Americans owe an estimated $1.6 Trillion in student debt. So a college degree is a serious investment. With that being said, here are some of the Best high paying jobs you can get with a college degree.
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Petroleum Engineer
Average Salary: $102,300 to $176,300
Petroleum engineers work to design methods and equipment for the extraction of oil and gas located in reservoirs below the Earth’s surface. These skilled professionals first work alongside specialists and scientists to understand the reservoir formations, before beginning research and development of drilling equipments, plans, and other operations. Petroleum engineers may specialize in different areas, including completions, working on building wells; drilling, determining the safest and most efficient drilling procedures; production, monitoring the production of built wells; and reservoir, determining how much gas or oil can be extracted from a deposit. Work may require frequent travel to drilling sites.
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Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists clean patients’ teeth, examine them for oral diseases and provide other preventative dental care. They are often the first people patients see during a visit and help guide a busy dentist in the needs of each patient.
Dental hygienists don’t need a four-year college degree, but they do typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Every state requires dental hygienists to be certified as well.
Given the nature of the job, hygienists should have strong communication and be willing to work very closely with all types of people (and teeth). An attention to detail and a caring touch is also important because many patients fear dental work.
Salary and Job Outlook
- Median Salary: $74,820 (2018)
- Job Outlook: Much faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 20% increase in jobs from by 2026.
Computer Science Engineer
Average Salary: $66,700 to $112,600
Computer science engineering may refer to either computer hardware engineers or software engineers. Each of these occupations pay well but require different specialized training and education. Hardware engineers primarily focus on the design and development of physical components and equipment that make up a computer system, while software engineers work on the applications that control the functions and output of these components. Both forms of engineering involve evaluating user needs, performing tests and analyzing results, creating modifications and updates as necessary. Hardware and software engineers commonly collaborate with one another and with other computer programmers.
Medical Records and Health Information Technician $40,000 – $65,000
The still booming health industry means that medical records and health information technicians are in demand. With the same growth outlook as dental hygienists, becoming a medical records technician is a good job choice if you’re interested in the health field, but would prefer less hands-on work and less direct interaction with patients.
Medical records technicians ensure that patients’ files are up-to-date and accurately coded for insurance billing. They manage healthcare information on computers and on paper, ensuring its accuracy.
An associate’s degree or certification is required for this position. Strong organizational skills and an extreme attention to detail are good qualities to have in this field.
Salary and Job Outlook
- Median Salary: $40,350 (2018)
- Job Outlook: Above average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 13% increase in jobs by 2026.
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Paralegal and Legal Assistant
Paralegals and legal assistants do a variety of work to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.
An associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies is typically required for entry-level candidates. If you have excellent communication skills, are detail-oriented and enjoy an ever-changing and always challenging work environment, a paralegal career may be a good choice.
Salary and Job Outlook
- Median Salary: $50,940 (2018)
- Job Outlook: Above average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 15% increase in jobs by 2026.
Statistician
Average Salary: $54,900 to $103,100
Statistics involves using mathematical principles to collect, analyze, and present numerical data. Statisticians may work either in the public or private sector, often finding employment in government, education, healthcare, or research and development. They use their skills in a variety of ways, including designing surveys and experiments, analyzing and processing collected data, drawing conclusions, and presenting final results in a logical manner. This data is often used to support and improve policy or business decisions. Statisticians most commonly work in an office environment, and they may occasionally collaborate on teams with engineers, scientists, or other professionals, depending on the nature of their work.
Web Developer
Web developers design, develop, and maintain websites. Some web developers are self-employed, working for a variety of companies and individuals. Others work in computer systems design, information services, finance, or education for large and small companies.
This is a good career choice for individuals who are both technical and creative and if one of those is not your strong suit, you can concentrate on the other. Web developers are needed for various projects and many become specialists in a few specific skills with a general understanding.
Web developers typically need an associate’s degree in web design or a related field, such as programming or graphic design. Be ready to continue learning throughout your career because technology changes fast and you need to keep up with the latest trends on the web.
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Computer Information Systems Management
Average Salary: $52,400 to $89,900
Often holding formal job titles like IT manager or IT project manager, computer information systems management professionals plan, coordinate, and direct all of the computer-related activities that take place within an organization. Specific duties may include ensuring network security, planning installation and maintenance, negotiating with vendors, and researching potential technology projects. IT managers work in company offices, schools, healthcare facilities — any location that requires a large number of computers to complete daily operations. This job requires supervisory skills, as IT managers frequently direct and oversee the work of other department professionals like systems analysts, software developers, and support specialists.
Salary and Job Outlook
- Median Salary: $69,430 (2018)
- Job Outlook: Above average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 15% increase in jobs by 2026.
Nurse
Nursing can be a wonderful career choice, and not only because of the healthy starting salaries available. Nurses are nearly always in high demand, and that demand is expected to continue in the future as the population ages. Starting salaries for nurses vary widely depending on the level of education (a 2-year or 4-year program) and on the area of specialization. A career in nursing can be very rewarding, and not just financially. You will have the opportunity to help care for and heal people. On the flip side, though, you also have to deal with their bodily fluids. So you may be well-paid, but you will be earning every penny!
What you can expect to make: $47,000
from $39,000 (perioperative nurse) to $64,000 (nurse trainer)
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Pharmaceutical Representative
See the Jobs Rated Ranking for Pharmaceutical Sales Rep
Pharmaceutical representatives (also known as drug reps) stand to make good money right off the bat. In addition, pharmaceutical reps also often benefit from perks like the use of company cars. However, working as a pharmaceutical rep can be quite demanding. Lots of travel is usually required; a typical day might see you going to several doctors’ offices discussing the benefits of a particular drug. While pharmaceutical reps must be well versed in science, they also must be good with people and have excellent communication skills, as this is essentially a sales job. For those willing to put in the work, the pay is very good. And you can rest easy knowing that you’ll probably always have a steady supply of pens and pads of sticky notes!
What you can expect to make: $59,000
from $55,000 (pharmaceutical sales representative) to $73,000 (pharmaceutical specialty sales representative)
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