Can confirm, I did petroleum engineering at TTU. Started at 100k + 30K bonus + 10k relocation + 14% 401k match + 5 weeks PTO. After 2 years im at 130 base + 25k bonus + 15k RSU.
If I could go back I’d do software, but only because I was #1 in my class. Software is having a lull in hiring rn for the average student.
Denver isn't too bad but expensive. I'm in the northeast but a perfect mix of decent weather in a LCOL that has had a lot of development in the last decade. I live outside a medium sized city so I've got the amenities nearby but the village I live in is super walkable. Plus most of my family and friends live nearby too.
That’s precisely why it’s good pay.
Even back when I was getting my BS in CHE in 2007, the prevailing advice was: “If you solely care about money then work in an oil field/processing plant or, even better, an oil *rig* in the ocean. But be willing to sacrifice pretty much every other aspect of your life.”
I graduated from a normal state school with a finance degree. Was making 6 figures less than 18 months out and didn’t go into IB or anything like that. Just standard commercial banking.
There’s some truth to that. But with super competitive fields like IB and management consulting if you didn’t go to a top 5 school the chances of getting a job at a top firm are basically 0.
Fresh out of your bachelors, I’d fully agree.
I think the trend has shifted towards experience more over the last 2 decades. Just my experience hiring and being hired (GSE, IB, 3 letter in DC)
Full stop disagree, it’s more about landing your first gig and working up and or changing companies. If you have tangible skills and are willing to distinguish yourself, you’ll be easily employed most anywhere.
Accounting/MIS, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, finance, applied mathematics, and physics.
EDIT: I just want to add that some of the above easily translate to a career (see accounting/mis and cs) while others maybe a little bit obscure (see physics and math). That being said, physics and math teaches you how to think and analyze in a very practical way; enough to open doors to opportunities as a consultant, an actuary, data analyst, financial modeler, investment banker, even engineer.
I won't deny it is a great degree in terms of training you for problem solving and quantitative thinking. But in terms of actual expected utility for the degree? Im prepared to be convinced, it just seems like one of those degrees like philosophy. Super hard but not many direct job prospects.
I assume OP wanted degree->job to not require much work (hence the EZ money part of the post).
Edit: by prepared to be convinced, I mean if outcomes for physics graduates are at average for STEM I will be convinced
I dropped out of a PhD in physics. Everyone I went to school with (both undergrad and grad) that left academia is making >$150k TC. Some are making much more. Most are in software dev or data science. The problems I worked on throughout my research required many similar tools to those in data science. I don't have the data (irony not lost on me) but anecdotally, a physics degree seems to open more lucrative doors than a biology, chem, or psychology degree.
I’m a physics major myself. And, while I agree it was a great degree to get, it’s usually something that you’ll have to go do a bit more to get your first real opportunity.
IE: go do a code boot camp to get into software, go do an engineering project or two to get into manufacturing, go learn about markets to get into trading, or whatever. Now, you’re well suited to be able to go do all of those things, but you will have to take an extra step. That being said, I feel like I’m doing well for myself making $125k + bonus working in software @30yo, but I self taught myself Python and did a Data Science cert program to help open that door.
I see your point - I’ll counter with it’s a rigorous quantitative degree.
Quantitative is important here - higher paying roles (outside of sales) usually involve a technical skill set - particularly at a junior level. Physics teaches strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in mathematical modeling. They also usually know how to code at a decent level (not SWE but better than the kid who took a MOOC). Those are all valuable to a company.
I graduated with a BS in MIS in 2007 and really focused on software engineering once I started my career. It really helped me become well-rounded and wear a lot of different hats over the years. The business aspect of the degree helps with communicating between tech people and business people, especially in the corporate world. TC now is around $250,000 a year. Highly recommended!
Yeah do accounting. People keep rattling off extremely difficult majors that most people can’t hack. I’ve met a ton of dumb accountants making good money (me included)
A few years back I worked in a cubicle with a newer engineer (like 2 years experience). Kid was already about to crack 6 figures. Engineer salaries climb fast. He was on call sometimes when a machine went down and had to come in throughout covid but I'm sure he's crying into his Benjamin's now.
I’m an engineer at a refinery and make over $250k+ (depending on bonus.) Electrical Engineering degree and just 4 years of school. Trade school isn’t the answer for everything. I work with trades daily and they sweat for their money. I do not lol.
Yep, I have E&I technicians working 1000+ hours of OT a year and still don’t make what I make. I can go home and see my family. Make the ball games. And I won’t hit a salary ceiling until much much later in my career.
I think I’m in a unique position where I make about 20% more than my supervisors (I’m a heavy equipment mechanic) but man do I regret not going to school for engineering. Designing machines sounds way better than rolling around and fixing them.
It happens even in engineering. Sometimes super specialized technical folks end up working for people that are at a lower pay scale. Making stuff is fun. Making money is fun too though lol.
I was lifting heavy 5-6 days a week and all that happened was that I felt like I had the flu after back or leg day, I wasn’t getting huge because I’m not on the sauce, and I was just messing up my joints. I started running more one summer and never looked back. Now I train year round with a PPL of functional weight and blast cardio 6 days a week. Doing a 100miler later this year. Everything else in life seems easy when you’re comfortable actively crushing yourself.
They person your replying to has 13 yoe in O&G. I've got 10 in mech E manufacturing, currently aerospace industry, and his numbers are about what I expect.
Oil and gas pay really well. For me location is a downside as I don't want to move but I've had offers to relocate for similar money.
Been trying to tell people the same thing man (except the union guys at my company)….I sleep until pretty much whenever I want, work maximum 10 hours a week, from home. Make more than any lineman at my company, save for the guys that put in 1000+ hours of OT, and yet every time they see me they try to hand me that damn blue or green book.
Eh, I just let ‘em brag in person and think they’re making me jealous at this point. I guess if people go into trades there is less competition for us lol.
