Top 10 Highly Paid Degrees for College Class of 2010

Top 10 Highly Paid Degrees for College Class of 2010



Top 10 Highly Paid Degrees for College Class of 2010

March 15, 2010 — Engineering majors dominate the list of top-paid bachelor’s degrees, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) that found engineering disciplines account for eight of the 10 most highly paid degrees. The only non-engineering related degrees in the top 10 were computer science and information sciences and systems.

According to the report, petroleum engineering earned the highest starting salary reported at the bachelor’s degree level — $86,220 — more than one-and-one-half times the average starting salary reported for bachelor’s degree graduates as a whole ($48,351).

“While a variety of factors play a role in determining salaries, new graduates with degrees in the technical fields tend to benefit from their relatively low supply. There is more competition for their skills, driving up their salary offers,” said Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.

For example, petroleum engineering degrees account for less than 1% of all bachelor’s degrees conferred.

“Not every case is that extreme, but, in general, candidates with technical degrees have an advantage in the job market,” Mackes said.

Top-Paid Bachelor's Degrees

Petroleum Engineering
$86,220

Chemical Engineering
$65,142

Mining & Mineral Engineering (incl. geological)
$64,552

Computer Science
$61,205

Computer Engineering
$60,879

Electrical/Electronics & Communications Engineering
$59,074

Mechanical Engineering
$58,392

Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering
$57,734

Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering
$57,231

Information Sciences & Systems
$54,038






Source: Winter 2010 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data represent offers to bachelor’s degree candidates where 10 or more offers were reported.

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http://dreamlearndobecome.blogspot.com This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.