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What are some majors that make 75k+ for entry level jobs?
I am currently trying to find my major
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Olivia Alford
I am a Strategic Initiatives Manager. My job is related to strategic planning and am a Project Manager.
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Olivia’s Answer
Hi Aaron,
A few majors that can lead to entry-level jobs that pay around $75k or more are in fields like computer science, information technology, engineering, data science, finance, and some business roles. One thing to keep in mind is that pay can depend on where you are located, your experience, and the company that you choose to work for. I think it’s also important to consider choosing a major that matches things you're interested in and your strengths, not just salary, so you can truly feel fulfilled, succeed, and grow in that field.
A few majors that can lead to entry-level jobs that pay around $75k or more are in fields like computer science, information technology, engineering, data science, finance, and some business roles. One thing to keep in mind is that pay can depend on where you are located, your experience, and the company that you choose to work for. I think it’s also important to consider choosing a major that matches things you're interested in and your strengths, not just salary, so you can truly feel fulfilled, succeed, and grow in that field.
Updated
Ibrahim’s Answer
That’s a great question and smart of you to think about salary early while choosing your major.
If your goal is to earn $75k+ right out of college (or close to it), there are a few majors that consistently lead to higher-paying entry-level roles:
Strong options to consider:
- Computer Science / Software Engineering – jobs like software developer, data engineer
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.) – especially in tech, energy, or infrastructure
- Information Technology / Cybersecurity – growing demand, strong starting pay
- Finance / Accounting (top schools or strong internships) – roles like financial analyst
- Data Science / Statistics – high demand for data-related roles
- Nursing (BSN) – especially in certain states or specialties
That said, your major alone doesn’t guarantee a high salary—skills + experience matter just as much.
Here are 2 practical tips:
-Pick a major with strong job demand AND build skills early (internships, projects, certifications). For example, CS + real coding projects = much higher chances of $75k+.
-Research job markets, not just majors. Look at roles you want (like “software engineer” or “data analyst”) and then choose the major that best leads there.
Try to balance what pays well + what you actually enjoy, because you’ll perform better (and earn more) in something you’re motivated to grow in.
You’re asking the right questions. keep exploring and you’ll find a strong path forward.
If your goal is to earn $75k+ right out of college (or close to it), there are a few majors that consistently lead to higher-paying entry-level roles:
Strong options to consider:
- Computer Science / Software Engineering – jobs like software developer, data engineer
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.) – especially in tech, energy, or infrastructure
- Information Technology / Cybersecurity – growing demand, strong starting pay
- Finance / Accounting (top schools or strong internships) – roles like financial analyst
- Data Science / Statistics – high demand for data-related roles
- Nursing (BSN) – especially in certain states or specialties
That said, your major alone doesn’t guarantee a high salary—skills + experience matter just as much.
Here are 2 practical tips:
-Pick a major with strong job demand AND build skills early (internships, projects, certifications). For example, CS + real coding projects = much higher chances of $75k+.
-Research job markets, not just majors. Look at roles you want (like “software engineer” or “data analyst”) and then choose the major that best leads there.
Try to balance what pays well + what you actually enjoy, because you’ll perform better (and earn more) in something you’re motivated to grow in.
You’re asking the right questions. keep exploring and you’ll find a strong path forward.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Aaron,
The highest-earning majors are usually in the STEM field, in healthcare and in business/finance, You can look up job outlooks, average salaries and levels of education from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. I left a link for you below.
Having said that, it's not a good idea to pick your major just by looking at the entry-level salaries. It's one data point, but not the whole picture and, arguably, not even the most important one. You need to make a living for sure, but you also need to have an interest and an aptitude for a job if you don't want to be miserable as a student and definitely when you start working. Also, nobody can tell you what YOUR salary will be in the future. Someone who is good at their job and enjoys it will get the job and keep the job over someone who barely passed and is miserable.
Start by looking at what you are good at and what you are interested in. Should it be something technical? Something where you work with people? Something with languages? Something creatives? Or something totally different?
You also need to look at the ROI and the growth potential in each career and consider if you'd be willing and able to put in the time to get the education that is required. Training to become a physician e.g. takes 10+ years and will put you in serious debt. The earning potential is great though. Are you willing to put in that much time and money? You can become a registered nurse with an associates degree or a bachelors degree (2 or 4 years) on the other hand. They make decent money, but not as much as physicians. Which option would you prefer?
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.bls.gov/bls/occupation.htm
The highest-earning majors are usually in the STEM field, in healthcare and in business/finance, You can look up job outlooks, average salaries and levels of education from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. I left a link for you below.
Having said that, it's not a good idea to pick your major just by looking at the entry-level salaries. It's one data point, but not the whole picture and, arguably, not even the most important one. You need to make a living for sure, but you also need to have an interest and an aptitude for a job if you don't want to be miserable as a student and definitely when you start working. Also, nobody can tell you what YOUR salary will be in the future. Someone who is good at their job and enjoys it will get the job and keep the job over someone who barely passed and is miserable.
Start by looking at what you are good at and what you are interested in. Should it be something technical? Something where you work with people? Something with languages? Something creatives? Or something totally different?
You also need to look at the ROI and the growth potential in each career and consider if you'd be willing and able to put in the time to get the education that is required. Training to become a physician e.g. takes 10+ years and will put you in serious debt. The earning potential is great though. Are you willing to put in that much time and money? You can become a registered nurse with an associates degree or a bachelors degree (2 or 4 years) on the other hand. They make decent money, but not as much as physicians. Which option would you prefer?
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: