[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s degree is a big commitment. While [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/”]online master’s programs[/hen-ui-link] make it easier than ever to earn a graduate degree, they still require time, dedication, and a serious financial investment. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your master’s degree aligns with your goals and strategically positions you for a high-paying career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree can be a key credential to enter fast-growing industries that offer high salaries. Professionals in the following fields earn 50%-200% more than the national average. Here are the 10 highest-paying master’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base uppercase” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Reality Check: Why Do People Get a Graduate Degree?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many people get graduate degrees to advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Additionally, specific career paths require a master’s degree. For example, nurse practitioners, statisticians, and computer and information research scientists need master’s degrees to qualify for jobs.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Highest-Paying Master’s Degrees?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest-paying fields that require graduate-level study are nursing, healthcare, math, computer science, psychology, and the social sciences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following occupations reported a median annual salary of over $100,000 in 2023, well above the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_nat.htm” target=”_blank”]national median salary of $48,070[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]10 Highest-Paying Careers With a Master’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Growth (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#industrial-organizational”]Industrial-Organizational Psychologists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm” target=”_blank”]$147,420[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]Faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#computer-and-information-research-scientists”]Computer and Information Research Scientists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm” target=”_blank”]$145,080[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]Much faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#political-scientists”]Political Scientists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm” target=”_blank”]$132,350[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]As fast as average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#physician-assistants”]Physician Assistants[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm” target=”_blank”]$130,020[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]Much faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#nurse-midwives”]Nurse Midwives[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]$129,650[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]Faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#nurse-practitioners”]Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]$126,260[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]Much faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#mathematicians”]Mathematicians[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]$116,440[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]As fast as average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#economists”]Economists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm” target=”_blank”]$115,730[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]As fast as average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#statisticians”]Statisticians[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]$104,110[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]Much faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#education-administrators”]Education Administrators (K-12)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes119032.htm” target=”_blank”]$103,460[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”]In decline[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]
Source: BLS *Average growth rate is 4% (2023-2033)
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”industrial-organizational”]1. Industrial-Organizational Psychologists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text]$147,420[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 7%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program: [/hen-ui-text]Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an industrial-organizational psychologist, you can help create safe, productive workplaces. Your responsibilities may include improving job performance, negotiating salaries, resolving conflicts, and creating a more inclusive work environment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reported that students who graduated in 2023 with a master’s in psychology earned an average [hen-ui-link href=”https://naceweb.org/job-market/graduate-outcomes/first-destination/class-of-2023/interactive-dashboard” target=”_blank”]starting salary of $60,300[/hen-ui-link]; however, there’s plenty of room for growth and higher earnings. The BLS reports that in 2023, the top 10% of industrial-organizational psychologists earned an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes193032.htm” target=”_blank”]estimated annual salary of $219,810[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”computer-and-information-research-scientists”]2. Computer and Information Research Scientists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text]$145,080[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 26%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-computer-science/”]Master’s in Computer Science[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have an aptitude for technology and want to earn a high wage after graduation, getting your master’s in computer science could be a great option. NACE reports that graduates of computer and information science master’s programs earned an average starting salary of $114,140 in 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer scientists develop and implement new ways to utilize technology for innovative solutions. In this role, you could study and solve complex computing problems for businesses in fields like science, medicine, and finance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”political-scientists”]3. Political Scientists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text]$132,350[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 3%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program: [/hen-ui-text]Master’s in Political Science[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Political scientists evaluate the effects of policies and laws on government, businesses, and people. In this role, you may conduct research in areas such as national politics, comparative politics, international relations, and economic and social trends.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NACE reports that in 2023, graduates of political science master’s programs earned an average starting salary of $55,050, while the BLS reports that the top 10% of earners saw an estimated [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes193094.htm” target=”_blank”]salary of $183,500[/hen-ui-link] that year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”physician-assistants”]4. Physician Assistants[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text]$130,020[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 28%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many professionals who want to work with patients without the cost and time required to become a doctor opt to become physician assistants. In this role, you’ll work closely with physicians to examine, diagnose, and treat patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that for physician assistants in 2023, the bottom 10% of earners had an estimated [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291071.htm” target=”_blank”]salary of $86,280[/hen-ui-link], while the top 10% earned an estimated $170,790.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”nurse-midwives”]5. Nurse Midwives[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text]$129,650[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 40%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-nurse-practitioner/”]Master’s in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (with a midwifery specialization)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse midwives provide specialized care for women, including gynecological exams, family planning, primary maternity care, and prenatal care. As a nurse midwife, you could deliver babies, manage emergency labor situations, repair lacerations, and provide surgical assistance to physicians during cesarean births.