10 Top-Paying Careers Requiring a Bachelor’s Degree

1 Computer and information systems managers

What they do

Computer and information systems managers are responsible for computer-related activities in an organization. Chief information officers (CIOs) and chief technology officers (CTOs) are types of computer and information systems managers that lead and direct their organization’s technology strategy, including identifying new technology that could be beneficial. IT security managers oversee network and data security to keep information safe. And IT directors are typically in charge of the IT department, including hiring staff, managing the budget, and more

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field

Median annual salary, 2023:

$169,510 per year

Projected employment, 2032

643,300

2 Architectural and engineering managers

What they do

Architectural and engineering managers plan and supervise architecture and engineering projects. They may do research to understand a project’s scope, create detailed plans and budgets, hire and supervise staff, and make production schedules, among other duties. These professionals not only need to understand the ins and outs of managing teams and projects to keep jobs on track, but they also need knowledge of architecture and engineering to inform their work.

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture

Median annual salary, 2023:

$165,370 per year

Projected employment, 2032

209,700

3 Airline and commercial pilots

What they do

Pilots fly and navigate aircraft, including airplanes and helicopters. Airline pilots usually work for airlines that carry passengers and cargo on a set schedule, while commercial pilots typically perform charter flights, crop dusting, and other unscheduled activities. Both kinds of pilot are responsible for duties such as checking the condition of the aircraft, communicating with air traffic control, and monitoring aircraft systems throughout the flight to ensure a safe journey.   

Typical entry-level education

A bachelor’s degree in any field; flight training

Median annual salary, 2023:

$171,210 per year

Projected employment, 2032

148,100

4 Natural sciences managers

What they do

Natural sciences managers typically oversee the work of scientists within an organization or laboratory. For instance, they may manage chemists, physicists, or biologists. Natural sciences managers often oversee activities such as research and development, testing, quality control, and production. Their focus could vary depending on the type of organization they work for. For instance, they may manage projects related to advancing scientific knowledge or developing a new kind of product.

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific discipline

Median annual salary, 2023:

$157,740 per year

Projected employment, 2032

90,500

5 Financial managers

What they do

Financial managers help organizations reach their financial goals. They do this through a variety of activities, from preparing financial statements and forecasts to analyzing market trends to find opportunities. There are many kinds of financial manager, each handling different aspects of a company’s finances. For instance, cash managers control the flow of money in a firm. Treasurers direct their organization’s budget. And controllers are typically in charge of preparing financial reports and may oversee their organization’s audit, accounting, and budget departments.

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or a related field

Median annual salary, 2023:

$156,100 per year

Projected employment, 2032

919,200

6 Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers

What they do

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are responsible for creating interest in products and services. This involves activities such as planning and budgeting campaigns, developing promotional strategies, and managing staff such as creative teams. Managers may use market research to better understand their potential customers as well as the competition. They may also work directly with clients to negotiate contracts and make recommendations for how to position new products, reach more customers, and more.   

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field

Median annual salary, 2022:

$156,580 per year

Projected employment, 2032

413,300

7 Computer hardware engineers

What they do

These professionals design and develop computer hardware, from entire computer systems to components such as circuit boards, processors, and routers. This hardware is essential for many modern devices, including mobile phones, cars, and home appliances. Besides designing systems and components, computer hardware engineers may oversee the manufacturing process and test the hardware to make sure it works as intended. Since hardware and software are typically designed to work together, computer hardware engineers may work closely with software developers.

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field

Median annual salary, 2023:

$138,080 per year

Projected employment, 2032

81,600

8 Petroleum engineers

What they do

Petroleum engineers devise methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. Because oil and gas deposits are found in underground rock formations, engineers must develop ways to access those deposits by drilling. They may design drilling equipment, plan how best to extract the oil and gas, and monitor operations. Several kinds of petroleum engineers may be involved in this process. For instance, drilling engineers figure out the optimal way to drill for oil and gas, while production engineers oversee the wells once drilling is completed.  

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field

Median annual salary, 2023:

$135,690 per year

Projected employment, 2032

21,900

9 Database administrators and architects

What they do

Database administrators and architects build or manage systems to store data and keep it secure. They may design and build databases, regularly back up data, and make sure users can access the information they need. Typically, database architects are responsible for designing and building new databases, while database administrators monitor database operations for performance as well as provide support to users. However, these roles may have overlapping duties.

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field.

Median annual salary, 2023:

$117,450 per year

Projected employment, 2032

161,600

10 Top executives

What they do

Top executives keep organizations running smoothly. They typically set goals for the organization as well as plan strategies and lead teams to ensure these goals are met. Many types of organizations employ top executives—from companies to governments to schools. For instance, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) usually provide overall leadership and direction for companies and other types of organizations. General and operations managers may handle a variety of administrative and management tasks. And school superintendents oversee school districts, handle budgets, and help keep student achievement on track.

Typical entry-level education

Bachelor’s degree in an area related to their work

Median annual salary, 2023:

$103,840 

Projected employment, 2032

3,912,000