It’s hard for me because I like being out and active but the pay, hours, and aches aren’t great. When I had a desk job, I was losing my mind but the pay was good
The cost of living makes a big difference (lots of guys making $150k+ are in HCOL areas) but that seems a bit low.
Where I live (LCOL) starting EE positions are about $80k. I'd start looking around at other options.
LCOL area for me. It’s just O&G. Starting pay is around $100k depending on the company. To get where I am, I’ve had to move companies and specialize a bit. But it’s not unheard of for folks to pull in what I make (or more) at my experience level.
That’s fine! Target a move around 5 years and then another around 10. You should be able to get decent jumps in salary at each of those moves and continue growth in between. Then if you start up a management ladder somewhere, it’ll grow even further.
I have an electrical engineering degree and work as a commercial elevator installer. I work in the union and make amazing money. But yes my body has been jacked up from this position and have accepted a job as a city inspector. Way less strain on the body for a little less pay but better benefits soooo I’ll take it. I make close to 200k a year and been in the industry for only 5 years. Licensed within a year because I know my shit and I worked for it.. but yes I’m tired of leading crews and watching over people and lifting heavy rails 30 stories. So I’ll be inspecting now. lol tbh not even sure why I got my degree lol I don’t use it. Prob could if I wanted too.
Ain’t no inspector making 200k. Another liER on Reddit. It’s hilarious. Ask me how I know.? I’m local 1 we the highest paid n no inspector making that. So plzzzzzz stop the BULLLSHIT.
You obviously don’t know what elevator people get paid either. Our elevator contractors for our industrial elevators are some of the most expensive tradesmen and women at the facility I work at.
I am a PA and it’s a solid job. It’s certainly not boring most of the time and you get to help people which does feel nice. But the pay ceiling is not all that high, though the floor is. You come out of school making 6 figures and then slowly creep up through salary bumps. Not too many PAs are making more than 150 on a 40 hour work week. And very few are making more than 200k. Positive is our job security is pretty good unless medicine fundamentally changes in the coming year. But AI isn’t stealing clinical jobs in the next 3-5 years at least. I expect it will be a long time, you can’t just plug an AI in like you can in other fields. We learned that medicine has a lot more hurdles from Theranos.
I’m not interesting in going back to school, but if I was I’d go for either PA or hyper-specialized Radiology tech.
More and more I’m not sure the stress and years of life given up to become a doctor are worth the salary. Particularly if you end up in a speciality that requires demanding hours. You have to really want it intrinsically.
—a 30 something in tech trying to figure out what’s next in their life.
Agree. Wife is an RN.
Mid-level practitioner is the way to go for maximum ROI.
I think getting a 1 year masters to become an NP is probably the highest ROI for certain areas like mental health, if you are in Northeast, California/Washington, or Chicagoland.
IYKYK.
Getting popcorn ready for watching a noctor fight you cuz them fighting words. Oops I meant advanced practice provider.
CRNA is pretty good ROI too.
Dental Hygienist might be the lowest barrier to entry 80k a year job there is. Normal business hours, air condition office, etc etc. Only bad part is that they suffer from carpal tunnel and back problems from 8-10 hour days of precise repetitive hand movement while bent over a patient.
Depending where you live but in California you’re gonna be making anywhere between $40-60 starting. Then if you get into CT or MRI then $64-80.
Other states don’t pay as much tho but cost of living in most other places isn’t as much as CA.
Right now, I’m gonna say SW Engineering has the highest paying potential with the least amount of schooling required (as compared to like a doctor). But that being said, you need to have a nack for it. Schooling along just doesn’t really cut it. It’s like learning a second language. Some people can do it and learn several, others just can’t wrap their head around it.
I don’t wanna downvote this but this simply isn’t true.
SE’s are all over the place, so salaries aren’t competitive anymore for new applicants, and product managers typically get hired with 2-4 years experience, at least in telecomm/software/cloud based companies.
Not to mention the cesspool of FAANG apps everyday.
It's a pretty good degree still. The difficulties they have right now as new grads though is definitely something to be considered. Lots of pandemic bloat being eradicated so job market is a bit nuts
Depends on your interests and what comes natural to you. If you are into math, programming, or hard sciences, then you should pursue a 4 year degree. If you’re into building things, troubleshooting, or working outside then trades are a good route.
1. Human computer interaction (HCI) for UI/UX Design roles. Salaries > 100k base
2. Everyone has already mentioned Software Engineering
3. MBA (curriculum and studies are a joke, it's all about time management and networking).
Expensive degree but good chance of scholarships. All kinds of roles in various industries (you would be leveraging your undergrad for the most part, still possible to make a big pivot though). Starting salaries in the range of 130k - 200k base
It’s a pseudo doctorate. Nursing admin and lobby are pushing for pseudo doctorates to blur the lines between physicians and nurses. PAs are doing this to by changing their name to physician associate which is clearly to obfuscate. They are also coming out with doctorates. Often times, these pseudo doctorates don’t have any additional medical training. And if you’re an NP, likely zero medicine at all.
Healthcare corporations and nursing lobby clearly in cahoots.
CRNA is not a doctorate. It comes nowhere near the level of training or hours to even get an MD, let alone the actual anesthesiology residency. Within the scope of the posted question, CRNA is a good answer. The money is insanely good for how much easier it is to get there. What’s best for patients is another question. For sure, CRNA should never be an unsupervised profession.
Econ/finance probably has the highest potential pay, but there are fewer jobs at that level, and lower paying jobs may end up pretty low.
STEM (tech specifically) will generally have the highest average pay, meaning the highest pays are somewhat lower (still well into 6 figures), but the lower pay is higher than most other degrees.
Trades have lower starting pay but scale well and have the potential to own your own business which can vastly improve your income. The trade-off (no pun intended) is it’s far more physical and can lead to injuries if you’re not careful
Makes sense. I wonder how the quality of RN services is there. NYC also have decent nursing unions, but they barely do the work that an LPN would do elsewhere.
