A college major salary comparison shows median starting and mid-career earnings by field of study. Use this data to weigh earning potential alongside other factors when choosing a degree program.
| Major | Field | Starting Salary | Mid-Career | Growth |
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How to Use the College Major Salary Comparison Tool
The college major salary comparison table shows median starting salaries (0–5 years experience) and mid-career salaries (10+ years) for over 50 common undergraduate majors. Data reflects national medians — your local job market will vary.
Step 1: Filter by field of study
Use the field dropdown to narrow results to Engineering, Technology, Business, Healthcare, and other categories. This helps you compare within a discipline — for example, comparing Computer Science vs. Information Systems vs. Software Engineering.
Step 2: Sort by what matters to you
Sort by starting salary to prioritize immediate earning potential, or by mid-career salary if you're optimizing for long-term income ceiling. The Growth column shows percentage increase from starting to mid-career — a high growth rate indicates strong career advancement potential.
Step 3: Factor in non-salary considerations
A Psychology major who continues to a master's program or law school will likely out-earn a Biology bachelor's graduate who stays in research. Compare salaries within the context of typical career paths, graduate school rates, and regional demand. Engineering fields tend to have the highest immediate starting salaries; social work and education have the lowest but offer other benefits like loan forgiveness programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which college major has the highest starting salary?
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering consistently top starting salary rankings, averaging $75,000–$90,000+ for new graduates. Nursing and Accounting also offer strong starting pay in the $55,000–$65,000 range with high job availability.
Is this salary data free to use?
Yes, completely free. No signup or account needed.
How accurate are the salary figures?
Figures are based on aggregated national median data from sources including BLS, PayScale, and NACE surveys. Actual salaries vary significantly by location, employer size, and economic conditions. Use these as ballpark estimates, not guarantees.
Does GPA affect starting salary?
GPA matters most in finance, consulting, and some engineering fields where recruiters screen for academic performance. In tech and creative fields, portfolio and skills often outweigh GPA. A 3.5+ GPA can open doors for competitive programs; below 3.0 may be screened out in some fields.
Should I pick a major based on salary alone?
Salary is one factor. Also consider job availability in your region, your aptitude for the work, career ceiling potential, and job satisfaction. A psychology major who goes on to get an MBA or law degree may ultimately earn more than a biology major who stays in research.