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a median annual wage nearly three times the median annual wage for all occupations in the U.S., nurse midwives can earn a competitive salary. The BLS reports that for nurse midwives, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]top 10% of earners made $211,820[/hen-ui-link] in 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”nurse-practitioners”]6. Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text]$126,260[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 40%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-nurse-practitioner/”]Master’s in Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners can be primary or specialty care providers for families and patients of all ages. Their responsibilities may include assessment, healthcare management, and integrating changes into a patient’s life. They can also specialize in certain patient groups, such as geriatric, pediatric, or psychiatric health.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291171.htm” target=”_blank”]top 25% of nurse practitioners earned an estimated $140,610[/hen-ui-link] in 2023, while the top 10% earned an estimated $168,030.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”mathematicians”]7. Mathematicians[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text]$116,440[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 11%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program: [/hen-ui-text]Master’s in Mathematics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you love working with numbers, a master’s in mathematics can open the door to a variety of high-paying careers in business, engineering, science, and other fields. As a mathematician, you could design surveys, work with data, or build mathematical models.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to NACE, the mean starting salary for graduates of mathematics master’s programs is $84,750 as of 2023, which is significantly higher than the national mean wage of $65,470.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”economists”]8. Economists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text]$115,730[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 5%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-economics/”]Master’s in Economics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Economists work to evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy through research and data. As an economist, you can advise businesses, governments, nonprofits, and individuals on fiscal policy or other economic issues.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NACE reports that graduates with a master’s in economics earned an average starting salary of $76,600 in 2023. Meanwhile, the BLS reports that of economists, the top [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes193011.htm” target=”_blank”]10% of earners saw an estimated salary of $216,900[/hen-ui-link] in 2023, which suggests experience can lead to far higher earnings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”statisticians”]9. Statisticians[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023):[/hen-ui-text] $104,100[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 11%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-data-science/”]Master’s in Data Science[/hen-ui-link] or Statistics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Statisticians work with numbers, datasets, and probability to solve problems in government, healthcare, and business. As a statistician, you will interpret data and communicate analyses to technical and non-technical audiences. Some statisticians also work in academia as researchers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NACE reports that graduates of statistics master’s programs earned an average starting salary of $87,490 in 2023, and those who studied applied statistics saw an average starting salary of $83,750.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”education-administrators”]10. Education Administrators (K-12)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023):[/hen-ui-text] $103,460[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] -1%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-educational-administration/”]Master’s in Education Administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education administrators are the backbone of school systems. They oversee daily operations, create safe environments conducive to learning, and ensure teachers and students are well supported. This leadership role requires strong organization and communication skills, but if you’re passionate about education, you can make a real impact in this career.While employment for K-12 education administrators is projected to decline slightly in the coming years, these professionals earn median six-figure salaries, and the highest 10% of earners made more than $160,000 in 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other High-Paying Jobs You Can Get With a Master’s Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most of the highest-paying careers are in healthcare, science, and mathematics, there are plenty of high-paying careers in other areas, especially in the field of social sciences. The four careers below just missed the cutoff for the highest-paying careers:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Administrators (Postsecondary): [/hen-ui-text]$102,610 (2023 median annual salary)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a postsecondary education administrator is one path to earning a high salary while making a meaningful impact on college students’ lives. For this career, you’ll most often need a master’s degree in a field like education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Sociologists: [/hen-ui-text]$101,770 (2023 median annual salary)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s in sociology, you could work as a sociologist, studying groups, cultures, and social institutions and developing strategies to solve social problems. You may need to earn a Ph.D. for some positions after gaining relevant work experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Occupational Therapists: [/hen-ui-text]$96,370 (2023 median annual salary)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s in occupational therapy, you could help people overcome physical, emotional, and social challenges and develop skills that promote independence.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: [/hen-ui-text]$96,100 (2023 median annual salary)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s in clinical psychology or counseling, you could pursue the relevant state licensure to become a clinical or counseling psychologist. The BLS reports that the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes193033.htm” target=”_blank”]top 25% earned an estimated annual salary of $129,020[/hen-ui-link] in 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Highest-Paying Master’s Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a master’s degree worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, a master’s degree can be worth it, depending on your professional and financial goals. Many high-paying careers require a master’s degree, and while earnings vary significantly depending on factors like your career, industry, and work experience, a master’s degree can increase your lifetime earning potential. According to the BLS, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm” target=”_blank”]median weekly earnings[/hen-ui-link] for bachelor’s degree-holders was $1,493 in 2023, while the median for master’s degree-holders was $1,737, a difference of more than $12,000 over a year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many Americans have a master’s degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/educational-attainment.html” target=”_blank”]U.S. Census Bureau[/hen-ui-link] reports that approximately 24.1 million Americans held a master’s degree as their highest degree in 2021.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Census Bureau also reports that the number of people ages 25 and over with a master’s degree increased by 50.2% from 2011-2021.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a master’s a graduate degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, a master’s degree is a graduate degree. Generally, after earning a bachelor’s degree you’re eligible to pursue a graduate degree such as a master’s degree or doctorate. Some master’s programs allow you to pursue dual master’s degrees or combine your master’s coursework with a Ph.D. program to earn additional graduate degrees faster.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,905,9101″][/hen-ui-article-row]