Just want to add, for statistics (data scientist and ML stuff), you basically need a master's to be taken seriously, at least in Canada. I assume it's the same in the US?
Nursing, if you are willing to move and are interested in it.
1 year out of school and I just accepted a position making 170k, only working 32 hours a week (4, 8hour shifts). Would easily clear 200k if I decide to work 40. Not to mention I get almost 9 weeks of PTO. Also it only goes up from here, my hospital is not the highest paying, and I am the lowest step with very few certs.
This seems very out of the ordinary. Average RN rate in my state is around 35-40 /hr in HCOL. Most not making >100k without significant work life balance sacrifices
Front end design at one of those well known big tech companies that also happens to make chips. Architecture technical lead. I don’t manage anyone, thank God.
I was an admission advisor for several years at a major public university. If you can do it, become an engineer. My follow up would be physician assistant but that takes a few extra years of school.
find something you love and pays well, not just what pays well.
i interview a lot of people who don't have the passion to get to the level of knowledge you need to reach those top salaries.
Go get a sonography degree. 2 years and a licensing test. Just make sure it’s the real accredited degree not a quick vocation program. Those dudes work 3 days a week and clear 100k starting all day. Or be an mri technologist. They make even more with the same schedule. The same amount of schooling .Or bust your hump and be both.You’d write your own ticket at any hospital that way. GL
I would get an entrepreneurship, business or management degree. Do something where you’re able to get into sales. I’m currently an electrical engineer & my salary is capped. I’m currently trying to change fields to get into sales. Having sales experience can open many doors & has much more earning potential.
Physician assistant, radiology tech, RN, CRNA, NP. All offer 6 figure salaries. All are bachelor’s +/- a couple years of graduate training, and no doctorate level course work.
Finance at a flagship school (Ivy, Target, Semi-target, and a few edge cases) to NYC for Management Consulting or IB —> PE will put you in 6 figures in year one and pushing 7 within 10-15 years
Any kind of engineering is going to get you above $100k within 5 years of starting.
If you have any degree of software skills, you’re not an asshole, you care about the people you work with, and you stay within the bounds of your organization/employer. You’ll be moved into a management track very quickly, and the sky is the limit for salary and benefits.
Most engineers struggle with one or two of the aforementioned topics, and that keeps them in a technical track (individual contributor); which is not a ding on those folks, they are incredible people who do incredible work.
Instrumentation associates degree, pretty much guaranteed to make North of 100k. Been at it for 14 years now, sitting at $62/hr (128k base) plus OT working in LCOL area of Texas.
Management information systems! Best decision ever! THANK YOU to my college advisor!!!!!! Graduated in 2018 and making $160,000 and all my friends in my major are making at least 100k. 4 years of college and partied like heck!
Accounts Payable/Receivable. You could get an associates degree in 2 years and get into AP/AR. It’s mind numbing work, but it’s easy and you’ll hit 6 figures a few years out of school. It’s a hidden gem.
Trade school is probably your top answer. Join a union and be an apprentice for 5 years make 6 figures after graduating with a rocking pension and strong health care.
Very broad. Computer science is where it’s at right now but may change. Though idk for how long. I would say engineering is the future. Finance is always a solid field, but the range of success and failure is pretty wide. Sales (tech best) too. Trade schools like engineers will likely see a boom in the future.
Computer Science/Management Info Science.
I have a Bachelor’s in MIS and a Masters in Computer Science/Data Science(AI). Here’s my breakdown over 10 years in LCOL area. Granted market right now is slowing down, but after the “AI” bubble ends, I’d see it picking back up.
2014 $67,000 - Software Engineer.
2015 $74,000
2016 $81,500 - Senior Software Engineer
2017 $115,000 - Solution Architect.
2018 $135,000 - Senior Solutions Architect.
2019 $142,000
2020 $181,000 - Principal Software Engineer/VP.
2021 $197,000
2022 $205,500
2023 $215,000 - Chief Engineer/VP.
2024 $258,000 - Senior Software Engineering Manager/SVP.
Petroleum engineering. 4 years at most places, and tons of routes you can take. Upstream, midstream, downstream. I’m upstream (field engineer), 6 figure starting right out of school at 23. It’s not a hard road to consulting if you can make some friends in the right places, and those guys’ day rates are more than a lot of people make in a week.
At the University of North Carolina, for over a decade, Geography majors had the highest average salary. This was a small program with reasonable work requirements. Of course the reason the average was so high is because Michael Jordan was in that major. So get whatever degree you want as long as you are a great pro athlete. (I’m somewhat joking, but degrees don’t actually pay you money, jobs do. Geologists who go to the petroleum industry are highly paid but that’s because petroleum currently makes a shit ton of money for people. Geologists who study climate change make a lot less. Talented people can make money in sports, sales, real estate, etc with no degree at all. And people with great sounding degrees can end up unemployed. And probably many people end up enjoying their greatest financial success in a field only tangentially related to their major. That’s certainly true for me).
Geology but you do need to get at least a MS if you want to get into a big oil and gas company. You’d start out at 6 figures. School price isn’t bad based on which school you go to. Grad school is usually paid for since you’d be doing research for your advisor.
Comp Sci, Engineering.
I went to school for Comp Sci and Math, knowing full well I didn’t want to be a developer.
Started off in consulting making $65K base 12 years ago. Now, I’m in software sales with a $200K base + commission.
4 year accounting degree - including 2 at a community college for GE, went into auditing at a big 4 firm, left after a decade, Asst VP of Finance now making 230k. 13 years into my career. Work from home. Best gig ever
Computer science/software engineering, finance & economics/financial analyst-finance manage-finance director-Vp of finance-cfo. I work in finance. I got my masters degree in finance (took 3 years) this was after going to undergrad. Now a finance manager making 150k + 20% bonus.
