Highest-Paying Careers Requiring a Bachelor’s Degree

Chief executives set the overall goals and direction for companies in a variety of industries. They manage company operations, create and implement policies, and track the organization's goals. Chief executives often work with other executives to manage a company. Many chief executives hold a bachelor's degree and significant work experience in their industry, though some hold an MBA.

Computer and information systems managers, also known as IT managers, direct an organization's computer systems to help the organization reach its goals. They maintain computer hardware and software, oversee the security of the organization's networks, and determine the costs and benefits of new projects. They also oversee IT professionals, such as computer systems analysts, software developers, and information security analysts.

Architectural and engineering managers direct and oversee activities for architectural and engineering companies. They create plans for new products and designs, determine staff and equipment needs, and propose budgets for projects. Architectural and engineering managers also manage staff, reviewing the technical accuracy of their work, and lead research and development projects to create new designs and products. They typically coordinate with other managers and staff.

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers operate aircraft during takeoff, landing, and flight. They check an aircraft's condition before and after a flight, submit flight plans to air traffic control, and track weather conditions. They also monitor engines and fuel consumption while responding to changing conditions. Flight engineers often work for the military or on commercial flights to repair mechanical issues.

Petroleum engineers devise methods for extracting natural resources, like oil and gas, from underground deposits. They design equipment to extract natural resources from onshore and offshore reserves and create plans to drill in oil fields and recover resources. In established wells, petroleum engineers find new ways to extract oil and gas, including injecting chemicals and gasses into the oil reserve. They also evaluate the production of oil and gas wells through tests and analyses.

Marketing managers determine the demand for products and services to help organizations increase profits. They create pricing strategies based on their analysis and conduct research on customer satisfaction and product demand. Marketing managers also monitor trends to identify opportunities to create a new product or service. They oversee marketing staff and often work with advertising managers, art directors, and other managers.

Financial managers oversee an organization's financial health. They create financial reports, develop long-term plans to reach an organization's financial goals, and direct investment strategies. Financial managers also analyze company financial reports to identify cost reductions and monitor financial transactions to ensure they meet legal requirements. Additionally, they supervise employees tasked with reporting financial information and budgeting. As managers, they report to executives to help make financial decisions.

Sales managers oversee an organization's sales team. They determine sales goals, create training programs for sales representatives, and analyze data. They also create budgets, approve expenditures, and analyze sales statistics and customer demand. Additionally, sales managers project future sales and analyze data on the profitability of products and services. Sales professionals often need several years of sales experience before assuming managerial roles.

Natural sciences managers oversee the work of scientists in organizations. They may manage chemists, physicists, or biologists, depending on the field. Natural science managers direct research and development activities, including testing, quality control, and production, and establish and implement administrative policies and standards. They also work with executives to develop goals, create project budgets, and evaluate scientists and technicians.

Compensation and benefits managers oversee programs that compensate employees. They set an organization's pay and benefits structure, determine competitive wage rates, and oversee the distribution of pay and benefits to employees. They also select outside partners to offer benefits, like benefits vendors and insurance brokers, and ensure pay and benefits plans follow federal and state regulations.

Purchasing managers oversee an organization's products and services purchases. They create procurement policies, manage buyers and purchasing agents, and enforce ethical guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest. They also evaluate and coordinate with suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage an organization's most complex procurement tasks. Most purchasing managers bring several years of experience as a buyer or purchasing agent to this bachelor's degree job.

Advertising and promotion managers help promote a product or service for an organization. Advertising managers create advertising campaigns for clients and oversee sales staff and advertising specialists. They also act as a liaison between clients and the advertising team. Promotions managers direct promotional advertising campaigns, such as discounts, sales, and contests. They use methods like direct mail, online advertisements, and special events to target customers.

Aerospace engineers design aircraft, missiles, satellites, and spacecraft. They create prototypes to test designs and coordinate the manufacturing of aircraft and aerospace products. Aerospace engineers also review proposals and evaluate designs to ensure they meet environmental regulations. When aerospace products malfunction, aerospace engineers identify the problem and possible solutions. Aerospace engineer ranks as one of the highest-paying careers for graduates with a bachelor's degree.

Public relations managers represent organizations in media appearances, develop corporate images, and ensure advertising programs fit an organization's public image. They also manage public relations specialists. Fundraising managers carry out fundraising strategies while planning events and meeting with donors. Both roles rank among the highest-paying bachelor's degrees.

Computer hardware engineers research and test computer systems, networks, routers, and other computer components. They design new computer hardware and test and analyze their designs. They also oversee the computer hardware manufacturing process. Several industries rely on computer hardware engineers, including car manufacturing, healthcare, and home appliance manufacturing. As one of the highest-paying bachelor's degrees, computer hardware engineers earn above-average salaries.

