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Most Lucrative College Majors

forbes.com — The most lucrative college major today: computer engineering. Those with less than five years' experience are making $60,500, while those with 10 to 20 years' experience are banking $104,000 per year. "Everything today has a computer in it," says Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at PayScale.com, an online compensation comparison tool.

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  • kaykfrink, on 07/15/2008, -2/+35Isn't this information that everybody already knows?
    • LeeSoong, on 07/15/2008, -4/+5$104,000 a year ?

      No wonder corporations are out sourcing these jobs to India, they can get 5 workers for $ 60,000 and not have to pay benefits...
      • fasda, on 07/16/2008, -2/+9 as long as the job doesn't need to interact with a customer, interact with a physical product, work at the same time of day as the rest of the team, speak the same language of the customer or rest of the team to make sure there isn't a screw up worth millions of dollars. So the only jobs that are really in danger probably didn't pay 104000 or even 60,000.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+3LeeSoong, most computer engineering jobs deal with physical hardware installations, like server farms, and networking and swapping out hard drives, motherboards, etc, on desktops, etc.

        It's really hard to outsource a job like that.
      • Stochio, on 07/16/2008, -1/+1PhilLesh69,
        You can't steal the term computer engineer. What you're describing is an IT weenie. "Liberal" was stolen from my kind 100 years ago. You can't steal more words. Step off.

      • PhilLesh69, on 07/18/2008, -0/+1stochio,

        People who design and deploy server farms or large corporate networks are computer engineers. So are the people that repair office desktops.

        Yes, they get paid dramatically different salaries, but engineer is a very general term.

        I'm not stealing it.
    • Spuy767, on 07/16/2008, -4/+3Seriously, and 60k is the new 30k.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -1/+2and 60k must be a national average.

        In the DC area, even Oracle DBA's are making 120,000.

        A newly certified "A Plus" or MCSE, even without a college degree, can make 75 to 80k.
      • Spuy767, on 07/16/2008, -1/+2It is a national average. 85k in Metro Atlanta is enough to live like a king as long as you aren't worried about keeping up with the Joneses.
    • illt, on 07/16/2008, -2/+2industrial operations engineers in the finance sector salaries start at like 80 to upwards of 110 at goldman sachs.
      you can go on and grab your financial engineering masters and jobs start at 100k.

      at goldman, making partner bumps you up to millions/year.


      at least that was the case 2 years ago, who knows what it is now.
  • ordig, on 07/15/2008, -3/+84What? No art history?
    • redxninja, on 07/16/2008, -7/+3or communication.
    • Gallowspoling, on 07/16/2008, -1/+1there was communication( in the list by photos, but still)
    • therocksays, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1I really hope that was sarcasm.
    • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2Yeah, an art history major who goes out and gets an MCSE can get a 60k+ salary.
    • Beowulf2112, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Africa Studies comes in a close second
    • umdigger, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Ha, that's what my sister got. She's doing fine now, but the first few years were rough. She always made fun of me for doing aerospace...until I graduated.
  • UltramegaOK, on 07/15/2008, -3/+32I wonder how many of these tech jobs will be shipped overseas to India or China in the next decade?

    Its ironic that the best ROI major (that can't be outsourced) involves medicine (due to our increasingly fat asses and the Baby Boomers)

    I'm not one to criticize as a History/Political Science Major with a minor in photography.
    More ramen after college for me.

    rAmen.
    • PoonGnarfler, on 07/16/2008, -2/+4Actually, many medical jobs are being transferred overseas (as well as a substantial amount of law careers, interestingly enough), obviously not direct care, but many diagnosis and other indirect jobs can and are being moved, especially to India. Its pretty amazing what many companies will do to save a buck.
      • hara001, on 07/16/2008, -1/+2if a company saves a buck then a consumer saves one as well. There is inertia in the market so it may take a couple months or year to reach the consumer but it always does.
      • Stroggoth, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1>if a company saves a buck then a consumer saves one as well.

        No, that goes to increased profit margins. If a consumer was paying the price pre-outsource, then the consumer will pay post-outsource.

        That dollar saved comes at the cost of US workers who are unemployed in the US, which means the cash they would have received as salaries is not spent in the US, but in China/India/etc. This lowers the average US dollar velocity, which slows our economy. I'd rather pay more for products and get paid more to make them in exchange, keeping the economy running.
      • Stochio, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Stroggoth,
        When you talk about the "company" you need to specify who you are talking about. Shareholders? Employees? Customers? And where does this "lost" profit go?

        Regarding dollar velocity -- the V in the quantity theory of money -- this factor is behavioral and not influenced by the money supply.
    • CubFan185, on 07/16/2008, -0/+3I was surprised to see political science at number 9. Looks like I'll be able to pay off my student loans after all.
    • bmcnally, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2They can outsource routine medical diagnostics - such as analyzing X-rays and CAT scans.

      Computer Science/Engineering degrees are more valuable than "A Degree in Computers" or "A Degree in Information" - you are trained to think, problem solve, and the such. Many of these people end up moving into management, something which is not as easily outsourced.
  • slaverynin, on 07/15/2008, -7/+67Lucrative jobs doesn't equal available jobs.
    • nottanner, on 07/16/2008, -2/+21On the contrary. As a recent mechanical engineering graduate, I and all my friends had 2-4 job offers to choose from in the high salary ranges.