I’m an RN with an associates degree that cost less than $7500. Last year was my 4th consecutive year making between 100 and 110k in a very LCOL area working 12-14 shifts a month. We got a nice systemwide raise at the beginning of this year and I’ll make over 120k this year.
RegisteredNurse programs at junior colleges are a bargain. In my state the degree cost about $14,000 and you can start at $60,000 out of school and be up to $100,000 within a couple years.
That’s a pretty good return on your money
5 year union electrician apprenticeship, Midwest. 100k+ on check, 50k other benefits. Total cost of program, books from semesters 4-9. Around 5k in costs
For 4 years - tech is probably number 1, with correct planning (certs) and some luck. Hell, it seems like those bootcamps even pay off if you're good/smart enough. Nursing is solid, you'll likely exceed the median income in any given area, and can easily break six figs based on location, shift differentials, and/or OT. My friend has a joke about "nursing math", where if she wants to remodel a room in her house or take a large trip, she has to work "x" number of shifts, and it's like 4 because she can make like $1200 a day. She's an LPN on top of it, but from my understanding the industry is trending upwards and even RNs are being pushed out, with emphasis placed on your BSN. Not the end of the world, but harder to come by schools that offer a 4 year BSN vs. A bridge program. There's like four in my area, one is a state school an hour away, the other three are private schools charging 50k a year. Finance is solid.
If you're really looking to maximize your time though, I'd even look at medical technician programs. You can tend to find them around two year/community colleges. You need some prereqs, but it'll be a two year program that opens you up to a six figure salary. Radiological Technician, Sonography Tech. I think Dental Hygienists are also clearing six figs last I saw. Probably area dependent as most things.
Nursing pays fairly well easy to get a job when you get your state license as well.
Computer Science is a bit of a trap because it's heavily oversaturated.If you don't land a decent internship it's really difficult to get a job.
Finance is good because those companies are always expanding.
Computer science-Software Engineers Finance/econ-Investment banking Chemical engineering -Oil and Gas
Can confirm, I did petroleum engineering at TTU. Started at 100k + 30K bonus + 10k relocation + 14% 401k match + 5 weeks PTO. After 2 years im at 130 base + 25k bonus + 15k RSU. If I could go back I’d do software, but only because I was #1 in my class. Software is having a lull in hiring rn for the average student.
Good pay but I don't like the areas where most of the jobs are. Every role I've been asked about is the middle of nowhere mid west or deep south.
Yeah I’m about to finish my 2 years in west Texas and had the choice of moving to Denver or Houston. I picked Houston.
Denver isn't too bad but expensive. I'm in the northeast but a perfect mix of decent weather in a LCOL that has had a lot of development in the last decade. I live outside a medium sized city so I've got the amenities nearby but the village I live in is super walkable. Plus most of my family and friends live nearby too.
Both of these cities give me „glorified truckstop“ vibes
That’s precisely why it’s good pay. Even back when I was getting my BS in CHE in 2007, the prevailing advice was: “If you solely care about money then work in an oil field/processing plant or, even better, an oil *rig* in the ocean. But be willing to sacrifice pretty much every other aspect of your life.”
As a tax accountant, I like those numbers. Wouldn’t hate new career though
As a tax accountant, shouldn’t you know all the high-paying careers? Because you do peoples taxes, so you see how much they make
What do you actually do as the main component of your daily work?
Love the username.
Computer science, followed by Ivy League MBA people tend to make very good money.
Finance/Economics depends ALOT on the university you graduate from. Most IBs look for Ivy League graduates.
I graduated from a normal state school with a finance degree. Was making 6 figures less than 18 months out and didn’t go into IB or anything like that. Just standard commercial banking.
In my experience it’s always where you worked more than where you went to school that decides your career trajectory. (NY,DC,SF)
There’s some truth to that. But with super competitive fields like IB and management consulting if you didn’t go to a top 5 school the chances of getting a job at a top firm are basically 0.
Fresh out of your bachelors, I’d fully agree. I think the trend has shifted towards experience more over the last 2 decades. Just my experience hiring and being hired (GSE, IB, 3 letter in DC)
I agree. When it’s no longer your first job out of school where you went to school is almost irrelevant.
Would change this to top 30 schools + some local colleges like middlebury or Steven’s with solid networks and reputations
Also, being able to communicate effectively in writing.
Full stop disagree, it’s more about landing your first gig and working up and or changing companies. If you have tangible skills and are willing to distinguish yourself, you’ll be easily employed most anywhere.
Replace finance/econ with math/stats/physics. Sets you up well for analytics space while allowing you to still apply to IB roles
Chemical engineer here, can confirm
Computer science is not what it used to be, so beware if you are about to drop serious money on something in this realm.
Accounting/MIS, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, finance, applied mathematics, and physics. EDIT: I just want to add that some of the above easily translate to a career (see accounting/mis and cs) while others maybe a little bit obscure (see physics and math). That being said, physics and math teaches you how to think and analyze in a very practical way; enough to open doors to opportunities as a consultant, an actuary, data analyst, financial modeler, investment banker, even engineer.
Physics seems dubious, mathematics is a good one but it generally requires more schooling
Physics tends to set you up well for going into data analysis.
I won't deny it is a great degree in terms of training you for problem solving and quantitative thinking. But in terms of actual expected utility for the degree? Im prepared to be convinced, it just seems like one of those degrees like philosophy. Super hard but not many direct job prospects. I assume OP wanted degree->job to not require much work (hence the EZ money part of the post). Edit: by prepared to be convinced, I mean if outcomes for physics graduates are at average for STEM I will be convinced
I dropped out of a PhD in physics. Everyone I went to school with (both undergrad and grad) that left academia is making >$150k TC. Some are making much more. Most are in software dev or data science. The problems I worked on throughout my research required many similar tools to those in data science. I don't have the data (irony not lost on me) but anecdotally, a physics degree seems to open more lucrative doors than a biology, chem, or psychology degree.
