Study Reveals Which College Majors Lead to Six-Figure Salaries
A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals that graduates who major in STEM fields are the most likely to secure six-figure salaries — reinforcing the payoff of certain degrees amid rising skepticism about the value of college.
Why This Matters
With college costs at all-time highs and student loan debt weighing down millions of Americans, many are questioning whether a four-year degree is still worth it. But the data shows that selecting the right major can make all the difference.
According to the study, computer science, engineering, and math-based majors top the list for earning potential — often starting above $80,000 and reaching well into six figures by mid-career.
Key Findings
The New York Fed analyzed early and mid-career median salaries across 73 college majors. Here’s what they found:
Top Majors for Early-Career Salaries
- Computer Science: $80,000
- Computer Engineering: $80,000
- Chemical Engineering: $80,000
- Electrical Engineering: $78,000
- Industrial Engineering: $76,000
- Aerospace Engineering: $76,000
- Mechanical Engineering: $75,000
- Civil Engineering: $71,000
- Physics: $70,000
- Misc. Engineering Fields: $70,000
Top Majors for Mid-Career Salaries
- Aerospace Engineering: $125,000
- Computer Engineering: $122,000
- Electrical Engineering: $120,000
- Chemical Engineering: $120,000
- Mechanical Engineering: $115,000
- Computer Science: $115,000
- Finance: $110,000
- Economics: $110,000
- Industrial Engineering: $108,000
- Misc. Engineering Fields: $108,000
Lowest-Paying Majors
At the other end of the spectrum, education degrees bring in the lowest earnings. The median mid-career salary for early childhood education majors is just $49,000.
What Experts Are Saying
“It’s all about demand,” said Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group. “Engineering, computer science, and business salaries are rising because the market warrants it. Meanwhile, majors like social sciences and communications are experiencing a drop, likely due to oversupply.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, echoed that view, saying, “These fields have been in expansion mode for decades. There are more jobs than qualified workers, which pushes salaries higher.”
What’s Next?
As the job market continues to reward technical and quantitative skills, students aiming for high incomes may increasingly pursue STEM degrees. Meanwhile, graduates in lower-paying fields may need to acquire additional skills or credentials to remain competitive.
At the same time, some employers — especially in tech — are moving away from strict degree requirements altogether, choosing instead to focus on skills, certifications, and experience.