Choosing a college major can feel like a huge decision. After all, it sets the stage for your future career, and you want to make sure your investment in education pays off. If financial security is one of your big goals, you might be wondering which degrees lead to high-paying jobs. Luckily, there are several career paths where earning a six-figure salary is not just possible but highly likely—even early in your career.

While no degree can absolutely guarantee a specific income, some fields consistently offer salaries in the six-figure range based on demand, specialized skills, and industry growth. If you’re curious about which degrees can lead to those high-paying roles, keep reading. We’ll break down 10 options to help you decide which path might be right for you.

1. Medicine

Why It Pays

Unsurprisingly, the medical field tops this list. Doctors and surgeons undergo extensive education and training, but their specialized knowledge is a necessity, which drives high earning potential.

Jobs and Earning Potential

Physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals earn salaries well into the six figures once they’ve completed their residencies. For example, anesthesiologists average well over $200,000 per year.

Is It Right for You?

Becoming a doctor is a long and challenging road, including a bachelor’s degree, medical school, and years of residency training. However, for those passionate about saving lives and improving health, it’s an incredibly rewarding career both financially and personally.

2. Engineering

Why It Pays

Engineering degrees create problem-solvers who can design, innovate, and improve systems across nearly every industry. This versatility makes engineers highly valuable and well-compensated.

Jobs and Earning Potential

Some of the highest-paying engineering fields include petroleum engineering, electrical engineering, and aerospace engineering. Entry-level petroleum engineers, for example, can earn upwards of $100,000 right out of college.

Is It Right for You?

An aptitude for math, science, and design is key to succeeding in this field. If you love tackling complex problems and working hands-on, studying engineering could pay off in a big way.

3. Computer Science

Why It Pays

We live in a tech-driven world, so it’s no surprise that computer science degrees are in high demand. Nearly all industries rely on technology, creating endless opportunities for computer science graduates.

Jobs and Earning Potential

Career options include software development, cybersecurity, AI, and data science. Many senior-level roles, like software architects or machine learning engineers, earn six figures or more.

Is It Right for You?

If you’re interested in coding, algorithms, and innovation, computer science offers a lucrative path. The best part? Many tech jobs allow flexible schedules or remote work.

4. Business Administration (MBA)

Why It Pays

A Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) is solid, but earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) takes your earning potential to the next level. Business leaders with MBAs are in high demand to manage teams, analyze markets, and grow companies.

Jobs and Earning Potential

MBAs can lead to roles like management consulting, financial advising, and executive positions. Salaries for top-level managers and consultants often start in the $120,000 range and climb higher with experience.

Is It Right for You?

If you’re a natural leader and enjoy strategizing, problem-solving, and working in a corporate environment, pursuing an MBA could be a wise investment.

5. Pharmacy

Why It Pays

Pharmacists play a critical role in healthcare by ensuring that patients receive the right medications. Their specialized knowledge is essential, especially as modern medicine grows more complex.

Jobs and Earning Potential

The average salary for a pharmacist hovers around $120,000. It’s a steady and secure career, with opportunities in hospitals, retail stores, and pharmaceutical research.

Is It Right for You?

The path to becoming a pharmacist includes plenty of science coursework and earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. It’s ideal for people who enjoy both science and helping others.

6. Law

Why It Pays

Lawyers provide critical guidance and expertise on complex legal issues. The value of their advice makes this one of the highest-paying professions.

Jobs and Earning Potential

Corporate lawyers, intellectual property lawyers, and trial attorneys can earn salaries starting at six figures, with top earners making well over $200,000 annually.

Is It Right for You?

To succeed in law, you’ll need sharp analytical skills, strong writing abilities, and a knack for public speaking. After completing college and law school, you’ll also need to pass the bar exam.

7. Economics

Why It Pays

An economics degree teaches you to analyze markets, trends, and financial systems. These skills are incredibly valuable in industries ranging from finance to public policy.

Jobs and Earning Potential

Economists, financial analysts, and actuaries often start with salaries near $70,000 but quickly advance to earn six figures as their experience grows.

Is It Right for You?

If you’re fascinated by how money and markets work, economics is a great choice. Bonus points if you have strong math and data analysis skills.

8. Nursing (Advanced Practice)

Why It Pays

Registered nurses are essential, but pursuing an advanced degree like a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) can significantly boost your income.

Jobs and Earning Potential

CRNAs, in particular, are some of the highest-paid nurses, with salaries often exceeding $180,000. Nurse practitioners typically earn between $100,000 and $140,000, depending on specialization.

Is It Right for You?

If you’re passionate about healthcare but want to grow beyond bedside nursing, advanced degrees in nursing can open up exciting (and lucrative) career paths.

9. Architecture

Why It Pays

Architects combine creativity with technical expertise to design homes, buildings, and public spaces. Their work literally shapes the world around us.

Jobs and Earning Potential

Experienced architects often earn six-figure salaries, especially if they specialize in areas like sustainable design or urban planning.

Is It Right for You?

Architecture requires a blend of artistic skill and technical knowledge, as well as a deep understanding of mathematics. If you’re passionate about design and construction, it may be a perfect fit.

10. Aviation

Why It Pays

Becoming a pilot comes with big responsibilities, but it also comes with high earnings. Commercial pilots and airline captains are highly skilled professionals who make six-figure salaries thanks to their expertise.

Jobs and Earning Potential

Airline pilots often start their careers earning $80,000 and quickly progress to six figures after a few years. Senior captains can earn well over $200,000 annually.

Is It Right for You?

If you’re drawn to flying and have a knack for technology, aviation could be your dream career. Training programs are rigorous, but the rewards are worth it.