Choosing a career path is a big decision, as is choosing the right college major to get you there!
With inflation on the rise, it’s more important than ever to find a career that has a promising future. And, a positive salary outlook is also a plus! If you’re hoping to choose a lucrative career path, there are several top career fields that consistently offer high earning potential.
In this blog post, we’ll cover top-paying jobs, the outlook of those career fields, and the college degree you’ll need to turn your professional dreams into reality.
What careers make the most money?
There are several fields with jobs that make a lot of money, and many of them begin with a college degree. Keep in mind that many of these salaries reflect a person with years of experience. It takes time to build your career.
Here are the top 4 careers that make the most money and have a positive career outlook.
1. Medical
It’s no surprise that the medical field offers plenty of high-paying jobs. Some of the highest salaries in the medical field include:
- Surgeons
- Physicians
- Anesthesiologists
- Radiologists
Many of these roles offer a median salary of $208,000. And the future of the medical field looks bright: Healthcare roles have a projected growth of 13% by 2031.
Students are also displaying an increasing interest in the medical field, showing a growing optimism for these careers. In fact, 46% of female students show an interest in the medical field. So, if you want to pursue the medical field, consider a college major like:
- Pre-Med
- Biology
- Health Sciences
While these are just a few options for college majors for the medical field, there are plenty of options out there! Just keep in mind that most medical careers cannot be accomplished with a bachelor’s degree alone: you’ll have to attend medical school as well.
2. Dental
Similar to the medical field, dentistry also offers lucrative career opportunities. Some high-paying jobs in this field include:
- Dentist
- Orthodontist
- Oral surgeon
These roles offer high salaries, including median salaries between $160,370 and $208,000.
And the future of the dental field looks promising; 86.9% of children aged 2-17 had a dental visit in the past year. And as life expectancy increases, an increasing elderly population will require dental care.
To go into this field, consider a college major like:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
Like medical careers, most dental careers will require a doctorate or other advanced degree.
3. Engineering
Another growing—and profitable—field is engineering. Some high-paying careers in engineering include:
- Environmental Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Electric Engineer
- Flight Engineer
The salary range for these jobs is regularly in the six figures, ranging from $70,000 – $200,000+ depending on years of experience. And the field looks bright: The percentage of people employed as engineers is expected to grow by 6% by 2031.
To work as an engineer, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in engineering. Depending on which specialty you choose, you may also need a master’s degree in a specific engineering field.
4. Legal
Law is one of the highest-paying career tracks outside of the STEM field. If you excel more in English and history than math or science, law might be the field for you!
Some promising legal careers include:
- Family Law
- Environmental Law
- Corporate Law and Corporate Counsel
- Criminal Defense
The salary range for these careers ranges from $100,000 to $250,000+. And since there will always be a demand for lawyers, the legal field offers a stable future.
Prior to obtaining your Juris Doctorate degree in Law School, consider undergraduate majors like English, history, political science, criminal justice, and other related studies.
Want a high-paying job? Choose the right college major.
Regardless of your chosen career path, you’ll need to choose the right major to set yourself up for success. And that starts with choosing the right college!
Begin by researching colleges that offer the degree you need to succeed. StudyLab’s College Finder feature can help you find the right fit for your undergraduate degree. Get started by signing up for StudyLab, today!
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