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Choosing your major is a big decision, but many students reach a point where the choice is already made. If you are currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you may be wondering how your major will affect your salary and long term career growth. The good news is that no matter what you study, you can take smart steps to increase your earning potential.
Data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, especially the report The College Payoff, shows that while majors differ in average earnings, your skill development, experience, and career strategy play a major role in shaping your future income.
This guide explains how your major influences your earnings and what you can do right now to improve your career outcomes.
According to Georgetown CEW, workers with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of 2.8 million dollars over their careers. This is a significant increase compared to workers with only a high school diploma.
However, different majors have different average salaries.
This means your major affects your starting salary, but it does not determine your entire financial future.
If you already chose a major or are in grad school, the next step is learning how to maximize your career opportunities. These strategies help students increase their income and boost job prospects across every field.
1. Build in-demand skills
Employers look for skills that apply across industries. Building these skills and including it in your CV can increase your earning potential, even in lower paying fields.
High value skills include:
Take online courses, workshops, or electives that help you build skills with real career value.
2. Choose a minor, certificate, or specialization that strengthens your major
A complementary focus can make you more competitive. Examples include:
These add-ons help you stand out and qualify for higher paying roles.
3. Use internships to get real experience and better job offers
Internships remain one of the strongest predictors of higher early career earnings. They help you build experience, understand the job market, and make connections.
Tips for choosing the right internships:
4. Find higher paying career paths within your major
Every major has areas that pay more than others. If your major has lower average earnings, look for related roles with stronger salary potential.
Examples:
Salary databases and job boards can help you compare roles.
5. Understand whether graduate school will increase your earnings
Graduate school can boost income in some fields, but not all. According to Georgetown CEW, advanced degrees tend to help most in:
Before committing to a graduate degree, research whether your specific field shows a strong earnings return on the investment.
6. Build a strong portfolio to increase your job opportunities
A portfolio helps employers see your skills in action. It is a powerful tool for majors with competitive job markets or creative fields.
Include:
A clear portfolio can lead to stronger job offers and higher starting salaries.
Your major influences your salary, but it does not determine your future. The choices you make during college or graduate school have a major impact on your long term earnings. By building in demand skills, gaining experience, and exploring higher paying paths within your field, you can significantly increase your earning potential.
Your major is the starting point. Your strategy is what moves you forward. With the right skills and experience, students in any major can build a strong financial future.
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