Highest Paying Jobs for Graduates Straight Out of College

Drafted Staff

There are a lot of options after graduation. Some people choose to enter the workforce right away, while others opt to continue their education with further studies or an internship. Regardless of your plans after leaving college, you will benefit from taking the time to explore different career options and identify your strengths, interests, and available opportunities. Whether you’re already thinking about your post-graduate plans or still exploring them, it is helpful to know what jobs are out there and what they pay. Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree often face difficulties when trying to find their first job as many employers require at least one year of work experience for entry-level positions. If you’re among those searching for jobs that don’t require experience but offer competitive salaries, we have compiled a list of the highest paying jobs for graduates that require only a bachelor’s degree.

Computer Software Engineers

Computer software engineers design, create, test, and maintain computer programs that either provide specific directions to computers or control machinery. These engineers usually work in an office setting, and many hold an advanced degree in computer science. Computer software engineers who hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science can expect to earn an average annual salary of $104,650. Computer software engineers who have a master’s degree in the field have an average annual salary of $135,620. Computer software engineers with a bachelor’s degree can expect a median base salary of $58,000, which can increase to $95,000 with a 10-year tenure. Computer software engineers with a master’s degree can expect a median base salary of $90,000 with a 10-year tenure and $120,000 with 20 years of experience.

Statisticians

Statisticians use mathematics to solve problems in fields such as psychology, public health, engineering, biology, and business. They might, for example, analyze the results of a survey to help determine the most effective marketing campaign or investigate food-borne illnesses to determine which products should be recalled. Statisticians employed in government agencies must be proficient in writing reports. Those who work in the private sector usually specialize in a specific industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most statisticians with a bachelor’s degree earn an average annual salary of $96,480. People with a master’s degree in statistics have an average annual salary of $116,860. Statisticians with a bachelor’s degree can expect a median base salary of $59,000, which can increase to $93,000 with a 10-year tenure. Statisticians with a master’s degree can expect a median base salary of $110,000 with a 10-year tenure and $140,000 with 20 years of experience.

Accountants

Accountants perform financial calculations for businesses and organizations that need assistance with managing their finances. Accounting is a broad field that encompasses several specialties, such as auditing, tax preparation, and financial analysis. Accountants who specialize in auditing examine financial records to ensure accuracy, while tax preparers work with clients to reduce their tax liability. Financial analysts calculate financial data to identify trends and help businesses make strategic decisions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that accountants with a bachelor’s degrees earn an average annual salary of $69,700. Individuals with a master’s degree in accounting have an average annual salary of $94,970. Accountants with a bachelor’s degree can expect a median base salary of $48,000, which can increase to $69,000 with a 10-year tenure. Accountants with a master’s degree can expect a median base salary of $90,000 with a 10-year tenure and $120,000 with 20 years of experience.

Marketing Managers

Marketing managers oversee the creation and implementation of marketing campaigns. They may coordinate with other departments to develop strategies to increase sales, develop marketing plans, create advertisements, and oversee the distribution of marketing materials. Marketing managers often work in offices, but they may occasionally travel to attend industry conventions or meet with clients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that marketing managers with a bachelor’s degree have an average annual salary of $122,420. People with a master’s degree in marketing have an average annual salary of $135,490. Marketing managers with a bachelor’s degree can expect a median base salary of $83,500, which can increase to $125,000 with a 10-year tenure. Marketing managers with a master’s degree can expect a median base salary of $116,000 with a 10-year tenure and $150,000 with 20 years of experience.

Financial Advisors

Financial advisors assist people with their investment decisions by helping them manage their money, create financial plans, and choose appropriate investment options. They may work in a variety of different fields, such as insurance, stock trading, or real estate, or they may work as financial planners. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial advisors with a bachelor’s degree earn an average annual salary of $92,190. People with a master’s degree in finance have an average annual salary of $109,230. Financial advisors with a bachelor’s degree can expect a median base salary of $70,000, which can increase to $92,000 with a 10-year tenure. Financial advisors with a master’s degree can expect a median base salary of $110,000 with a 10-year tenure and $140,000 with 20 years of experience.

Network Engineers

Network engineers design, maintain, and troubleshoot computer networks for companies and organizations. They may work for a variety of different industries, such as health care, retail, hospitality, or telecommunications. Network engineers who specialize in designing and constructing computer networks for businesses can expect to earn an average annual salary of $101,950. Those who specialize in designing and constructing computer networks for government agencies earn an average annual salary of $107,910. Network engineers who specialize in designing and constructing computer networks for businesses can expect a median base salary of $74,000, which can increase to $101,000 with a 10-year tenure. Network engineers who specialize in designing and constructing computer networks for government agencies can expect a median base salary of $97,000 with a 10-year tenure and $117,000 with 20 years of experience.

Summing up

Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree often face difficulties when trying to find their first job as many employers require at least one year of work experience for entry-level positions. If you’re among those searching for jobs that don’t require experience but offer competitive salaries, we have compiled a list of the highest-paying jobs for graduates that require only a bachelor’s degree. Computer software engineers, statisticians, accountants, marketing managers, financial advisors, and network engineers all offer promising career paths for graduates, and each position pays an average annual salary above $75,000. If you’re still in school, take the time to explore your career options and find out more about potential employers and their hiring practices.

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