      In short, the market is really good for engineers right now.
      • charlietuna, on 08/31/2008, -0/+1So then all high paying jobs have a lot of openings? Your inductive logic is misleading. CEO positions pay well, not a lot of those are available.
    • BetterOffEd, on 07/16/2008, -2/+1And lucrative "majors" don't even necessarily equate to lucrative jobs.

      People have to have some kind of personality and exhibit teamwork to get ahead in any industry.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -3/+1And just holding a degree doesn't always equate to much.

        I don't even have a college degree, and I'm getting paid about 25% more than coworkers with degrees because I actually KNOW what I'm doing, as opposed to having a piece of paper that claims I do.

        Usually, I get a lowball offer when taking a new job, because they think they can shortchange me for not having a degree. I always negotiate for a 90 day review. By the time I get that review, I always get a huge jump in salary. I think it even works in my favor that I don't have a degree, at that point. Outperforming a guy with comparable experience and a degree, and doing it while working fewer hours, and taking on side projects, etc, always makes people notice.
    • DifferentAngle, on 07/16/2008, -0/+4How does that make sense...? If the job pays a lot then they're probably having a hard time finding good people. Or am I missing something? Supply and demand?
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+3You aren't missing anything. You know how the job market really works.

        Everyone else is as confused about the job market as they are confused about finances and everything else.
      • cubicledrone, on 07/16/2008, -1/+0Or they keep firing the good people.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1cubicledrone,

        that only happens in companies where underqualified people have scammed their way into management positions, and they feel threatened by qualified underlings who might one day take their jobs away from them.

        I've been there a few times over the years. Nothing is more annoying than having a professional manager trying to lead a team of developers. The tension is always high, because they are usually technically illiterate and only have "management skills" equal to a retail manager, or an office manager in an accounting business. They really hate having their staff being able to talk to the CEO about the technical stuff while they sit there at the conference table with a blank look on their face.

    • therocksays, on 07/16/2008, -0/+7Keep telling yourself that, liberal arts major.
    • cubicledrone, on 07/16/2008, -0/+0Wins the thread.
    • Renian, on 07/16/2008, -1/+1The reason why they are lucrative is because they have to offer salaries that high in order to supply themselves with workers. If there were more workers in those fields, the salaries would drop, because the labor supply curve would shift rightward.

      ECONOMICS (2nd most lucrative!) FAIL.
      • charlietuna, on 08/31/2008, -0/+1You are ignoring the degree of elasticity in the market as well as non-monetary effects such as work satisfaction etc. See Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Just pointing out they the world ain't so black and white. Some jobs are so specific that there is a high risk of job loss, so the pay must be higher to get workers to apply, but there still may only be a few hundred of these jobs nationally. Just pointing out the complexity here, but yes the rule applies - mostly.

        Economics (2nd most lucrative!) B
    • HPMNick, on 07/16/2008, -0/+0You are right. Depending on where you live there may actually be no market for this work. A lot of people come out of school with engineering degrees and have no where to work. Its really more of a west coast thing I think. People are forced to drive and hour to an hour and a half and drive into the city to get work...

      Also while these numbers are in line, they are far from the most lucrative. #1 is always a doctor. I feel for the BS that "there are too many doctors", "its too hard for most people to get into medical school", "you don't always get good pay". All BS for hte most part. Lawyers make good money. Salesman (depending on what you sell, and how good you are) can make you a boat load of money. Real estate WAS a good example. Any monkey can get a real estate license, and all you need is an opening at the local Real estate agency. Some people were making several hundred thousand a year, in their spare time. It helps though to be in an area with relatively high home prices.
    • nepidae, on 07/17/2008, -0/+0Correct. It took me a while to get my first job out of college (graduated in 2004) but once I got it the pay was very good.
  • MasterJoefus, on 07/15/2008, -4/+3that makes me wonder if a psychiatrist would be willing to give away your secrets...for a price.
    • manova, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2a psychiatrist is an MD...not someone with an undergrad psychology major
  • iambagels, on 07/15/2008, -2/+22I was computer science; close enough. Where's my $60k?
    • LeeSoong, on 07/15/2008, -10/+1$50 thou a year will buy a lotta beer,
      the future's so bright, I gotta wear shades,
      I gotta wear shades!

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvIAyxpjEuc
      • Afterburn, on 07/16/2008, -1/+3Wow that was a waste of well 30 seconds.
    • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -1/+14Clearly you don't live in Silicon Valley. You'll make your $60k there.

      /snicker
    • Duncan3, on 07/16/2008, -0/+3No, not close AT ALL, not even the same planet. You'll find that out fast if you haven't already.

      But on the job you can learn to be a good software engineer in about 5 years.
    • thcobbs, on 07/16/2008, -6/+4Well, when you can do a custom OS, cellular network communication, encryption, compression, and real-time response (and a lot more that I technically can't divulge) in 512k of RAM that has a guaranteed life of at least 10 years.... come talk to me.

      Computer science is all about the theory of operation of a turing machine.

      Computer engineering is the application of all that theory in real-world, high availability, low cost implementations.
      • valentino600, on 07/16/2008, -1/+8wtf are you talking about. its the same ***** in the end . either you can code or you cant.
      • kuzotz, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1512K RAM

        wow I didn't know we were working with computers from the late 90s.
    • pir800, on 07/16/2008, -0/+5512k of ram? what the hell are you working on? i can fit 512k of ram on my dick.
    • bagboyrebel, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1It's number 4 on their list, but it depends on how good you are. I just met someone who just graduated college and now has a starting salary of $80,000.
    • tomd123, on 07/16/2008, -3/+0I'm a cs major in one of the top schools you can go to. I am starting my sophomore year and I have already been offered 60k with a contract right after getting my B.S. Stop whining and try harder.
      • xEn1gma, on 07/16/2008, -0/+3I've been offered a $60,001 contract after getting my B.S.

