121,860
- Systems Software Developer: $100,000 — $130,000
- Health Administrator: $117, 960
- Industrial Production Manager: $121,440
- Nuclear Engineer: $108,910
- Network Architect: $130,000
Methodology
- BLS salary data
- Job growth projections
- Bachelor’s‑level entry requirements
- Industry hiring trends
- Certification or licensing considerations
FAQ
Can you make six figures with only a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Many careers reach $100,000+ with only a bachelor’s degree, especially in tech, engineering, management, and aviation. Experience, certifications, and industry specialization often matter more than having a graduate degree.
What is the highest-paying job you can get with a bachelor’s degree?
Currently, airline pilots top the list with average earnings above $220,000 per year, followed by senior tech roles (like CTO), engineering managers, and petroleum engineers. Many of these careers allow employees to reach executive-level pay without a master’s degree.
What bachelor’s degrees lead to the best salaries?
The highest-earning fields for bachelor’s graduates typically include:
- Engineering (all types)
- Computer Science and IT
- Business Administration and Finance
- Aviation / Aeronautical Science
- Data Science and Applied Mathematics
These majors lead to roles with strong growth, high demand, and six-figure median salaries.
Are STEM bachelor’s degrees the most profitable?
Yes, STEM degrees consistently produce the highest-paying careers. Engineering, computer science, IT, and data science dominate the top salary lists because employers face talent shortages in these fields and pay premiums for technical skills.
What experience is needed to reach top-paying roles?
Most six-figure jobs require:
- 3–7 years of industry experience
- Strong technical or management skills
- Certifications (e.g., PMP, CPA, CFA, CISSP, AWS, FAA licenses)
- Demonstrated leadership or project success
- Internships or hands-on training early in your career
While a bachelor’s degree opens the door, career advancement, performance, and specialization are what truly push salaries into the six-figure range.
