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How long does it take to make six figures in these career?
If I go to a good college am I more likely to get a higher paying job?
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11 answers
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
Hi Ayaan,
That’s a great question, and I really admire your focus on long-term goals., but the timeline can vary depending on the field you choose. Careers in engineering, for example, often reach that level faster due to high demand and licensing requirements that add value to your profile. Other fields may take longer, especially if they require advanced degrees or have slower growth paths.
Going to a good college can definitely help, especially if it has strong industry connections, internship opportunities, and a solid reputation in your chosen field. However, success also depends on how you apply yourself: networking, gaining experience, and continuously improving your skills are just as important as the name of the school. A good college can open doors, but your drive and strategy will determine how far and how fast you go.
That’s a great question, and I really admire your focus on long-term goals., but the timeline can vary depending on the field you choose. Careers in engineering, for example, often reach that level faster due to high demand and licensing requirements that add value to your profile. Other fields may take longer, especially if they require advanced degrees or have slower growth paths.
Going to a good college can definitely help, especially if it has strong industry connections, internship opportunities, and a solid reputation in your chosen field. However, success also depends on how you apply yourself: networking, gaining experience, and continuously improving your skills are just as important as the name of the school. A good college can open doors, but your drive and strategy will determine how far and how fast you go.
Updated
Wendy (Uyen)’s Answer
Great question Ayaan. I agree with the advice given so far that attending a highly ranked college can help you slightly earn a higher paying job, but in the end, it's graduating with a degree from a college or university that is the most important. Keep in mind that it's who you're networking with that will help you with the opportunities and drive that get you to the 6-figure salary. It's the impact you make on your team such as your problem-solving skills, good work habits, personal brand, resourcefulness, and overcoming challenges that will guide you to the promotions.
Wishing you all the best on your career journey!
Wishing you all the best on your career journey!
Bruce Lane
I am a CPA and now work in Software Sales with Microsoft.
8
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Bruce’s Answer
That depends on where you start. The national and global accounting firms will certainly be the fastest to eclipsing six figures and that could happen in 2-3 years. It is also dependent to the track that you may choose at some point such as Tax, Consulting, etc.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have a wide variety of interest. If you can do the job good, you can have a good pay.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many related careers, eg accountant, finance manager, financial analyst, banker, marketing, human resources, administration, psychologist, etc. you can find out more relevant careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many related careers, eg accountant, finance manager, financial analyst, banker, marketing, human resources, administration, psychologist, etc. you can find out more relevant careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
SONYA’s Answer
Success is what you make it and practice makes perfect. Earning potential depends on what career you go into. The are different earning statues for different career paths. Education, hard work, and a good work ethic is a sure way of making progress in a company. Constancy and reliable are also some good features to have to ensure growth and financial success.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Ayaan!
“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” — Marie Forleo
I love that you’re already thinking about your long-term earning potential! That mindset alone sets you apart. The time it takes to reach six figures depends on your field, experience, and strategy, but here’s what that journey can look like:
Business:
You can make six figures in business-related positions like marketing, management, or consulting within five to ten years of graduating. An MBA or specialization in in-demand fields like operations, strategy, or data analytics may speed up that timeframe.
Accounting:
Accounting provides a stable and well-defined path. When professionals with the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credential enter business, financial planning, or leadership positions, they often earn six-figure incomes in five to eight years.
Psychology:
Careers in psychology take longer, particularly in clinical or counseling settings, where graduate or doctoral degrees are usually required. Applied researchers or industrial-organizational psychologists can make six figures, eight to twelve years into their careers. However, combining psychology with data science, business, or UX research might lead to higher-paying positions sooner.
About college:
In terms of better networks and internship chances, going to a well-known college can be beneficial. It's not only about where you study, though; it's also about how you use your opportunity. Even more than the college name, employers value initiative, experience, and skills.
Here’s the key:
Make an effort to gain relevant experience as soon as possible; networking, side projects, certifications, and internships all add up over time. When you combine it with consistency, you'll not only earn six figures, but you'll also create a self-sustaining, fulfilling profession.
Best wishes!
“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” — Marie Forleo
I love that you’re already thinking about your long-term earning potential! That mindset alone sets you apart. The time it takes to reach six figures depends on your field, experience, and strategy, but here’s what that journey can look like:
Business:
You can make six figures in business-related positions like marketing, management, or consulting within five to ten years of graduating. An MBA or specialization in in-demand fields like operations, strategy, or data analytics may speed up that timeframe.