        Oh yeah, I'm also strong and attractive.

        Top THAT Mr. 1-uper.
  • EricaBZ, on 07/15/2008, -4/+4Well, it isn't just what you major in but also *where* you major in it. A lot of times, you can have a less relevant major if its from a better school.
    • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1You can also demonstrate the ability and knowledge to do a job, absent a college degree, and end up making even more than the people who wasted 4 years and up to $200,000 in tuition.
    • helgers7, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Not when it comes to engineering majors and actually from what I've heard from employers, most don't give a damn about where you did your undergrad work.
  • mmijatov, on 07/15/2008, -3/+10I just dugg this and then found history on the list . . . ???
    • TrueBlueJP90, on 07/16/2008, -0/+6Wait...you dugg before reading it?
    • manova, on 07/16/2008, -1/+2Sure, why would anyone think that a good liberal arts degree that teaches you how to write and do research could possible pay well?
    • cvrefugee, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2History is #12...better than nothing I guess.
  • burchie2, on 07/15/2008, -2/+15Wow, 60 grand!
    • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -1/+2360 grand in Silicon Valley I think will qualify you for food stamps.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -1/+1Janitors in Silicon valley were making $45k, at least back in the day.

        There are admin assistants making $60k, even office managers and filing clerks, here in the DC area.
    • kufurex, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1I think these are just lucrative if you are living in small cities. with 100k you can't even afford a tiny condo in the good parts of Los Angeles County.
  • thesauce, on 07/15/2008, -1/+13Yeah... unfortunately jobs like these can be shipped overseas. I minored in business along with majoring in Comp Sci because I knew that the amount of jobs available will be diminishing soon. If you can lead a team, however, or show that you have qualities beyond technical skill, then you will be a more viable candidate for a higher position in a company.

    A good alternative is Business Computer Information Systems.
    • plundstedt, on 07/16/2008, -1/+4Exactly. I've got my BS in Systems and Network Administration and am working on getting my masters in Management of Information Systems. Working on computers is fun, but you can't get promoted if you don't have leadership skills.
    • swaters210, on 07/16/2008, -2/+3I'm going back to school for this. Thanks for the encouragement man.
    • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -1/+1Absolutely. All the business management monkeys I work for who dabbled in tech are making probably twice what I make with their bachelor's degree than I am w/ my comp. sci. degree.

      /facepalm
      • Stroggoth, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1This is the truth. Worse, the folks with comp sci degrees eventually get promoted until they need to become business managers to go forward. The MBA/MCIS puts you in that position immediately, without the need for 5-10 years of work experience. Disclaimer: I have the comp degree, NOT the MBA and watched the business folks make the real money...
      • hayden.evans, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1That's why I am doing my major in computer engineering with the add on year of an mba in my school. itll only take five years total to complete so i thought why not?
    • BetterOffEd, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1This guy is right on the money. Alot of large public universities are grouping business technology studies into ISDS (Information Systems & Decision Sciences) or some other similar moniker. Take at least a couple of these classes. If you have the mindset and the inclination for it, alot of tech studies can be learned independently or self-taught, but the *application* of tech studies to business operations and the issues that businesses face is really what will set you apart from others.
    • thcobbs, on 07/16/2008, -0/+5Funny thing is... most jobs like these (Computer Engineering) are being brought back into the USA because of the extra time (and therefore lost market opportunity), and cost required by that bargain-basement coder from India with a masters.

      How do I know this? I was brought into a company specifically to replace their team of 3 "outsourced" contractors that were costing them more money that they were saving by getting cheap labor.
    • kuzotz, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Also network especially if you're economics or any other business specialization major. Even for engineers because their jobs are being outsourced or they get fired very very fast. I say network and also look for opportunities Abroad. A best kept secret is singapore. Singapore is a developed nation with a declining population. They're also a city-state. Soooo they're always looking for people in finance, accounting, and economics, and especially engineers. These jobs are vital for any nation's infrastructure financial tech you name it. Point in check. Don't just aim for a job in your region or on the east of west coast. DOn't be afraid of living outside of the US for a little bit. But of course only few people can do this which is why most of the world's population doesn't travel like that.
  • wonkavsn, on 07/15/2008, -3/+2Over the next decade, the market is expected to see a tremendous demand for toxicologists and other risk-assessment fields.
    This is already beginning to be the case in Europe, where the EU is reassessing all chemicals based on their impact impact on human health and the environment:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registration%2C_Evalu ...

    Similar movements are expected to spring up in North America by the end of the decade as well.
    Most jobs in risk assessment sciences require graduate schooling or higher, however.
    • kuzotz, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1yea also the best advice for a college student is for them to study somethin that enjoy, and to go into a field they enjoy. Because you don't want to do something for the $$$ then hate it and yourself when you are making the $$$
  • frenchkick, on 07/16/2008, -0/+5they really should have done this in list form...im too lazy to read all that
  • username7410, on 07/16/2008, -3/+37Graphic Design lucrative? Hah Ha Ha ha ha Ha Hah!
    • stvspl, on 07/16/2008, -1/+16If you're good.
    • Kables, on 07/16/2008, -0/+5The art directors in the marketing agency I work at make $100k on average. So yeah, if you're good.
      • BetterOffEd, on 07/16/2008, -0/+4Ya gotta admit...

