Discover High-Paying Jobs That Require a Graduate Degree
Graduate school takes time and money, but the payoff can be huge. A higher degree can open doors to career growth and well-paying jobs—especially in medicine. Below are some high-salary careers (listed alphabetically) where a graduate degree can help you earn six figures.
Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists keep patients safe and pain-free during surgery. Their job often involves quick, critical decisions, so sharp judgment is essential. In 2023, the average U.S. salary was $339,470, with job growth expected to rise 4% by 2033.
Architectural or Engineering Manager
These managers oversee construction or manufacturing projects. While a bachelor’s degree might suffice, many pursue an MBA for leadership roles. The median 2023 salary was $165,370, with a projected 6% job growth by 2033.
Astronomer
Astronomers study stars, planets, and the universe. Their research deepens our cosmic understanding. Median pay in 2023 was $127,930, with jobs expected to grow 7% by 2033.
Biochemist or Biophysicist
These scientists study life at a chemical and physical level, often in labs using advanced tools. The 2023 median salary was $107,460, with demand set to jump 9% by 2033. Independent research usually requires a Ph.D.
Chief Executive
CEOs run companies, set policies, and report to boards. Median pay in 2023 was $206,680, often with bonuses. Job growth is expected to rise 5% by 2033. Many top CEOs hold MBAs.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
These innovators create new tech and improve existing systems. Median 2023 pay was $145,080, with a massive 26% job growth projected by 2033.
Computer and Information Systems Manager (IT Manager)
IT managers oversee tech systems and upgrades. Many employers prefer advanced degrees. Median salary in 2023 was $169,510, with 17% job growth expected.
Computer Hardware Engineer
These engineers design computer equipment. Some jobs require a master’s, and experienced workers may pursue an MBA. Median 2023 pay was $138,080, with 7% job growth projected.
Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze info to guide business decisions. Many employers prefer master’s or Ph.D. holders. Median 2023 salary was $108,020, with demand skyrocketing (36% growth by 2033).
Dentist
Dental school is competitive, and licensing is required. Median 2023 pay was $170,910, with 5% job growth expected.
Economist
Economists research financial trends and policy impacts. Median 2023 salary was $115,730, with 5% job growth projected.
Family Medicine Physician
These doctors build long-term patient relationships. Average 2023 pay was $240,790, with 5% job growth expected.
General Internal Medicine Physician
These doctors diagnose and treat adults. Average 2023 salary was $245,450, with 3% job growth projected.
General Pediatrician
Pediatricians care for kids. Median 2023 pay was $205,860, with 2% job growth expected.
Human Resources Manager
HR managers handle hiring, benefits, and workplace conflicts. Median 2023 salary was $136,350, with 6% job growth projected.
Industrial Production Manager
They optimize manufacturing efficiency and safety. Median 2023 pay was $116,970, with 3% job growth expected.
Information Security Analyst
These experts protect data from cyber threats. Median 2023 salary was $120,360, with 33% explosive job growth projected.
Judge and Hearing Officer
They make legal rulings. Median 2023 pay was $132,950, with 3% job growth expected.
Law Professor
They train future lawyers. Median 2023 salary was $127,360, with 2% job growth projected.
Lawyer
Lawyers work in various specialties (tax, real estate, IP, etc.). Median 2023 pay was $145,760, with 5% job growth expected.
Marine Engineer or Naval Architect
They design ships. Median 2023 salary was $100,270, with 8% job growth projected.
Marketing Manager
They analyze demand and set pricing. Median 2023 pay was $157,620, with 8% job growth expected.
Mathematician
They apply math in fields like engineering. Median 2023 salary was $116,440, with 4% job growth projected.
Medical Scientist
They research diseases and treatments. Median 2023 pay was $100,890, with 11% job growth expected.
Nurse Anesthetist
They administer anesthesia. Median 2023 salary was $212,650, with 10% job growth projected.
Nurse Midwife
They care for women and newborns. Median 2023 pay was $129,650, with 7% job growth expected.
Nurse Practitioner
They diagnose and treat patients. Median 2023 salary was $126,260, with 46% huge job growth projected.
OB-GYN
They focus on women’s health. Average 2023 pay was $278,660, with 3% job growth expected.
Optometrist
They treat vision issues. Median 2023 salary was $131,860, with 9% job growth projected.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
They perform mouth/jaw surgeries. Median 2023 pay was $239,200+, with 3% job growth expected.
Orthodontist
They straighten teeth. Median 2023 salary was $239,200+, with 4% job growth projected.
Orthopedic Surgeon
They perform bone/muscle surgeries. Median 2023 pay was $378,250, with 4% job growth expected.
Pharmacist
They dispense medications. Median 2023 salary was $136,030, with 5% job growth projected.
Physician Assistant
They diagnose and treat patients. Median 2023 pay was $130,020, with 28% job growth expected.
Physicist
They study the universe. Median 2023 salary was $155,680, with 7% job growth projected.
Podiatrist
They treat foot/ankle issues. Median 2023 pay was $141,650, with 1% job growth expected.
Political Scientist
They analyze governments. Median 2023 salary was $132,350, with 3% job growth projected.
Prosthodontist
They restore teeth/gums. Median 2023 pay was $234,000, with 4% job growth expected.
PR or Fundraising Manager
They manage reputations and donations. Median 2023 salary was $130,480, with 7% job growth projected.
Software Developer
They create programs. Median 2023 pay was $132,270, with 18% job growth expected.
Veterinarian
They treat animals. Median 2023 salary was $119,100, with 19% job growth projected.
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Full List of Six-Figure Jobs Requiring a Graduate Degree
(Alphabetical order)
- Anesthesiologist
- Architectural/Engineering Manager
- Astronomer
- Biochemist/Biophysicist
- Chief Executive
- Computer/Info Research Scientist
- Computer/Info Systems Manager
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Dentist
- Economist
- Family Medicine Physician
- General Internal Medicine Physician
- General Pediatrician
- HR Manager
- Industrial Production Manager
- Info Security Analyst
- Judge/Hearing Officer
- Law Professor
- Lawyer
- Marine Engineer/Naval Architect
- Marketing Manager
- Mathematician
- Medical Scientist
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner
- OB-GYN
- Optometrist
- Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Orthodontist
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Pharmacist
- Physician Assistant
- Physicist
- Podiatrist
- Political Scientist
- Prosthodontist
- PR/Fundraising Manager
- Software Developer
- Veterinarian
