There are many reasons to pursue a master’s degree: to enhance your career, open the door to new opportunities, gain a competitive edge in the job market, build a professional network, and expand your skill set. These may be reasons enough for you to invest in earning a master’s degree, but one other benefit might help you solidify your decision: increased earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2021, the median annual salary for those who hold a master’s degree was $26,884 more than that of the average of all workers.1 In addition, many jobs that require a master’s degree command higher pay than those that don’t: nearly half of the occupations listed by the BLS as requiring a master’s have salaries of $80,000 or more.
In this article, we list 10 top-paying careers that typically require a master’s degree at the entry level, as specified by the BLS. Note that there are a number of careers—some that are often higher-paying than those listed here—that may not require a master’s, but for which a master’s degree might be preferred. This could be especially true for those who have earned an MBA or master’s in a business-related field . Refer to the “How to Become One” tab on the BLS site to learn more about the requirements for a particular career.
Also make sure to check out our article 10 Top In-Demand Careers Requiring a Master’s Degree .”
1 Computer Support SpecialistIndustries with the highest levels of employment in Computer Support Specialists, 2022:
Industry Employment Annual mean wage Computer Systems Design and Related Services 160,800 $59,700 Employment Services 43,800 $55,230 Management of Companies and Enterprises 38,150 $62,970 Elementary and Secondary Schools 35,360 $54,450 Software Publishers 29,570 $70,960
Provide technical support to computer users; maintain networks
Employment, 2022 914,100
Projected employment, 2032 963,300
2 Preschool TeacherIndustries with the highest levels of employment in Preschool Teachers, 2022:
Industry Employment Annual mean wage Child Care Services 290,870 $34,480 Elementary and Secondary Schools 75,700 $53,200 Individual and Family Services 12,530 $39,470 Religious Organizations 7,240 $40,960 Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OEWS Designation) 6,490 $45,140
Care for and teach basic skills to children who have not yet entered kindergarten
Employment, 2022 512,300
Projected employment, 2032 529,600
3 Paralegal/Legal AssistantIndustries with the highest levels of employment in Paralegals and Legal Assistants, 2022:
Industry Employment Annual mean wage Legal Services 263,170 $60,570 Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OEWS Designation) 16,420 $61,190 Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) 15,080 $76,310 State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OEWS Designation) 10,850 $52,900 Management of Companies and Enterprises 6,890 $84,260
Assist lawyers in conducting research, writing drafts and reports, and maintaining files
Employment, 2022 354,300
Projected employment, 2032 369,100
4 Radiologic and MRI TechnologistIndustries with the highest levels of employment in Radiologic and MRI Technologists, Postsecondary, 2022:
Industry Employment Annual mean wage General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 125,430 $71,260 Offices of Physicians 40,390 $62,220 Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories 16,060 $70,460 Outpatient Care Centers 15,050 $81,530 Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) 5,980 $78,160
Perform diagnostic tests on patients with equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners; adjust and maintain equipment
Employment, 2022 264,100
Projected employment, 2031 279,600
5 Dental HygienistIndustries with the highest levels of employment of Dental Hygienists, 2022:
Industry Employment Annual mean wage Offices of Dentists 203,330 $85,110 Employment Services 2,630 $88,670 Offices of Physicians 2,080 $77,070 Outpatient Care Centers 1,850 $86,580 Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) 870 $69,450
Clean and polish teeth, look for dental disease, educate patients about oral health
Employment, 2022 219,400
Projected employment, 2032 235,700
6 Physical Therapist Assistant/AideIndustries with the highest levels of employment in Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, 2022:
Industry Employment Annual mean wage Offices of Other Health Practitioners 44,900 $59,970 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 17,640 $63,430 Home Health Care Services 11,810 $78,360 Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) 8,950 $72,800 Offices of Physicians 4,810 $59,310
Master’s degree in social work
Employment, 2022 145,100
Projected employment, 2032 172,700
7 Diagnostic Medical SonographerDiagnostic Medical Sonographer
Industry Employment Annual mean wage General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 45,770 $84,340 Offices of Physicians 20,220 $82,890 Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories 8,510 $78,190 Outpatient Care Centers 3,240 $113,680 Employment Services 920 $79,550
Conduct tests and create images using sonography equipment
Employment, 2022 142,800
Projected employment, 2032 156,900
8 Respiratory TherapistIndustries with the highest levels of employment in Respiratory Therapists, 2022:
Industry Employment Annual mean wage General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 97,800 $74,240 Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals 7,720 $72,600 Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) 4,950 $69,770 Employment Services 3,280 $108,330 Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers 2,490 $63,610
Master’s degree from a physician assistant program
Employment, 2022 133,100
Projected employment, 2032 149,800
9 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist/TechnicianIndustries with the highest levels of employment in Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, 2022:
Industry Employment Annual mean wage Veterinary and Photography Services 109,230 $40,300 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools 2,850 $47,680 Social Advocacy Organizations 2,200 $39,310 Other Personal Services 1,560 $39,180 Scientific Research and Development Services 740 $62,030
Aid veterinarians in conducting tests, examining, and caring for animals
Employment, 2022 122,900
Projected employment, 2032 148,100
10 Medical Equipment RepairerIndustries with the highest levels of employment in Medical Equipment Repairers, 2022:
Industry Employment Annual mean wage Elementary and Secondary Schools 24,070 $63,790 Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance 10,770 $59,060 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 6,630 $71,320 Rental and leasing services (5322, 5323, and 5324 only) 4,180 $43,500 Outpatient Care Centers 3,600 $56,280
Repair and maintain medical equipment such as ventilators, anesthesia machines, electric wheelchairs, and hospital beds
Employment, 2022 66,400
Projected employment, 2032 75,100
Source: https://www.bls.gov/
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Accessed 8/9/2023.