        ...getting to that elusive Director level within a design/ad agency is rather tough.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1BetterOffEd,

        "Art Director" isn't the director of the art department, per se.

        Art directors are leads on projects, or teams, or specific publications, etc.

        I'm sure the head of the art department is making at least $190,000, possibly even $250,000.
      • Stroggoth, on 07/16/2008, -2/+0>I work at make $100k on average

        Since when is $100K a lot of money!? Seriously maybe in the 80s and early 90s this was a big salary, but today? $50K is near poverty wage, and $100K is "doing ok".
      • CptBuck, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1If your name is Don Draper you'll do well.
    • TheMoniker, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2It really depends, not only on skill but also who you work for and how good you are at selling yourself. I am a graphic designer (though I'm getting out of it and pursuing physics instead) and I make $40-$50 an hour for private clients (avg. 5 hrs per week) and $22 an hour for the company that I work with (Canadian dollars). I know a few people who are making ~$110 an hour working full time and many more who are struggling just to get by, doing jobs for free or ~$15 an hour.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Yeah, but if you can get a full 40 hours of billable work each week at $50 an hour, you're making $104k a year. Granted, you're paying for your own medical insurance, taxes, ss, and vacation, but that's still a nice salary.
  • Leehro, on 07/16/2008, -3/+10Hey finally a digg story that speaks to me. Computer Engineering major here, graduated in 2005. Not quite at that pay but I've only been out of school 3 years.
    • thcobbs, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2Find another job. Trust me, you can probably get a 30% raise if you move companies/towns.
    • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2If you want to make the real money, you've got to go to San Francisco, LA, NYC, DC or Raleigh-Durham.

      DC is jamming, especially if you can get a company to hire you on contingent of getting a TOP or TOP/SCI clearance. A security clearance adds at least $30,000 to your salary potential.

      Then, take thcobb's advice -- work in a job for a year and half or two, then job hop to a higher paying job. In 6 or 7 years you can be making $150k, easily.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Actually, it is TS or TS/SCI.

        IF you come to DC, those are the keywords to making the big bucks. TS means top secret. TS/SCI means Top Secret, Special Compartmentalized Information.

        They're hard to get, since you need to be employed by a contractor who needs to have employees with that clearance, and employers don't like to hire people without them if they need them. And you can't get the clearance unless you are sponsored by an employer with a contract that requires them.

        It's a catch-22, but once you get one, you can job-hop your way right up to a mid 6 figure income in a matter of a few years.
  • bigbill780, on 07/16/2008, -3/+24This is the worst list ive ever seen. English, History, and Political Science? I refuse to believe that those majors make more than ANY science or engineering jobs except in the most extreme cases.
    • GorfTron, on 07/16/2008, -2/+4I wonder if Stephen King and Bill Clinton are included. Averages can be a funny statistic.
      • sneezy555, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1They removed outliers though. Although averages can be screwy.
      • kufu91, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2too bad they were using the median
    • jstancom, on 07/16/2008, -0/+9Actually I made an account just to reply to this question. I am a political science major studying international relations. I plan on either going to law school or get my graduate degree (Masters of SCIENCE) in international relations. I am currently working for the federal government (not an intern, an actual employee) and going into my senior year this upcoming Fall. Let me tell you, senior government salaries are very...generous. While entry level to experienced government employees don't make quite as much as you engineers, upper level government employees at the GS-15 level can make $149,000 a year with crazy benefits. Plus, it basically takes an act of Congress to fire you. Great job security, good benefits, and plus you can choose to work 10 hour days and have either every other Monday or Friday off.

      • wonkavsn, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1An MSc in IR... how does that work?
      • jstancom, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1The Georgetown School of Foreign Service has focused degrees in subject areas in international relations such as international negotiations, international finance and development, and what I hope to go for with International Security and Foreign Policy. Besides taking classes on Al-Qaeda and Terrorism, the program has a central core of international finance, trade, and economics. The graduate program offers Masters of Science.

        The Harvard Kennedy School offers Public Policy degrees that are very grounded in quantitative analysis. Policy making often depends heavily on cost-benefit analysis.
      • lusenok2, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2I wondered why taxes are so high.
        Now I know.
      • jstancom, on 07/16/2008, -0/+0Republicans = Tax less, spend more = increase in deficit
        Democrats = Tax more, spend more = less

        When the government budget cycle starts, each entity within a department demands more money than it got last year. This has been going on since the 1970s, and now with taxes relatively low and spending through the roof, the government is in a real crisis, with over $9 trillion in debt.

        Taxes are the cost for living in a civilized society. Luckily, my department is funded through user fees, and receives only 1% of its total budget through Congressional appropriations.
      • ordig, on 07/17/2008, -0/+1hope you like working for fascists.
    • manova, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2College is not supposed to be a job training site. A good liberal arts degree will teach you very important critical thinking and writing skills. There are plenty of scientist and engineers out there that cannot not write their way out of a wet paper bag. Somebody has to communicate those ideas....which is why they are your boss' boss.
      • jstancom, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1As a liberal arts student, I've figured out that internships and experience relative to your area, especially in the summer are just as valuable as sitting in class. Getting "in the door" is vital, and having actual job experience is a good way to build a resume straight out of college with high profile companies or governmental agencies. Many people just get a degree and don't think about where they want to work. They end up working for Starbucks. You go to college not just to learn, but to develop the skills that will make you competitive in your respective job market. No one cares what you want to achieve in life. Either get to it or pay for it later. You get what you put into it.
      • GorfTron, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Communication skills seem not to be too important in IT, since I have worked with some people that can't even speak english at a functional level. Some even write ***** code. But not to worry, if his skin is brown and he eats curry for lunch, he has to be good.
    • cubicledrone, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1The entirety of civilization depends on language. So does all of culture. History and Political Science are two of the reasons we didn't have to invent computers outdoors. You fail it.