Accounting:
Accounting provides a stable and well-defined path. When professionals with the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credential enter business, financial planning, or leadership positions, they often earn six-figure incomes in five to eight years.
Psychology:
Careers in psychology take longer, particularly in clinical or counseling settings, where graduate or doctoral degrees are usually required. Applied researchers or industrial-organizational psychologists can make six figures, eight to twelve years into their careers. However, combining psychology with data science, business, or UX research might lead to higher-paying positions sooner.
About college:
In terms of better networks and internship chances, going to a well-known college can be beneficial. It's not only about where you study, though; it's also about how you use your opportunity. Even more than the college name, employers value initiative, experience, and skills.
Here’s the key:
Make an effort to gain relevant experience as soon as possible; networking, side projects, certifications, and internships all add up over time. When you combine it with consistency, you'll not only earn six figures, but you'll also create a self-sustaining, fulfilling profession.
Best wishes!
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Ayaan,
It is true that it completely depends on the role, industry and location for getting to 100K+ per year. Here's what I would look for in choosing a profession:
You:
- Push yourself to build up your transferrable skills that will remain relevant even as technology changes. Curiosity, love of learning, communication (written and verbal), grit and hustle
- Become fluent in AI. While AI may not be the field you are in, every industry will be transformed by AI. Be fluent
- Know what makes you truly unique and tell your story
- Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for advice or help (like you are doing now!) to learn from people who have come before you in your profession
Your professional choice
- Evaluate if the company you are working for gives equity. This can be another source of income that helps you grow your wealth
- Do your research on roles that are lucrative now and in the future. What positions will not be disrupted by AI or technology?
- Work harder than your peers and constantly be learning -- hard work stands out to managers
- Consider working for yourself. This path may have more challenges in the beginning, but could be lucrative longer term.
Good luck!
It is true that it completely depends on the role, industry and location for getting to 100K+ per year. Here's what I would look for in choosing a profession:
You:
- Push yourself to build up your transferrable skills that will remain relevant even as technology changes. Curiosity, love of learning, communication (written and verbal), grit and hustle
- Become fluent in AI. While AI may not be the field you are in, every industry will be transformed by AI. Be fluent
- Know what makes you truly unique and tell your story
- Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for advice or help (like you are doing now!) to learn from people who have come before you in your profession
Your professional choice
- Evaluate if the company you are working for gives equity. This can be another source of income that helps you grow your wealth
- Do your research on roles that are lucrative now and in the future. What positions will not be disrupted by AI or technology?
- Work harder than your peers and constantly be learning -- hard work stands out to managers
- Consider working for yourself. This path may have more challenges in the beginning, but could be lucrative longer term.
Good luck!
Updated
Bob’s Answer
I attended, on scholarship, a reasonably good city college. A military commitment, after college, also assisted with current college expenses. At the same time, I worked after school. Believe me, I thought every day about how to arrive at a six figure income.
I saw engineering, finance, manufacturing, marketing and law as potential areas of study leading to a six figure income. I chose a business major, with focus upon manufacturing. I pursued an industrial engineering minor.
In today's economy, it would take the equivalent of eight years after college to reach six figures.
Most important however, were the knowledge, skills, experiences, successes and failures that molded me. Those eight years were challenging as well as rewarding.
Success is based upon being curious, innovative, entrepreneurial and applying what you learn to accomplishments.
You have to like what you do and always focus upon learning, risking and growing. The money will take care of itself.
I saw engineering, finance, manufacturing, marketing and law as potential areas of study leading to a six figure income. I chose a business major, with focus upon manufacturing. I pursued an industrial engineering minor.
In today's economy, it would take the equivalent of eight years after college to reach six figures.
Most important however, were the knowledge, skills, experiences, successes and failures that molded me. Those eight years were challenging as well as rewarding.
Success is based upon being curious, innovative, entrepreneurial and applying what you learn to accomplishments.
You have to like what you do and always focus upon learning, risking and growing. The money will take care of itself.
Updated
Najah’s Answer
Going to a “good” college can help — but it’s not the magic key people make it out to be. The degree alone doesn’t do the heavy lifting — experience, network, and how you show up do.
Now, about your three fields:
Business
-You’ll see the biggest payoff from:
*internships
*student org leadership
*networking with alumni
A well-known school can open doors here, especially in consulting, finance, and corporate jobs. But plenty of people from regular state schools out-earn Ivy grads because they built strong networks and stacked experience early.
Psychology
This field is less about undergrad prestige and more about:
*graduate school
*licensing
*practical experience
A psychology bachelor’s is often step one. Your grad program’s reputation + your clinical hours matter way more than your undergrad name.