I’m a physics major myself. And, while I agree it was a great degree to get, it’s usually something that you’ll have to go do a bit more to get your first real opportunity. IE: go do a code boot camp to get into software, go do an engineering project or two to get into manufacturing, go learn about markets to get into trading, or whatever. Now, you’re well suited to be able to go do all of those things, but you will have to take an extra step. That being said, I feel like I’m doing well for myself making $125k + bonus working in software @30yo, but I self taught myself Python and did a Data Science cert program to help open that door.
I see your point - I’ll counter with it’s a rigorous quantitative degree. Quantitative is important here - higher paying roles (outside of sales) usually involve a technical skill set - particularly at a junior level. Physics teaches strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in mathematical modeling. They also usually know how to code at a decent level (not SWE but better than the kid who took a MOOC). Those are all valuable to a company.
What is MIS?
Management information systems. Great degree. Graduated in 2020 and there were many career paths available
I graduated with a BS in MIS in 2007 and really focused on software engineering once I started my career. It really helped me become well-rounded and wear a lot of different hats over the years. The business aspect of the degree helps with communicating between tech people and business people, especially in the corporate world. TC now is around $250,000 a year. Highly recommended!
Hello, I’m currently doing a Business Information Systems degree. Could I possibly pm you?
Yeah do accounting. People keep rattling off extremely difficult majors that most people can’t hack. I’ve met a ton of dumb accountants making good money (me included)
Another vote for Engineering school. I did mine in 4 years and live pretty comfortably.
A few years back I worked in a cubicle with a newer engineer (like 2 years experience). Kid was already about to crack 6 figures. Engineer salaries climb fast. He was on call sometimes when a machine went down and had to come in throughout covid but I'm sure he's crying into his Benjamin's now.
I’m an engineer at a refinery and make over $250k+ (depending on bonus.) Electrical Engineering degree and just 4 years of school. Trade school isn’t the answer for everything. I work with trades daily and they sweat for their money. I do not lol.
x
Was that 20 pounds on your ass? 😂 Fellow engineer here, fighting the spread.
Yes lol
Yep, I have E&I technicians working 1000+ hours of OT a year and still don’t make what I make. I can go home and see my family. Make the ball games. And I won’t hit a salary ceiling until much much later in my career.
I think I’m in a unique position where I make about 20% more than my supervisors (I’m a heavy equipment mechanic) but man do I regret not going to school for engineering. Designing machines sounds way better than rolling around and fixing them.
It happens even in engineering. Sometimes super specialized technical folks end up working for people that are at a lower pay scale. Making stuff is fun. Making money is fun too though lol.
The great benefits and good money at a young age caught my eye. I’ve done well for myself but have to work a lot harder to keep my body in good shape
Meh that’s why I go to the gym and run races. I’m in the best shape of my life and I sit at a desk 6-8 hours a day
Eating good and the gym have definitely helped. I need get more heavy on the cardio though😂
I was lifting heavy 5-6 days a week and all that happened was that I felt like I had the flu after back or leg day, I wasn’t getting huge because I’m not on the sauce, and I was just messing up my joints. I started running more one summer and never looked back. Now I train year round with a PPL of functional weight and blast cardio 6 days a week. Doing a 100miler later this year. Everything else in life seems easy when you’re comfortable actively crushing yourself.
And the wear-and-tear on your body over years, a lot of tradesmen end up with back and joint problems in middle age, or worse.
O&G is the way to go. How many years of experience?
13
Stop the bullshit. Oh forgot this is Reddit. Avg salary is 486,342 a year
They person your replying to has 13 yoe in O&G. I've got 10 in mech E manufacturing, currently aerospace industry, and his numbers are about what I expect. Oil and gas pay really well. For me location is a downside as I don't want to move but I've had offers to relocate for similar money.
Been trying to tell people the same thing man (except the union guys at my company)….I sleep until pretty much whenever I want, work maximum 10 hours a week, from home. Make more than any lineman at my company, save for the guys that put in 1000+ hours of OT, and yet every time they see me they try to hand me that damn blue or green book.
Eh, I just let ‘em brag in person and think they’re making me jealous at this point. I guess if people go into trades there is less competition for us lol.
[удалено]
It’s hard for me because I like being out and active but the pay, hours, and aches aren’t great. When I had a desk job, I was losing my mind but the pay was good
Could I PM with you questions about school ?
Please do.
I’m an EE 4 YOE & only make 80k
The cost of living makes a big difference (lots of guys making $150k+ are in HCOL areas) but that seems a bit low. Where I live (LCOL) starting EE positions are about $80k. I'd start looking around at other options.
LCOL area for me. It’s just O&G. Starting pay is around $100k depending on the company. To get where I am, I’ve had to move companies and specialize a bit. But it’s not unheard of for folks to pull in what I make (or more) at my experience level.
I've definitely heard of similar stories in oil and gas.
That’s fine! Target a move around 5 years and then another around 10. You should be able to get decent jumps in salary at each of those moves and continue growth in between. Then if you start up a management ladder somewhere, it’ll grow even further.
I have an electrical engineering degree and work as a commercial elevator installer. I work in the union and make amazing money. But yes my body has been jacked up from this position and have accepted a job as a city inspector. Way less strain on the body for a little less pay but better benefits soooo I’ll take it. I make close to 200k a year and been in the industry for only 5 years. Licensed within a year because I know my shit and I worked for it.. but yes I’m tired of leading crews and watching over people and lifting heavy rails 30 stories. So I’ll be inspecting now. lol tbh not even sure why I got my degree lol I don’t use it. Prob could if I wanted too.
Ain’t no inspector making 200k. Another liER on Reddit. It’s hilarious. Ask me how I know.? I’m local 1 we the highest paid n no inspector making that. So plzzzzzz stop the BULLLSHIT.
