10 Top-Paying Careers Requiring a Master’s Degree
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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 Specialist
Industries 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 |
What They Do:
Provide technical support to computer users; maintain networks
Employment, 2021
875,700
Projected employment, 2031
932,100
2 Preschool Teacher
Industries 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 |
What they do:
Care for and teach basic skills to children who have not yet entered kindergarten
Employment, 2021
483,100
Projected employment, 2031
556,000
3Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Industries 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 |
What they do:
Assist lawyers in conducting research, writing drafts and reports, and maintaining files
Employment, 2021
352,800
Projected employment, 2031
402,700
4Radiologic and MRI Technologist
Industries 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 |
What they do:
Perform diagnostic tests on patients with equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners; adjust and maintain equipment
Employment, 2021
264,000
Projected employment, 2031
281,000
5Dental Hygienist
Industries 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 |
What they do:
Clean and polish teeth, look for dental disease, educate patients about oral health
Employment, 2021
214,000
Projected employment, 2031
214,000
6Physical Therapist Assistant/Aide
Industries 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 |
Typical entry-level education
Master’s degree in social work
Employment, 2021
179,500
Projected employment, 2031
199,300
7Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic 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 |
What they do:
Conduct tests and create images using sonography equipment
Employment, 2021
140,400
Projected employment, 2031
155,100
8Respiratory Therapist
Industries 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 |
What they do:
Master’s degree from a physician assistant program
Employment, 2021
135,800
Projected employment, 2031
154,200
9Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist/Technician
Industries 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 |
What they do:
Aid veterinarians in conducting tests, examining, and caring for animals
Employment, 2021
122,800
Projected employment, 2031
146,900
10Medical Equipment Repairer
Industries 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 |
What they do:
Repair and maintain medical equipment such as ventilators, anesthesia machines, electric wheelchairs, and hospital beds
Employment, 2021
59,100
Projected employment, 2031
69,100
Source: https://www.bls.gov/
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Accessed 8/9/2023.
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