5 Top Paying Jobs for Master's Degree Holders

Though earning a master's degree takes a lot of hard work, having one can open doors to several top paying jobs. If you thought earning a master's degree in business administration was one of the fastest growing master degree programs, you need to think again. There are several occupational fields that bring excellent earning opportunities to master's degree holders. Fields like computer technology, science, finance and medicine are growing every day, offering some of the most top paying careers to aspiring candidates.

 

Salaries for master degree holders vary depending on the geographical location, type and size of company, industry and work experience. Average annual salary offered to those who possess a master's degree ranges between $50,000 and $100,000 or beyond. Bachelor degree holders, in comparison, earn an average annual pay of $40,500.

 

If you are planning to pursue a master's degree from money-making perspective, given below are top 5 paying jobs that you choose from.

 

#1. Computer Software Engineer
One of the top careers you can pursue is that of a software engineer. These professionals are specially trained to develop various types of software programs that we use in computers. According to the US Labor Statistics Bureau, job growth in this top paying occupation is expected to increase at the rate of 53.4% between 2006 and 2016. Both computer software engineers and network system analysts are among the top paying job options for master degree holders.

 

Annual Salary: $87,900 (Software Engineer)
Annual Salary: $73,900 (Network System Analyst)

 

#2. Physician Assistant
The healthcare field in the United States is continuously growing. Physician assistants are required in large numbers to reduce the increasing workload of doctors. The best part about working as a physician assistant is that you don't need to invest several years of medical school. The educational requirement for this top paying job is a master's degree.

 

Annual Salary: $81,230

 

#3. Industrial Organizational Psychologist
Another top paying master degree job is that of an industrial organizational psychologist. If you want to take up this job, you need to obtain a master's degree in psychology. Professionals who work in this field are responsible for applying psychology principles to find effective solutions to management, administration and sales problems among others. Expected job growth in this field is 26% over the next decade.

 

Annual Salary: $77,010

 

#4. Physical Therapist
The aging population in the United States is becoming more concerned about their fitness. That's why the field provides an excellent job growth. Employment for physical therapists job is expected to grow at a rate of 30% through to the year 2018. These professionals work with people of all age groups including newborns, elderly, athletes etc.

 

Annual Salary: $72,790

 

#5. Financial Analyst or Personal Financial Advisor
Working as a financial analyst or personal financial advisor for clients is an excellent opportunity for master degree holders looking to earn top pay. The finance and the banking industry has a high demand for these professionals. Financial analyst jobs are available with insurance companies, banks, mutual funds and securities firms among others. Personal financial advisors work for individuals and help them achieve their financial goals.

 

Annual Salary: 84,780 (Financial Analyst)
Annual Salary: $66,590 (Personal Financial Advisor)

 

Depending upon you individual interests, you can plan to obtain your master's degree in a relevant field. Today, master degree holders have multiple high paying jobs to choose from. The hard work that you put in getting your masters will really be worth it. Occupational fields like finance, medicine, science and computer technology are growing with each passing day, creating some of the most top paying job opportunities for you.