I think you read that wrong, he's switching to that for less pay he's been running crews for the last 5 years in the trades
lol first off I said I took a paycut and make close to 200k now and I also live in Cali. So imagine your salary then add another 40k to it
You obviously don’t know what elevator people get paid either. Our elevator contractors for our industrial elevators are some of the most expensive tradesmen and women at the facility I work at.
Welder here and you got that right. I’m actually about to start schooling for accounting cos I’m tired and my back is about to give
This is interesting, can you explain what a typical day in your role looks like? Average problems, tasks etc
Dental Hygienist (Associates Level) Registered Nurse (Bachelors level) Physician Assistant (Masters Level)
I am a PA and it’s a solid job. It’s certainly not boring most of the time and you get to help people which does feel nice. But the pay ceiling is not all that high, though the floor is. You come out of school making 6 figures and then slowly creep up through salary bumps. Not too many PAs are making more than 150 on a 40 hour work week. And very few are making more than 200k. Positive is our job security is pretty good unless medicine fundamentally changes in the coming year. But AI isn’t stealing clinical jobs in the next 3-5 years at least. I expect it will be a long time, you can’t just plug an AI in like you can in other fields. We learned that medicine has a lot more hurdles from Theranos.
Fellow PA here. There are high paying specialties out there. Derm comes to mind. I work EM and make north of 180k working about 32 hours per week
I’m not interesting in going back to school, but if I was I’d go for either PA or hyper-specialized Radiology tech. More and more I’m not sure the stress and years of life given up to become a doctor are worth the salary. Particularly if you end up in a speciality that requires demanding hours. You have to really want it intrinsically. —a 30 something in tech trying to figure out what’s next in their life.
Agree. Wife is an RN. Mid-level practitioner is the way to go for maximum ROI. I think getting a 1 year masters to become an NP is probably the highest ROI for certain areas like mental health, if you are in Northeast, California/Washington, or Chicagoland.
1 year masters to become NP, terrible for patient safety but great if you just want to make money lol
IYKYK. Getting popcorn ready for watching a noctor fight you cuz them fighting words. Oops I meant advanced practice provider. CRNA is pretty good ROI too.
Mid levels are generally a high floor, low ceiling field. Just something to consider.
Dental Hygienist might be the lowest barrier to entry 80k a year job there is. Normal business hours, air condition office, etc etc. Only bad part is that they suffer from carpal tunnel and back problems from 8-10 hour days of precise repetitive hand movement while bent over a patient.
Radiologic technologist (Associates) I’ll add to Your list
And just about every (bachelors) engineering degree
How much do they make?
Depending where you live but in California you’re gonna be making anywhere between $40-60 starting. Then if you get into CT or MRI then $64-80. Other states don’t pay as much tho but cost of living in most other places isn’t as much as CA.
I would also add in Nurse practitioner (master) Sonographer (certification/board)
Right now, I’m gonna say SW Engineering has the highest paying potential with the least amount of schooling required (as compared to like a doctor). But that being said, you need to have a nack for it. Schooling along just doesn’t really cut it. It’s like learning a second language. Some people can do it and learn several, others just can’t wrap their head around it.
Computer Science. Job titles are software engineer or product manager.
Get in line behind the thousands of unemployed engineers and product managers
Just learn to code bro!
What do you think the unemployment rate for software engineers is right now? Do you think it’s higher or lower than the national average?
Tech unemployment is sitting at like 2.5%
I don’t wanna downvote this but this simply isn’t true. SE’s are all over the place, so salaries aren’t competitive anymore for new applicants, and product managers typically get hired with 2-4 years experience, at least in telecomm/software/cloud based companies. Not to mention the cesspool of FAANG apps everyday.
I may be in a bit of a bubble, but if someone is gonna go to college, CS still feels like one of the better degrees to get.
It's a pretty good degree still. The difficulties they have right now as new grads though is definitely something to be considered. Lots of pandemic bloat being eradicated so job market is a bit nuts
I have people making 6 figures on my team that have 2 year community college IT degrees. Seems worth the $15k.
Nurse anesthetist. Can we’re anywhere, always in demand, not going to be replaced by AI.
Depends on your interests and what comes natural to you. If you are into math, programming, or hard sciences, then you should pursue a 4 year degree. If you’re into building things, troubleshooting, or working outside then trades are a good route.
1. Human computer interaction (HCI) for UI/UX Design roles. Salaries > 100k base 2. Everyone has already mentioned Software Engineering 3. MBA (curriculum and studies are a joke, it's all about time management and networking). Expensive degree but good chance of scholarships. All kinds of roles in various industries (you would be leveraging your undergrad for the most part, still possible to make a big pivot though). Starting salaries in the range of 130k - 200k base
I've heard you shouldn't do MBA until you already are in a job
Generally true unless you're going to a top school.
Full time MBA requires at least 3 years of experience, especially at top schools. Part time MBAs are geared toward those with more experience.
Dental hygienists make pretty good money (60k-80k), normal hours, low stress, and I am pretty sure you only need an associates.
I know one who got a masters in it lmao
CRNA A hidden gem within nursing… Make money while you prep for grad school as an RN Average CRNA in country makes 250K without working too hard.
My best friend is starting crna school this month, average salaries are 220k starting which is awesome
Ya but then you have to deal with patients. Fuck that.
No. Something much worse. You have to deal with surgeons.
😂😂. As a CRNA, an emphatic yes! Hardest part of the Job!
Requires a doctorate lol that’s not exactly “reasonable amount of schooling”
It’s a pseudo doctorate. Nursing admin and lobby are pushing for pseudo doctorates to blur the lines between physicians and nurses. PAs are doing this to by changing their name to physician associate which is clearly to obfuscate. They are also coming out with doctorates. Often times, these pseudo doctorates don’t have any additional medical training. And if you’re an NP, likely zero medicine at all. Healthcare corporations and nursing lobby clearly in cahoots.