Accounting
This one is more straightforward. Employers care about:
*passing the CPA
*strong internship history
*reliability + detail orientation
A solid state school with a strong accounting department is just as good as a fancy private school. The CPA equalizes the playing field.
The real game:
-Internships early and often
-Make professors know your name
-Join or lead at least one organization
-Get mentors in your field
-Build a LinkedIn presence that actually shows what you do
These are what raise your starting salary — not just the college logo on your hoodie.
Now, about your three fields:
Business
-You’ll see the biggest payoff from:
*internships
*student org leadership
*networking with alumni
A well-known school can open doors here, especially in consulting, finance, and corporate jobs. But plenty of people from regular state schools out-earn Ivy grads because they built strong networks and stacked experience early.
Psychology
This field is less about undergrad prestige and more about:
*graduate school
*licensing
*practical experience
A psychology bachelor’s is often step one. Your grad program’s reputation + your clinical hours matter way more than your undergrad name.
Accounting
This one is more straightforward. Employers care about:
*passing the CPA
*strong internship history
*reliability + detail orientation
A solid state school with a strong accounting department is just as good as a fancy private school. The CPA equalizes the playing field.
The real game:
-Internships early and often
-Make professors know your name
-Join or lead at least one organization
-Get mentors in your field
-Build a LinkedIn presence that actually shows what you do
These are what raise your starting salary — not just the college logo on your hoodie.
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Hi, Ayana. Fields in Business, Psychology, and Accounting do lead to six-figure salaries.
Location is a strong influence, so this goal is attainable sooner in cities with higher costs of living—such as New York, Manhattan.
Salaries increase with leadership roles, as well as for independent consultants/business owners.
When starting out, your school selection can add to selection process when applying for your first job. As your skills grow, your reputation becomes a more significant factor.
Starting off your career with a large, reputable firm will also give you positive standing for future opportunities.
As you climb in responsibility and rank, so does your salary. Be open to change companies and roles across your career to achieve your goals.
Following this path, expect to achieve your first promotion with leadership responsibilities within 2-3 years. Stay steady for 5 years. 5-7 years of business experience is the minimum for a more senior role. Executive positions can be reached at 10+ years.
Research the average salary ranges for specific companies online. Review the credentials of their leaders on LinkedIn.
Always think with the end in mind. Good luck and best wishes!
Location is a strong influence, so this goal is attainable sooner in cities with higher costs of living—such as New York, Manhattan.
Salaries increase with leadership roles, as well as for independent consultants/business owners.
When starting out, your school selection can add to selection process when applying for your first job. As your skills grow, your reputation becomes a more significant factor.
Starting off your career with a large, reputable firm will also give you positive standing for future opportunities.
As you climb in responsibility and rank, so does your salary. Be open to change companies and roles across your career to achieve your goals.
Following this path, expect to achieve your first promotion with leadership responsibilities within 2-3 years. Stay steady for 5 years. 5-7 years of business experience is the minimum for a more senior role. Executive positions can be reached at 10+ years.
Research the average salary ranges for specific companies online. Review the credentials of their leaders on LinkedIn.
Always think with the end in mind. Good luck and best wishes!
Updated
Wong’s Answer
The time it takes to earn six figures depends on the career you choose and how much experience you have. Some jobs, like software engineering, data science, or investment banking, can offer six-figure salaries if you're working in a big city or at a large company. In fields like medicine or law, it can take longer because you need more schooling and training. For example, doctors often don't start earning six figures until after their residency, which can take about 7–10 years after high school.
Going to a well-known or highly ranked college can help you get a higher paying job, but it's not the only thing that matters. Employers often look at your skills, experience, internships, and how well you do in interviews. However, top colleges usually have strong networks, better job placement services, and more connections with big companies. This can make it easier to get interviews for high-paying jobs. Still, many people from less-known colleges also become very successful by working hard, gaining experience, and learning useful skills. So while a good college can give you an advantage, it's not the only path to a high income. Your effort and choices matter a lot too.
Going to a well-known or highly ranked college can help you get a higher paying job, but it's not the only thing that matters. Employers often look at your skills, experience, internships, and how well you do in interviews. However, top colleges usually have strong networks, better job placement services, and more connections with big companies. This can make it easier to get interviews for high-paying jobs. Still, many people from less-known colleges also become very successful by working hard, gaining experience, and learning useful skills. So while a good college can give you an advantage, it's not the only path to a high income. Your effort and choices matter a lot too.