There are so many paths to success that people looking to begin or further develop careers have many options. The pathways to advancement are endless, from becoming an entrepreneur to becoming a social media influencer. However, many people are still interested in pursuing the more traditional route of earning a college degree and attaining a corporate job, or leveraging that education to start their own business.
If attending college is on your radar, maximizing your earning potential starts before the first job interview. Evidence suggests that the launch of a fruitful career begins with choosing a major that can potentially lead to a higher-than-average salary.
According to the 2024 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey, the highest salaries are attributed to those who major in STEM disciplines. These fields, particularly engineering and computer science, dominate the list of highest-paying majors. Their high salaries are fueled by a strong demand for technical skills across industries like technology, health care, finance, and infrastructure.
However, it’s also notable that fields outside of STEM, such as social sciences and humanities, are seeing some of the most significant percentage increases in salary projections, indicating a broader market value for graduates with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. This could indicate a growing demand for professionals in these areas or a market correction for previous undervaluation. Although their starting salaries may still lag behind technical fields, this upward trend suggests an evolving recognition of their importance in today’s economy.
Below is a breakdown of NACE’s 2023 data and projected salaries for 2024.
Engineering ($76,736)
Engineering majors have the highest salary projections, with a 3.1% increase from 2023’s $74,405. An engineering degree’s versatility contributes to its high market value, with graduates able to pursue a wide range of career paths. Aerospace, electrical, and civil engineering roles often come with high salaries right out of college.
Computer Science ($74,778)
The tech boom continues to boost the salaries of computer science graduates, making software developers, programmers, and IT specialists some of the most sought-after professionals. The field experienced a 2.7% increase in salary over the past year, from $72,843. While the salary increase is modest, the field remains near the top based on ongoing technological advancements and the growing demand for tech talent in software development, cybersecurity, AI, and data science.
Math and Sciences ($71,076)
As industries increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, roles like data analysts, biologists, and chemists are in high demand. The industry’s 5.8% growth reflects a solid salary increase from the previous year’s $67,199.
Social Sciences ($69,802)
A surprising 16.1% jump shows increasing recognition for fields where people majored in disciplines such as political science, sociology, and psychology. Many graduates are funneled into policymaking, urban planning, and research roles. In a highly politicized environment, the boost from $60,107 in 2023 potentially reflects the importance of understanding societal trends and human behavior in today’s complex cultural ecosystem.
Humanities ($68,227)
With the highest percentage gain, at 28.9%, among all fields, the humanities demonstrate newfound value in communications, education, and content creation, suggesting that employers increasingly value these skills. The rise from $52,938 also reflects how businesses increasingly value storytelling, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence — a crossover of skills from those majoring in communications.
Business ($63,907)
Business graduates continue to see steady salary growth, with a modest increase of 3% compared to 2023 at $62,069. Individuals who choose this major can contextualize their studies with concentrations like marketing, economics, and even business law. While business roles are lucrative, they offer a lower starting salary than STEM fields, with a focus on industries that prioritize financial analysis, consulting, and corporate strategy.
Communications ($62,205)
Communications majors also have several career paths with specific studies ranging from public relations to sports journalism. With a 7.1% jump from 2023’s $58,097, there is a steady demand for those who can take on roles like digital media specialist or content strategist. The current election cycle, prompting increased news coverage, could also impact this growth.
Agriculture and Natural Resources ($61,399)
Graduates in agriculture and natural resources can expect a 3.6% salary increase this year, from $59,282 in 2023. With the ongoing focus on sustainability, environmental protection, and agricultural innovation, this sector continues to offer steady, if not spectacular, financial rewards. Roles in environmental science, agricultural management, and conservation are key drivers in this field.