      • jstancom, on 07/16/2008, -0/+0All of you guys bitch about how the government doesn't work and how Bush is Hitler and all this ***** but what are you honestly doing anything about it? I'm guessing most of Digg has an engineering degree and just sits at their desk and writes programs for a living. You get on your Digg account and spout Ron Paul propaganda and how Bush is taking away your liberties but you have no concept of how the government works or how it should work. I bet many of you have never even studied the Constitution. You would be very surprised what Madison and Jefferson have stated in their works.

        I'm studying political science to do something about the current situation we are in. In political science you study the government and the various processes that allow for policy to be made and executed. You study the underlying philosophies of political thought, such as Locke, Paine, and the writings such as the Federalist Papers. I've taken classes on Arab-Israeli relations and geopolitics and the implication of free trade in developing countries. I'm currently studying national security law, where in class we debate the use of torture against "enemy combatants" and the legality of electronic surveillance and the expansion of executive power.

        If you guys become more educated on how things actually work in politics you could actually try to fix things rather than bitch about it on a website while you're bored at work stuck in a cube.

        I don't give a ***** about the money. When you die, no one is gonna give a ***** how much you made. Doing what you love should be priority, and trying to make this nation worth being proud of again I think is a worthy cause.
    • kuzotz, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2This list is based from annual growth, and English trust me is accepted anywhere especially if you are a degree holder. My sister has an English Degree and she auditted for the gov't for a few yrs. After that she took a few graduate school accounting classes and has her masters in accounting. Liberal Arts majors have to be more open to doing jobs they weren't taught to do and that's usually how it works and that's why these majors aren't so bad either. I hate the engineers and scientist who thinks they're going to be making the $$$ for long. I'm economics btw I know I'll be doing modestly Ia m not out to make 100k. More like hopefully 50k once I start my job in Singapore. But that's the thing. I looked for work outside of the US. This is going to have to happen. People need to stop planning to live in America their whole life then complain when there are no jobs here for them. Instead of looking at the EU countries that might need their expertise, or Singapore who will always need it. Taiwan, Japan, S.Korea. If its a first world nation I tell you to move their!!!!!!!!
  • moolaismyfriend, on 07/16/2008, -12/+4You don't need to know how to run the computer if you want to run the world. Just ask John McCain and the most recent Newsweek article saying we are all assholes for suggesting that he should know how to use a computer.
    • boonesfarm, on 07/16/2008, -1/+5Dude. one out of every 3 Digg posts is mud thrown at those 'crusty old republicans'. Why don't you go join one of those circle jerks... you'll find friends there.
  • ageaton, on 07/16/2008, -1/+11No medical degrees such as Nursing or Physical Therapy?? I'm sure both of these fields and others make more than most on this list...
    • Afterburn, on 07/16/2008, -1/+1Depends on how qualified you are for nursing certifications help a lot!
    • mlynch3261, on 07/16/2008, -1/+3Nurses seem to make a lot initially but unless you become a charge nurse or a travel nurse then pay raises are regulated to contract negotions with the hospital for COL increases and not based on performance.
    • fasda, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1maybe the list is only based on BS degrees
    • manova, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1nursing is usually a BS or an associates degree
    • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Entry level Nursing and PT jobs are notoriously low paying.

  • dunk, on 07/16/2008, -3/+5Any one else in the "trades" making more then this and with less experience lol.
  • TheCash, on 07/16/2008, -8/+6More lucrative then medical majors? Dream on computer boy. I don't know many computer engineers that can afford $80k luxury cars their first year out of school like some medical professionals can.
    • itsthebrod, on 07/16/2008, -2/+22Is that before or after the $100k in student loan debt? And medical majors are quickly becoming less financially desirable since insurance costs against malpractice suits are so flippin' high.
      • TheCash, on 07/16/2008, -1/+3Actually, the medical field is considered to be one with the highest job security given that they will always be in need, and medical jobs aren't something that can be outsourced. The people that really have it tough nowadays thanks to the factors you mention are medical billers/filers and medical office managers. They have to work twice as hard thanks to all the increased scrutiny and bureaucracy, and have a better chance of being let go then a nurse or other union protected profession.
      • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -2/+2Yeah, now they're only making $250k instead of $5-600k. Goddamn, life REALLY sucks for them, doesn't it?
    • someguy92, on 07/16/2008, -1/+8Have fun paying your student loans afterwards.
      Med. school is EXPENSIVE.
    • adrenaline33, on 07/16/2008, -1/+12It seems as if the list is a list of 4 year bachelor degree type majors. It takes probably 10-12 years to get anywhere in the medical field. There is no 4 year undergraduate "doctor" major.
      • TheCash, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2True, I'll give you that.
      • inn0cuous, on 07/16/2008, -0/+0There are accelerated programs though. Pharmacy and physical therapy can get you out in 5 years. 2 years undergraduate, 3 years medical school. They cut out a lot of unnecessary classes and lets you fly through, but if you decide its not for you too late, you get nothing.
      • manova, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1That kind of depends on what country you are in. I think China and India have 4 year medical degrees.
    • Gallowspoling, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Pre-med as a major in university pretty much does not exist anymore, since med schools look for more diversified applicants. Also, even if that wasnt the case, that kind of money is only made by "medical" majors after med school, and since their not talking about graduate school in this article its pretty much irrelevant. I'm not really defending the article(im a bio major myself... yikes) but rather just pointing out that you cant really compare a computer science major fresh out of college with a doctor.
      • TheCash, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1That's very true. I'm a chem major trying to get into dental school, and I'm having to do a buttload of research work on the side just to remain competitive with other applicants. Most of the biology majors I know are going into research and not the practicing medical field.
      • manova, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Hope you get into med or grad school. Bio majors are a dime a dozen as lab techs.
    • BigPapi, on 07/16/2008, -0/+5Umm, last time I checked, MD's fresh out of school were making about $40K while doing their residencies. Yeah they'll make a lot more later when they're done, but Med school is much more demanding and requires many more years of schooling and money in comparison to engineering.
    • scaliacheese, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Er, this is for undergrads. Medical school brings 10 more years with residency and specialization.
    • frequentFlyer, on 07/16/2008, -0/+0BSRN (bachelor science registered nurse) majors are looking at sign on bonuses and high salaries right out of college - in major cities. Now that's what I SHOULD have done instead of quitting my six figure job to take a CS degree. blah.
    • PhilLesh69, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1TheCash,