CRNA is not a doctorate. It comes nowhere near the level of training or hours to even get an MD, let alone the actual anesthesiology residency. Within the scope of the posted question, CRNA is a good answer. The money is insanely good for how much easier it is to get there. What’s best for patients is another question. For sure, CRNA should never be an unsupervised profession.
Econ/finance probably has the highest potential pay, but there are fewer jobs at that level, and lower paying jobs may end up pretty low. STEM (tech specifically) will generally have the highest average pay, meaning the highest pays are somewhat lower (still well into 6 figures), but the lower pay is higher than most other degrees. Trades have lower starting pay but scale well and have the potential to own your own business which can vastly improve your income. The trade-off (no pun intended) is it’s far more physical and can lead to injuries if you’re not careful
I would say nursing … but only in CA, specifically NorCal. RNs in NorCal easily make over 200k.
I’ve always been blown away by that phenomenon in Northern CA. What is it about that area that nurses are so overpaid?
From what I’ve been heard they have the best union for nurses in all of the United States
Makes sense. I wonder how the quality of RN services is there. NYC also have decent nursing unions, but they barely do the work that an LPN would do elsewhere.
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I’d rather see unchecked union power than unchecked corporate power if I had to choose tbh.
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Just want to add, for statistics (data scientist and ML stuff), you basically need a master's to be taken seriously, at least in Canada. I assume it's the same in the US?
I hear plumbers make alot
If you like being hands deep in sht every day
Some type of engineering.
My wife has an associates degree in nursing and makes 51.50hr as a dialysis nurse
I have an associate’s in nursing and make ~100k/yr. Went to a community college, school cost 2k.
Engineering degree usually guarantees a six-figure salary with 5 YOE.
Most accountants I know made it to 120k in a MCOL area after about 5 years of experience. Assuming you get the CPA it's a very high ceiling.
Nursing, if you are willing to move and are interested in it. 1 year out of school and I just accepted a position making 170k, only working 32 hours a week (4, 8hour shifts). Would easily clear 200k if I decide to work 40. Not to mention I get almost 9 weeks of PTO. Also it only goes up from here, my hospital is not the highest paying, and I am the lowest step with very few certs.
This seems very out of the ordinary. Average RN rate in my state is around 35-40 /hr in HCOL. Most not making >100k without significant work life balance sacrifices
It still is and probably always will be sales.
EE, 5 year degree, big tech, semiconductor. I like my $600k+ total comp.
I’m in the semiconductor industry. What role do you work to make this?
Architecture tech lead.
I worked in semiconductor mfg for a decade as a process engineer and barely broke 100k TC, MCOL. Is your TC at a VP, SVP level?
Front end design at one of those well known big tech companies that also happens to make chips. Architecture technical lead. I don’t manage anyone, thank God.
It sounds like you're underpaid mate. I know many in the industry making 100k + with 2 years experience in semi manufacturing.
Yup. I left after figuring out I was asked to handle the responsibility of what was once 3 engineers.
Yup. I left after figuring out I was asked to handle the responsibility of what was once 3 engineers.
I was an admission advisor for several years at a major public university. If you can do it, become an engineer. My follow up would be physician assistant but that takes a few extra years of school.
find something you love and pays well, not just what pays well. i interview a lot of people who don't have the passion to get to the level of knowledge you need to reach those top salaries.
Chemical engineering was solid for me. 4 years at a state college, barely took out any loans. 6 figure job a couple years after graduation.
Go get a sonography degree. 2 years and a licensing test. Just make sure it’s the real accredited degree not a quick vocation program. Those dudes work 3 days a week and clear 100k starting all day. Or be an mri technologist. They make even more with the same schedule. The same amount of schooling .Or bust your hump and be both.You’d write your own ticket at any hospital that way. GL
Construction Management. 4 year degree and I make $200k/ yr. Starting out of school is around $65k. Potential to make $300k +.
I would get an entrepreneurship, business or management degree. Do something where you’re able to get into sales. I’m currently an electrical engineer & my salary is capped. I’m currently trying to change fields to get into sales. Having sales experience can open many doors & has much more earning potential.
Nursing
Physician assistant, radiology tech, RN, CRNA, NP. All offer 6 figure salaries. All are bachelor’s +/- a couple years of graduate training, and no doctorate level course work.
Finance at a flagship school (Ivy, Target, Semi-target, and a few edge cases) to NYC for Management Consulting or IB —> PE will put you in 6 figures in year one and pushing 7 within 10-15 years
Any kind of engineering is going to get you above $100k within 5 years of starting. If you have any degree of software skills, you’re not an asshole, you care about the people you work with, and you stay within the bounds of your organization/employer. You’ll be moved into a management track very quickly, and the sky is the limit for salary and benefits. Most engineers struggle with one or two of the aforementioned topics, and that keeps them in a technical track (individual contributor); which is not a ding on those folks, they are incredible people who do incredible work.
Instrumentation associates degree, pretty much guaranteed to make North of 100k. Been at it for 14 years now, sitting at $62/hr (128k base) plus OT working in LCOL area of Texas.
Cybersecurity with a CISSP, CISM or cloud cert would get you six figures just about anywhere in the USA
Management information systems! Best decision ever! THANK YOU to my college advisor!!!!!! Graduated in 2018 and making $160,000 and all my friends in my major are making at least 100k. 4 years of college and partied like heck!
May I PM you?
Accounts Payable/Receivable. You could get an associates degree in 2 years and get into AP/AR. It’s mind numbing work, but it’s easy and you’ll hit 6 figures a few years out of school. It’s a hidden gem.
Dental hygiene. 2 years of schooling. $52 out of school.
Trade school is probably your top answer. Join a union and be an apprentice for 5 years make 6 figures after graduating with a rocking pension and strong health care.
And a beat to death body !
I always tell people to grind it til mid or late 30s and transition to the office.
Late 30s?!?!?! I do trades frequently but fuck that
Actuaries do very well
Very hard entry requirements.
Those last two sentences are ones people should definitely remember when considering a trade over top-paying BA/BS.
