When choosing a degree, the earning potential in the career it leads to is an important factor to consider. The list below provides information on some of the highest-paying master’s degrees in the US. It considers average tuition costs, average graduate salaries, and what percentage of graduates end up with jobs in their field.
When making weighing the options, it is important to recognize that the degrees that are more expensive in the beginning can result in more earning potential over time. Choosing a degree that will help you earn more money in the future is an important decision.
As a reminder, a master’s degree is a postgraduate academic degree, typically taking one to two years to complete after a bachelor’s degree is earned. Completing a master’s degree is also the first step toward earning a Ph.D. Some of the most popular master’s degrees are MBA (Master of Business Administration), MS (Master of Science), MSW (Master of Social Work), MFA (Master of Fine Arts), MPA (Master of Public Administration), and MA (Master of Arts). As our list will show, the highest paying master’s degrees are usually in the engineering, finance, and computer science fields.
Master’s Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
MethodologyThese rankings are based on the highest ROI (return on investment) for master’s degrees. The rankings below represent the highest-paying master’s degrees.
Data was gathered from BLS.gov and Payscale.
30 Highest Paying Masters Degrees
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
$183,580
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) operates medical equipment and administers anesthesia in operating rooms. CRNAs work in medical settings, such as hospitals and surgical centers, among others.
CRNAs are nurses who have earned a master’s degree in nursing and have completed a one-year clinical anesthesia program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
2. Information Systems
$151,150
Information systems is an area that requires a high IQ and a great deal of information-processing and computer programming abilities. To get into these professions, one must first have a bachelor’s degree.
In order to be eligible for a system administration master’s degree program, one has either to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or at least 24 credits out of computer science courses.
3. Information Technology Management
$151,150
Information technology management is a constantly evolving field, with new technologies always developing to tackle emerging issues. This degree program covers computer science, law, economics, business, and information systems.
A master’s degree in Information Technology Management can benefit people by enabling them to increase their salary quickly in their careers. Students will enhance their familiarity with information security, project management, and other skills that help IT professionals outshine their peers in today’s swiftly expanding job market.
4. Engineering Management
$149,530
Engineering managers are responsible for the technical and administrative details of all kinds of engineering projects.
The Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree is an international professional degree program that provides engineering managers with the knowledge, abilities, and competencies necessary to manage complex engineering projects.
5. Architectural Engineering
$149,530
Typically, architectural engineering degrees prepare students for careers in the areas of design and construction of buildings. It incorporates both the technical and creative areas of buildings.
Students can select from several areas of specialty, including sustainable design and construction, building systems, building information modeling (BIM), healthcare facilities, or transportation systems.
6. Marketing and International Business
$142,170
Marketing and international business are dedicated to the buying and selling of goods and services in the global marketplace.
The degree focuses on teaching students about global marketing factors, such as the composition of international cultures and multiple laws, regulations, economies, and political factors. Programs with Master’s degrees in marketing and international business have been created to teach students about the international environment from a business viewpoint.
7. Marketing Management
$141,490
Marketing management is a developing field with many job opportunities. Marketing managers are needed in all industries, from financial to health care businesses, because of their skills in analyzing potential consumers and developing marketing strategies to satisfy their needs.
Marketing management is an MBA program specialty that teaches students how to monitor and execute marketing programs. Students will learn how to plan, research, execute, and analyze marketing campaigns. The coursework addresses promotions, distribution channels, branding, pricing, and customer relations.
8. Natural Science
$137,940
Natural Science degree programs are intended to give pupils basic knowledge to help them be able to pursue careers in scientific research, business, or any relevant field that requires advanced knowledge of the natural sciences.
A major in Natural Science typically has four semesters. The courses can include astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. The specific classes may vary depending upon the college or university and the emphasis of study.
9. Petroleum Engineering
$137,330
Petroleum engineering uses the principles of mathematics and geology to find and extract petroleum from under the earth’s surface.
Students who receive a master’s degree in petroleum engineering go on to excel in a variety of industries, such as research and development in oil and natural gas production and exploration, petrochemical production, oil and natural gas refining, energy conservation, and environmental protection.