      You're comparing a guy getting out of a 4 year school with an established MD?

      I know doctors who are 5 years into their own private practice or 5 years after residency that can barely afford the payments on their used 1998 Honda Civics.

      Yes, a 45 year old doctor or surgeon is sporting the $80k car.

      But, hell. I know a kid who is 24, and he just bought a glasair III fully built for $136,000, has a leased 2006 Porshe 911 Carerra 4S, and owns a condo in Reston and a rental property in Adams Morgan. He ended up dropping out of college because it was taking time away from a booming aftermarket automotive business that he started during high school.

      Most doctors have $500,000 in debt by the time they finish their residency. It takes them at least 5 years to get out from under their debt. If they are buying $80,000 cars right out of residency, they're just digging themselves deeper into a hole.
  • GorfTron, on 07/16/2008, -5/+6Pharmacist is one of the top jobs. Good pay and less fuss than being a doctor.
    • tiff86, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1out of school making 110K....only 6 years of school
    • lusenok2, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1What pharmacists do? Re-packing tablets for customers?

      Do you really think this job will exist until you retire?
      • GorfTron, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Yes. The job is federally mandated. Also, it is an issue of liability that customers speak with a qualified pharmacist if they desire. I suppose that it could be eliminated with the stroke of a pen, but I don't see that happening.
  • Vade218, on 07/16/2008, -2/+6Sweet. English majors FTW. Where's philosophy though : )
  • jotux, on 07/16/2008, -1/+2I don't get it. How is economics #2 and electrical engineering #3?
    Except for the 10-20 year range, the pay is higher for an electrical engineer(econ is only $100 more a year for that range).
  • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -2/+25I have to call *****. All the Finance majors are making WAY more than I am w/ my comp. sci. degree.
    • bdbr, on 07/16/2008, -2/+1Doing WHAT?
      • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -1/+1Managing businesses finances. You know, what they went to college for? /facepalm
    • f4nt0m4s, on 07/16/2008, -0/+5You're not kidding...finance is hot right now...I've seen it in person...they might not make big money their first year out of school, but in a couple years they can be pulling 6 figures easy...
    • azninvaznxx, on 07/16/2008, -1/+11The typical salary for first year analyst at a top tier investment banking firm is $70-80k base with a 90-120k annual bonus.

      So 160-200k your FIRST year out of school.

      Not bad except for the 80-90 hour work weeks.
      • pir800, on 07/16/2008, -1/+1and being BORED as hell.
      • bhavinp, on 07/17/2008, -0/+1how is that even possible? 16 hours days wtf?
        Thats a little exaggurated
    • nickvdk, on 07/16/2008, -0/+3My 28 year old cousin is earning $150 000 a year plus bonuses on top in his finance job. He is already looking to purchase a $1million house.

      Problem? He works a minimum 6 day weeks, on call on Sunday and travels interstate fortnightly and answers more than 100 emails a day. The only thing that keeps him going is he loves what he does and he is damn good at it. So if you studying finance just for the money and no passion, you will fail.
  • Wildthing, on 07/16/2008, -2/+4Starting salary at a big semiconductor company (such as Qualcomm in San Diego) for a fresh outta school undergrad is ~$65k/year not including stock and options.
    • GorfTron, on 07/16/2008, -4/+2And lets face it, stock and options are bull.
    • Wildthing, on 07/16/2008, -0/+4I'm just stating what people tell me. And stock and options are not bull. If the company guarantees you a certain amount of stock a year, that stock is ALWAYS worth something. Options on the other hand are only worth something if the stock goes up. Regardless, each is of value and should be considered in addition to your compensation.

      Don't digg down something just because you don't understand it.
    • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -1/+3So in San Diego does that qualify you for foodstamps? Real estate is what, $250/sq.ft. there now?
  • Dustin00, on 07/16/2008, -0/+11After 10 years in the industry, it's not too tough to crack the $100,000 mark if you keep learning and applying yourself.

    Also: Friday afternoon frag fests with chips and beer really put the icing on top.
  • Quote737, on 07/16/2008, -0/+4http://www.forbes.com/2008/06/18/college-majors-lu ...

    For those of us who....you know....don't like to read....
    • frozensnake, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1thanks
    • saulmora, on 07/16/2008, -1/+2Thanks, but damn I hate these dumb-ass Forbes SLIDESHOWS! A post back every FREAKIN' TIME...REALLY?...COME ON!
  • frozensnake, on 07/16/2008, -3/+8what about basket weaving?
  • rockefeller2, on 07/16/2008, -0/+4If you really want to make some money look into computer engineering contract jobs. I heard they pay 60, 80, even as high as 110 per hour in some cases. You don't get any benefits though, but still. $229k per year equivalent, I think I could find me an insurance policy to cover emergencies.
    • scaliacheese, on 07/16/2008, -0/+0$110/hr is likely the top end, and you don't have stability. Depends on how risk averse you are.
      • rockefeller2, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Eventually I'd like to give it a try. Ideally I'd like to do a 6 month contract, take a couple months off, then do another 6 month contract, etc. I live quite frugally. Even if I were to make $80/hour, I'd live like I was making $20/hour.
      • Kyan, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1rockefeller2 - you might, but your girlfriend won't. Assuming you want one, of course.
      • rockefeller2, on 07/16/2008, -0/+3@Kyan. A girlfriend would be really cool. But I think my wife might get pissed off at me.
    • TheMoniker, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2I know a few people (2 designers at $110 an hour, 6 programmers between $80-$100 per hour) who make that kind of money doing web design and web programming for contracts. The problem (for all but a few of them) is the number of contracts. They can be doing well for a year straight and hit a rough patch for a few months; there's no security net. That said, the two designers, who have hustled pretty hard (though they set their own hours along the way to a large degree) are doing extremely well.
      • rockefeller2, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1See I look at a "rough patch" as a time to enjoy myself, take some time off away from work. You just have to sock that money away and not get carried away and blow it all.
  • driftwood07, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2glad im getting both computer and electrical engineering degree w. the #1 and #3 spots (:
    • lews001, on 07/16/2008, -1/+1Waste of your money. I am an EE and I can do anything the computer engineers can do (if your college is teaching you appropriately). You'll find however that the inverse is not true, generally a computer cannot do the EE's job. The double degree won't help you in the real world, unfortunantly, I'd rethink how much I'm spending on college if I were you.

      Also, the median is about right, 3 years in I'm at 58k in the midwest (location plays a big role in those numbers).
  • GriffBroChill, on 07/16/2008, -0/+12no actuaries? typically 55k entry level up to 150k after 10 years

    "Actuary" Rankings in the Jobs Rated Almanac:
    1st Edition (1988) - 1
    2nd Edition (1992) - 2
    3rd Edition (1995) - 1
    4th Edition (1999) - 2
    5th Edition (2000) - 4
    6th Edition (2002) - 2
    • imightbewrong, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1its not a major :P
      but math majors math good actuaries
    • UpwardMoses, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1I agree, actuarial science (offered by the university of Minnesota) is one of the highest paying. Just depends how many of those tests you can pass.
    • Donwangugi, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Also you must study for and pass the actuary test to make some of the higher levels of pay. And usually require 3 years of experience, in the US atleast.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actuary#United_States
    • Lateralis1, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1That whole list seems pretty wrong. The salary for newly qualified actuaries in London is approximately £50,000 ($100K) which an Actuarial Science graduate can achieve within 3 years of finishing university, which rises to over £100k with experience and levels of responsibility (number of people to manage or train etc), and usually after 10-15 years as a qualified actuary it is common to progress to being a CFO or CEO which make megabucks (high 6 figures/7 figures).
  • SpishackCola, on 07/16/2008, -0/+9Now if I could just find a job, having the supposed 2nd most lucrative college degree would be great.
  • pebertheshrink, on 07/16/2008, -3/+0The real number 2 on the list is a 4-year degree in nursing:
    1-5 years = $57,000
    6-15 = $66,000
    16-25 = $71,000
    Have a masters in nursing? add $30,000 to those numbers

    All of which does not include overtime or specialty-certification which can add another $20k

    My college econ teacher said it best, "If you wanna get rich walk over to the building next door and become a nurse."
    • jotux, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1If you look at the numbers for 3 and 4, that would make nursing the "real" number 4 or so.
    • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1+1

      Not to mention there is NEVER a shortage of nursing positions available.
    • scaliacheese, on 07/16/2008, -0/+6Your econ teacher should retake econ if he said that. Rich? Nurses work crazy long shifts in a grueling, emotionally and physically draining environment for not all that much compensation.
  • gtfo, on 07/16/2008, -1/+3060k is a joke - a good car salesman can make twice that much in a year -- even the bimbos selling handbags at Gucci make more than that on commission. In the end it doesn't matter what you went to school for - success is about being good at what you do and kissing a lot of ass.
    • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -0/+6I don't know why you're being dugg down. You're pretty much spot on.
    • scaliacheese, on 07/16/2008, -1/+0Only the best car salesmen (and salespeople in general), and, well, I don't know many car salesmen who actually *wanted* to be car salesmen. It's not a fun job, unless you like annoying the ***** out of people, lying to them more than they lie to their wives, and living by the skin of their teeth praying that they make the next sale.
    • bhavinp, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Sad to sad it but its true. Unfortunately i figured this out after i enrolled in computer engineering.
      • Stochio, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2Then you're doing it for the wrong reason.
    • manova, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2Heck, I know a guy who dropped out of college his first year and was making $60k/yr selling cell phones. It is not your degree, it's your abilities.
    • umdigger, on 07/16/2008, -0/+4I know a couple bar tenders who make over 80k a year. But they also have 'issues' which cause them to spend a lot of money too though.
    • Stroggoth, on 07/16/2008, -0/+0Anyone can make $60K a year, that is peanuts. Seriously, inflation has driven the costs of living way up, and the dollar is sinking. It won't be long before that $38K poverty line rises to $50K.
  • skyshock1, on 07/16/2008, -2/+3Also, "According to Payscale.com...." Yeah, cause THEY're a reliable source.