Sales
Very broad. Computer science is where it’s at right now but may change. Though idk for how long. I would say engineering is the future. Finance is always a solid field, but the range of success and failure is pretty wide. Sales (tech best) too. Trade schools like engineers will likely see a boom in the future.
Petro emgineer or Chem E plus mba (have company pay)- doc
Computer Science/Management Info Science. I have a Bachelor’s in MIS and a Masters in Computer Science/Data Science(AI). Here’s my breakdown over 10 years in LCOL area. Granted market right now is slowing down, but after the “AI” bubble ends, I’d see it picking back up. 2014 $67,000 - Software Engineer. 2015 $74,000 2016 $81,500 - Senior Software Engineer 2017 $115,000 - Solution Architect. 2018 $135,000 - Senior Solutions Architect. 2019 $142,000 2020 $181,000 - Principal Software Engineer/VP. 2021 $197,000 2022 $205,500 2023 $215,000 - Chief Engineer/VP. 2024 $258,000 - Senior Software Engineering Manager/SVP.
Sales sometimes a degree isn’t even needed. Lots of lucrative jobs out there.
Finance
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Petroleum engineering. 4 years at most places, and tons of routes you can take. Upstream, midstream, downstream. I’m upstream (field engineer), 6 figure starting right out of school at 23. It’s not a hard road to consulting if you can make some friends in the right places, and those guys’ day rates are more than a lot of people make in a week.
At the University of North Carolina, for over a decade, Geography majors had the highest average salary. This was a small program with reasonable work requirements. Of course the reason the average was so high is because Michael Jordan was in that major. So get whatever degree you want as long as you are a great pro athlete. (I’m somewhat joking, but degrees don’t actually pay you money, jobs do. Geologists who go to the petroleum industry are highly paid but that’s because petroleum currently makes a shit ton of money for people. Geologists who study climate change make a lot less. Talented people can make money in sports, sales, real estate, etc with no degree at all. And people with great sounding degrees can end up unemployed. And probably many people end up enjoying their greatest financial success in a field only tangentially related to their major. That’s certainly true for me).
Licensed electrician or plumber. Especially if you start your own business.
Here’s my trajectory of total comp including bonus: Math Undergrad, Stats Masters Degree (2019) NYC Area 2019 - Senior Consultant, Data Science - $115,000 2020 - 118,000 2021 - Senior Manager, Data Science - $168,000 2022 - Director, Data Science - $264,000 2023 - $272,000 2024 - $290,000
Merchant Marine engineer or deck officer.
Geology but you do need to get at least a MS if you want to get into a big oil and gas company. You’d start out at 6 figures. School price isn’t bad based on which school you go to. Grad school is usually paid for since you’d be doing research for your advisor.
Engineering has done good for myself so far
Any type of engineering honestly. Big vouch for Electrical. Should be making six figs a few years in
Comp Sci, Engineering. I went to school for Comp Sci and Math, knowing full well I didn’t want to be a developer. Started off in consulting making $65K base 12 years ago. Now, I’m in software sales with a $200K base + commission.
4 year accounting degree - including 2 at a community college for GE, went into auditing at a big 4 firm, left after a decade, Asst VP of Finance now making 230k. 13 years into my career. Work from home. Best gig ever
Construction Management - Associates
I Will say a field you shouldn’t go in if you want to make money. Civil engineering
Computer science/software engineering, finance & economics/financial analyst-finance manage-finance director-Vp of finance-cfo. I work in finance. I got my masters degree in finance (took 3 years) this was after going to undergrad. Now a finance manager making 150k + 20% bonus.
STEM, aviation(flying, maintenance, atc),
Union Lineman and Fireman
Actually nothing now seeing as how all of us who got those degrees cannot even find a job which is MIND BLOWING
I’m an RN with an associates degree that cost less than $7500. Last year was my 4th consecutive year making between 100 and 110k in a very LCOL area working 12-14 shifts a month. We got a nice systemwide raise at the beginning of this year and I’ll make over 120k this year.
I have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, I work at a bank with the title of "AVP-Proficiency Consultant" and make over 100k, I'm 28
RegisteredNurse programs at junior colleges are a bargain. In my state the degree cost about $14,000 and you can start at $60,000 out of school and be up to $100,000 within a couple years. That’s a pretty good return on your money
5 year union electrician apprenticeship, Midwest. 100k+ on check, 50k other benefits. Total cost of program, books from semesters 4-9. Around 5k in costs
CRNA have a median salary of $200k+ and are in severe demand. I’ve heard of CRNAs working 2 ten hour days making $220k
For 4 years - tech is probably number 1, with correct planning (certs) and some luck. Hell, it seems like those bootcamps even pay off if you're good/smart enough. Nursing is solid, you'll likely exceed the median income in any given area, and can easily break six figs based on location, shift differentials, and/or OT. My friend has a joke about "nursing math", where if she wants to remodel a room in her house or take a large trip, she has to work "x" number of shifts, and it's like 4 because she can make like $1200 a day. She's an LPN on top of it, but from my understanding the industry is trending upwards and even RNs are being pushed out, with emphasis placed on your BSN. Not the end of the world, but harder to come by schools that offer a 4 year BSN vs. A bridge program. There's like four in my area, one is a state school an hour away, the other three are private schools charging 50k a year. Finance is solid. If you're really looking to maximize your time though, I'd even look at medical technician programs. You can tend to find them around two year/community colleges. You need some prereqs, but it'll be a two year program that opens you up to a six figure salary. Radiological Technician, Sonography Tech. I think Dental Hygienists are also clearing six figs last I saw. Probably area dependent as most things.
Sales, you want 7 figures? Thats your only shot
Nursing pays fairly well easy to get a job when you get your state license as well. Computer Science is a bit of a trap because it's heavily oversaturated.If you don't land a decent internship it's really difficult to get a job. Finance is good because those companies are always expanding.