Human resources managers oversee an organization's administrative functions. They serve as a liaison between an organization's management and employees, overseeing benefits programs, handling staffing issues like disputes and disciplinary procedures, and advising managers on human resources issues. They also manage the recruiting and interviewing of job applicants.

Training and development managers plan and direct programs that build employees' knowledge and skills. They assess an organization's needs for training, ensure training aligns with an organization's strategic goals, and implement training resources. After conducting training programs, training and development managers assess the program's effectiveness and make changes as needed. The role ranks as one of the highest-paying careers for graduates with a bachelor's degree.

Software developers who specialize in systems software design the systems that allow computers, cell phones, cars, and other consumer electronics to function. They create operating systems and design custom systems for organizations after conducting research on user needs. Systems software developers also build the system's interface.

Computer network architects design cloud infrastructure and data communication networks for organizations, including connections between two offices or enterprise-level networks. They focus on designing networks that meet an organization's business plan and help the organization reach its goals. After implementing a network, computer network architects maintain the network and upgrade supporting hardware and software as needed.

Nuclear engineers may work for a variety of industries, designing nuclear energy and radiation processes, instruments, and systems. They identify industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials, including medical equipment and power sources. They also research and test methods of using nuclear material. In nuclear power plants, nuclear engineers create operational instructions and direct maintenance activities. These engineers monitor nuclear facilities to identify safety violations and examine nuclear accidents to design preventative measures.

Managers in every industry oversee an organization's staff. They set long-term goals for their division and determine how to meet those goals. Managers also evaluate staff performance, create procedures to increase efficiency, and design strategic plans for their division based on analysis. Managers can work in diverse fields, like government, education, healthcare, and technology.

Physical scientists conduct research and analyze data. These professionals include chemists, environmental scientists, and geoscientists. Physicists, hydrologists, and materials scientists also work as physical scientists. Many physical scientists work in scientific research and development, identifying industrial or governmental applications for physical science. They may work in laboratories or in the field, attempting to solve real-world problems through research.

Chemical engineers solve problems involving the production of chemicals, fuel, food, and other products. Drawing on chemical principles, they design processes and equipment to manufacture and test products. They also develop manufacturing processes and plan the layout of manufacturing equipment. During the production process, chemical engineers conduct tests and monitor equipment performance. They also ensure compliance with government safety and environmental regulations.

Applications software developers design computer applications, such as word processors, financial software, and games. They may create custom software for organizations, such as database software or commercial software. Before designing an application, software developers analyze user needs and develop software to meet those needs. They conduct tests and update the application regularly so it functions as intended.

Industrial production managers plan and direct the daily operations of manufacturing plants. They oversee the manufacturing process and identify the best methods to reach production goals. They also hire and train workers and regularly evaluate their performance. Additionally, industrial production managers analyze production data to write reports and identify potential production process improvements.

Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess the financial costs of risks and help businesses design policies that minimize those costs. They compile statistical data and estimate the likely economic cost of events such as a natural disaster, accident, or illness. They also design and test insurance policies and test investments and pension plans to minimize risk and maximize profits.

Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment and systems for industrial, medical, commercial, and scientific uses. They analyze customer needs and plan electronic equipment to meet those needs. Electronics engineers may conduct research and design equipment for fields like aviation, computing, manufacturing, and transportation.

Sales engineers sell scientific and technological products and services to businesses. As engineers, they bring knowledge of products' functions and services, including the scientific processes behind the products. They conduct technical presentations to explain a product or service, assess customer equipment needs, and work with sales teams to offer sales support. Sales engineers also recommend upgrades to customers.

General and operations managers direct and coordinate an organization's operations. They formulate an organization's policies, manage daily operations, and plan the use of human and material resources. General and operations managers also set long-term goals and develop policies to meet those goals. They oversee a team of staff, including other managers, to achieve the organization's objectives. Depending on the organization, general and operations managers may work to increase profits, improve services, or increase efficiency.

Materials scientists research the structures and chemical properties of different materials, including metal, glass, plastic, and rubber. They identify ways to strengthen materials and develop new materials that meet specific requirements. For example, a glass scientist might develop a new method for producing glass that decreases costs. Some materials scientists work with semiconductors or nanomaterials.

Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, oversee medical and health services. They may plan and direct clinical departments, medical practices, or healthcare facilities. They set goals and objectives to improve the quality of healthcare services and recruit and supervise staff members. Medical and health services managers rank among the highest-paid bachelor's degree jobs in healthcare.

Information security analysts plan and implement security measures that protect an organization's computer systems and networks. They monitor networks for security breaches and conduct investigations after a breach. They also protect systems with firewalls and data encryption programs and conduct penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities. Additionally, information security analysts create security standards for an organization, including recommending security enhancements.

Engineers use science and math to solve real-world problems. They collect data, design new products, and identify uses for materials. Engineers can specialize in many areas, including aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, and computer hardware engineering. In these fields, engineers apply mathematical and scientific principles to design and test products. An engineering degree ranks among the highest-paying bachelor's degrees.

Electrical engineers design and develop electrical equipment, such as navigation systems, communication systems, electric motors, and power generation equipment. After conducting research, electrical engineers create manufacturing and construction standards based on that research. They also design new methods for using electrical power and improving current electrical equipment. Additionally, electrical engineers evaluate electrical equipment problems and develop solutions.

Administrative services managers oversee an organization's supportive services. They maintain facilities and monitor activities like recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office upkeep. Administrative services managers also oversee clerical and administrative personnel and set goals for their department. They monitor the maintenance and repair of equipment and office systems while ensuring that facilities meet health and safety standards.

Atmospheric and space scientists investigate and interpret atmospheric data. They collect data from meteorological stations, satellites, and radars to create weather forecasts. Atmospheric and space scientists also investigate atmospheric phenomena and conduct investigations after a weather event. These professionals include forecasters and meteorologists who present weather information for public use.

Construction managers plan and oversee construction projects from the earliest phases to completion. Before beginning construction, they review plans to prepare cost estimates and create budgets. During construction, they oversee workers and report progress to clients. Also known as general contractors, construction managers work with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to build a project. They must comply with building and safety codes and address any work delays or problems.

Art directors create the visual style of magazines, newspapers, and media productions. They oversee graphic designers and production artists and work with clients to determine how to visually represent a concept. They create mockups with design elements and develop the style of the final product. When graphic designers create layouts, art directors review and approve their work.

Marine engineers and naval architects design and build ships, including military vessels like aircraft carriers and submarines. They create ship layouts and schematics, conduct performance tests on equipment, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. Marine engineers design a ship's internal systems, including electrical and propulsion systems, while naval architects create stable and safe hulls to design ships.

Materials engineers test the materials used in products like computer chips, aircraft, and medical devices. They develop products, create new materials, and plan and oversee projects. During a project, they supervise technologists and technicians while monitoring the production process. If a product fails, materials engineers determine the cause of the failure and identify solutions. They also monitor the performance of materials and evaluate their deterioration.

Mining and geological engineers design mines and ensure mines meet safety standards while efficiently removing manufacturing minerals, like coal and precious metals. Mining and geological engineers also supervise mine construction, devise methods to transport minerals, and prepare technical reports for miners. During mining operations, they monitor production and measure the effectiveness of the operation. Mining and geological engineers also develop solutions to problems like sustainability and pollution.

Computer occupations include web administrators, database architects, business intelligence analysts, and video game designers. In these fields, professionals apply technical training to manage websites, analyze data, and oversee information technology projects. Video game designers, for example, create and test video games, while web administrators perform testing and quality assurance for websites.

Database administrators store and organize data for organizations. They identify users' needs to create databases and prevent data loss by backing up and restoring data. Their databases may contain financial information, customer records, and other private data that they secure against unauthorized access. Database administrators also monitor databases for breaches and ensure databases operate efficiently. When organizations upgrade their databases, database administrators merge the old databases with the new databases.

Health and safety engineers design systems that protect people from injuries and illnesses. They also create machinery and equipment that protects property from damage. They review plans to ensure machinery and equipment meet safety requirements and identify potential hazards. Health and safety engineers also evaluate industrial control mechanisms to ensure their effectiveness. They may work in fields like software, machinery, or consumer manufacturing.

Personal financial advisors help people manage their savings and make investment decisions. They give advice on issues like insurance, savings vehicles, taxes, and retirement planning, advising clients on the best ways to meet their financial goals. They also recommend investment opportunities and help clients plan for school costs or retirement. Additionally, personal financial advisors create investment reports that track the performance of client accounts.

Computer systems analysts, also known as systems architects, create computing solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently. They work with managers to determine IT needs and research potential improvements. They also analyze the costs and benefits of new IT systems and infrastructures. Computer systems analysts design new systems and oversee the installation and configuration of customized systems.

Biomedical engineers design and create computer systems and software in healthcare. They also create medical equipment and devices like artificial internal organs and machines that diagnose medical conditions. After designing biomedical equipment, biomedical engineers test, maintain, and repair that equipment. They also train healthcare professionals on the use of biomedical equipment and provide technical support. Many biomedical engineers conduct research and present their findings in research papers and presentations.

Environmental engineers create solutions to environmental problems to improve public health. Based on scientific data and quality control checks, environmental engineers recommend procedures to improve environmental conditions or clean up contaminated sites. Environmental engineers can specialize in areas like waste disposal, recycling, or pollution control.

Mechanical engineers research and develop mechanical and thermal devices, including engines, machines, and tools. They begin by analyzing a problem that mechanical engineering methods can solve before designing a device or subsystem to improve it. After creating a prototype, mechanical engineers conduct tests and analyze the results to modify the design. When equipment fails, mechanical engineers conduct an investigation and recommend solutions. Mechanical engineers also oversee mechanical and thermal device manufacturing processes.