    /facepalm
  • f4nt0m4s, on 07/16/2008, -1/+11Engineers make good money out of college...unless you get outsourced. Also, you need to follow up that degree in Engineering with a business degree if you want to keep progressing up the chain of command.
    Honestly...I know Engineers make big bucks straight out of my college...but my cousin graduated as a Finance major, and just 3 or 4 years out of college he's making 6 figures. My dad, he has a masters in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science...and he's been stuck right around the upper 5-figure mark. It's hard to find a job when a company can pay someone straight out of college with a bachelor 20,000 less a year...or when a company can outsource your position to someone in India or China. Engineering is great straight out of college...but then you need to take it into business or invent something if you want to make big money.

    Also, as someone who went into college as an ECE Major, you definitely work to earn your money. Engineering will make you lose sleep and work like you never worked before...
  • HeyArnold, on 07/16/2008, -2/+3Once again...
    EE/CE FTW! :D
  • acroyear2, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2Also, the MFA is the new MBA... whatever the hell that means.
    • scottperezfox, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2I'm waiting for someone to put their money where their mouth is. MBAs get a 50k bump in salary, MFAs get fired for being overqualified.
  • acroyear2, on 07/16/2008, -1/+3Any thoughts on a double major B.S. in music technology/multimedia + MFA in design/new media from ucla?


    Should I be demanding bank? 'cause right now i'm broke.
  • Desslok, on 07/16/2008, -1/+3Good luck finding a job.
  • Testies, on 07/16/2008, -1/+5All that schooling and only $65k/year?
    Man, I got high school only and have been cracking $70k for years now (I'm in my early 30's).
    Construction is where it's @.
    Skip the College.
    Do all those salaries account for all the student loans you need to repay? Probably not.


    • knyghtryda, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Good job on cracking 70k with just a high school education. Most of your peers are probably making maybe half that. The issue from here on it is progression. Unless you go back to school or are promoted to a management position, that 70k is gonna stick around for a while. Anyone can make good money, its just with an education, you have a better chance of doing it.
  • sleepingcitizen, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2a factor that throws those salary numbers out the door (for finance anyway) is where you go to school. that 10-20yr down the road mean salary is the starter salary for someone coming out of a top 10-20 school.
  • scottperezfox, on 07/16/2008, -1/+7Your major ≠ your job. You can have a degree in astrophysics and be struggling just like everyone else.
  • RudolphtheRed, on 07/16/2008, -2/+2
    • manova, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1You can make an honest living as a high school teacher, with summers off.
    • Renian, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Unless you start working with a Philharmonic orchestra or something, I think you're boned.
  • e2superman, on 07/16/2008, -0/+2Ok while I am an EE (basically the same nowadays as CE) I will say that the salaries are a bit screwed sometimes from cost of living. Lots of CE's in Cali where there are higher costs of living. That said I agree EE/CE majors are paid well.
  • Rostin, on 07/16/2008, -0/+6What about chemical engineering? Is it too specialized to be included? I don't know exactly how it compares to computer engineering, but I bet it's pretty close. It is certainly better than political science or marketing.
  • randomguy132, on 07/16/2008, -1/+3No love for the hard sciences? (Chem/Bio/Physics) I guess they're not factoring in after grad school, just undergrad, so fair enough.
    • CptBuck, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1There isn't a whole lot of demand for those jobs outside of academia and some very specific industries. Biotech firms maybe. Physicist though? Not too many firms willing to pay for your understanding of quantum waveforms or your ability to track the trajectory of asteroids etc. Again, nuclear physicist? Perhaps.
  • iakovos87, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1In the end, it's what you do with the degree that matters. I know people that got History degrees and made double the projected salaries from this article and others that made half with the same degree.
  • DutchGuilder, on 07/16/2008, -1/+4High starting salaries? Try Geologist at $90k or Petroleum Engineer at $110k + bonus and perks. 16-25 years = $160k. Salaries in these fields have gone up 66% in the last 4 years.

    http://geology.com/jobs.htm
    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120355708807781725 ...
    • lateralus, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1Yeah but you'll work in Alaska or Greenland.
    • TheMoniker, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1A girl that I was going through physics with was doing her geophysics and switched over to straight geology after making $20, 000 for one summer's worth of work.
    • Stroggoth, on 07/16/2008, -0/+0>Petroleum Engineer

      You mean being a Middle-Easterner is a paying job now?? Awesome, let's go to Dubai!
    • sammy22b06, on 07/16/2008, -0/+1For oil companies...
  • azninvaznxx, on 07/16/2008, -3/+1Finance majors on Investment banking tracks make $100-200k their first year on the job easy.
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