10. International Business
$134,180
International Business utilizes a thorough understanding of other countries’ cultures and environments. It demands familiarity with how businesses function and interact in the United States and throughout the world.
An international business master’s degree is a two-year postgraduate program designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the needs of the international workplace. Courses are designed for students who plan to work in multinational organizations or companies.
11. Finance
$134,180
The MSF program, also known as an MBA in finance, is a two-year program that provides practical knowledge and the theoretical groundwork for individuals interested in working in managerial positions or in the financial fields.
A Master of Science in Finance (MSF) is the most advanced type of finance education. Classes cover topics such as mathematics, corporate finance, statistics, economics, and accounting. The degree may be earned individually or as an add-on to undergraduate degrees.
12. Physics
$129,850
Physics is a natural science that investigates the properties and interactions of matter and electricity. This area of study has ancient origins and continues all the way up to the present day with continuing modern physics experiments.
Mastering physics can be a great way to begin a career as a professor or researcher. The master’s degree programs in physics offer students the academic knowledge they need to enter doctoral programs and prepare them for careers outside of academia.
13. Computer Science
$126,830
A master’s level in computer programming offers students instruction and insight on how computer programming can be used to address varied issues, such as in medical applications, engineering, biology, and industrial quests.
Coursework in this degree prepares students to study fundamental computer science concepts, like operating systems, coding, data structures, algorithms, and other essential concepts. Students learn how to develop algorithms, design software, and analyze data.
14. Computer Engineering
$119,560
Computer engineering is a degree that provides knowledge in the design, development, installation, and operation of computer systems. An engineer in this discipline can work in hardware or software areas of computer development.
15. Aerospace Engineering
$118,610
A master’s degree in computer science prepares students for several different careers in the field of information technology, such as designing and developing computers, managing networks and data centers, working with embedded systems, and developing video games.
Students earning a master’s degree in aerospace engineering receive critical knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in aerospace engineering or related fields such as astronautics or aeronautical engineering.
A master’s degree in aerospace engineering is typically awarded after three years of education and completing a doctoral dissertation or project. Students will learn about aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural analysis, materials science, and more.
16. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
$117,670
Acute care nurse practitioners are qualified to offer entire patient care, consult with other health care specialists, and teach their patients about chronic health conditions. They’re also qualified to handle more complex symptoms than the general certified nurses by providing specialized treatments for patients with traumatic injuries or life-threatening illnesses.
The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) is a Registered Nurse who has attended advanced education in the specific field of acute care nursing. The program includes supervised clinical experience to acquire practical skills, knowledge, and abilities.
17. Telecommunications
$116,780
Telecommunications experts are taught how to use and understand telecommunications gear in a telecommunications master’s degree. The programs offer courses on networking, data communication, wireless communication, and more.
The telecommunications industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. According to Grand View Research’s Global Telecom Services Market Size Report, this field is expected to grow by 5.4% between 2021 and 2028. Increased demand has many colleges and universities offering more courses pertaining to telecommunications.
18. Nuclear Engineering
$116,140
Nuclear engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on the design, construction, and operation of nuclear reactors and the use of radioactive materials. Nuclear engineers can work in various areas such as power generation, research and development, nuclear safety, and waste management.
The nuclear engineering master’s degree coursework includes nuclear reactor design, nuclear safety, radiation protection, and a variety of other topics.
19. Physician Assistant Studies
$115,390
Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. They are qualified to care for patients with less complex needs and can meet with patients somewhat like a doctor would, but without years of medical school.
Students will learn about patient care, medical ethics, pharmacology, and other medical sciences related to the profession of a physician assistant. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations to experience different healthcare settings and gain valuable hands-on experience.
20. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Studies
$112,217
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners typically work in hospitals, community health centers, schools, and private practices. They may also serve as consultants to organizations that provide services to people with mental illness or developmental disabilities.
The psychiatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has received further education and training in psychiatric treatments and diagnostics, which enables them to prescribe medications, diagnose mental disorders, and offer therapy. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners also work with their patients on developing treatment plans and coping skills for life outside of the hospital setting.
21. Family Nurse Practitioner Studies
$111,680
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is a registered nurse with advanced education in family health care. The FNP degree is primarily for nurses who want to work in primary care, providing routine physical exams, treating acute illness, and managing chronic conditions.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) master’s degree prepares students for leadership roles in ambulatory and community healthcare settings. Students will gain expertise in both clinical practice and administration. They will also be prepared for advanced practice certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).
22. Nurse-Midwifery
$111,130
Nurse-midwifery is a profession that is growing in demand. Nurse-midwives provide a safe and holistic approach to health care for pregnant women, new mothers, and their babies. They are trained to work with other medical providers to ensure that appropriate medical interventions and protocols are provided to mothers during labor and delivery.
The nurse-midwifery master’s degree program provides students with an understanding of how midwives work and how to help women during childbirth. Students learn about prenatal care, birth planning, breastfeeding, postpartum care, and more.
23. Software Engineering
$110,140
A software engineer is a person who practices the principles of software engineering to design, develop, test, evaluate, and maintain computer programs.
A software engineering master’s degree is a graduate program that focuses on software development. It prepares students for careers in IT and software development. This master’s degree is an excellent option for those who plan to pursue a job in software development. It offers hands-on experience, teaching students how to build software applications and websites.
24. Operations and Supply Chain Management
$108,790
The Operations and Supply Chain Management master’s degree is for students who plan to work in the field of operations management. This career field includes manufacturing, distribution, retail, logistics, warehousing, consulting firms, and more.
The curriculum for this degree includes courses on finance, accounting, marketing strategy, planning, and international business management. It prepares students to work at companies that typically have operations worldwide.
25. Chemical Engineering
$108,540
The Operations and Supply Chain Management master’s degree is for students who plan to work in the field of operations management. It prepares students to work at companies that typically have operations worldwide. This career field includes manufacturing, distribution, retail, logistics, warehousing, consulting firms, and more.
The curriculum for this degree includes courses on finance, accounting, marketing strategy, planning, and international business management.
26. Economics
$108,350
This degree is a good choice for students who want to work as economists, financial analysts, or economists focusing on international trade. Other careers that require an economics master’s degree include financial analyst, economist, and actuary.
A master’s degree in economics will teach students how to analyze, evaluate, and make decisions on economic issues. Students are required to take courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics.
27. Health Care Administration
$104,280
The health care administration master’s degree equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to manage a healthcare institution. Students will learn how to develop and implement strategic plans, work with financial resources, and conduct research on various topics.
Students will also learn about the historical foundations of healthcare, the importance of patient-centered care, and how to provide quality services that meet both organizational needs and individual patient needs.
28. Operations Management
$103,650
This master’s degree includes operations research, management science, and computer science, classes. It helps students understand the operations management process and the role of technology in it.
To be successful in this field, students will need to have knowledge of business processes, management, value chains, supply chains, resource allocation and utilization, and capacity planning and scheduling.
29. Information Security
$103,590
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in IT and management, specifically information security. Graduates are also prepared for law enforcement, intelligence, or military service careers.
The Information Security master’s degree program covers all aspects of information security, including ethical hacking, cybercrime, computer forensics, risk management and compliance, network defense, vulnerability assessment, data privacy and protection, and cyber-terrorism. Students take classes like computer forensics, cryptography, and cyber law.
30. Information Assurance
$103,590
Information assurance degrees teach students about critical concepts, such as database administration, programming, information systems design, business analytics, project management, and more.
Information Assurance specialists have the job of identifying and predicting the risks involved with information and data movement. Information Assurance personnel learn about how a firm uses information, how valuable that information is to the firm, and how exposed that information happens to be so they can help the organization prioritize tasks to protect it. Once all of that is identified, Information Security specialists step in to create ways to protect all of it. Following this, Information Assurance specialists follow up to make sure those protective measures are working.
Master’s Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.