Tips for Landing a High-Paying Job with a STEM Degree

Are you a recent college graduate with ambitious career goals? Do you aspire to earn $100,000 a year within the first five years of starting your first job? While this may seem like a lofty ambition, it is definitely achievable if you choose the right field and have the necessary skills and education.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median earnings for full-time American workers aged 25 to 34 were around $55,000 a year in 2024. While this is a respectable salary, it falls short of the six-figure income that many aspire to achieve. However, with the right degree and career path, you can significantly increase your earning potential.

A recent analysis from Credit.com found that fewer than one-fifth of full-time workers earn six-figure incomes. This highlights the importance of choosing a field that offers high-paying opportunities. One of the most lucrative career paths is in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, where advanced degrees are often required for high-paying occupations.

If you’re looking to earn a high salary early in your career, pursuing a degree in engineering is a smart move. Engineering fields such as computer engineering, chemical engineering, and aerospace engineering offer average salaries of $70,000 or more within the first five years after college, according to Federal Reserve data cited by CNBC. These fields value technical knowledge, mathematical proficiency, and problem-solving abilities, which are in high demand across various industries.

It’s important to note that while these are average salaries, some individuals in these fields earn even higher salaries, including $100,000 or more. Apart from engineering, there are also other high-paying jobs that do not require an engineering degree, such as software developer, financial analyst, marketing manager, registered nurse, and human resources manager.

Ultimately, choosing the right field and investing in your education can significantly impact your earning potential early in your career. By pursuing a degree in a high-paying field such as engineering and honing your skills, you can work towards achieving your goal of earning $100,000 a year within the first five years of starting your first job. So, if you have ambitious career goals, don’t be afraid to aim high and pursue a field that offers ample opportunities for growth and financial success.