Are you looking to choose a master's program that will help you land a job with a big salary? If you are near the end of your undergraduate studies (or have already finished), you need to choose your master's program carefully in order to have a higher income throughout your career.

To help you out, this article explains what a master's degree is and lists the highest paying master's degrees along with related job roles and average national salaries.

A master's degree is a postgraduate academic degree you can get after you've earned your bachelor's degree. For some professions, it's considered a “terminal degree,” which means it is the highest level of academic accomplishment required in the field. However, it can also be non-terminal because it is typically a prerequisite for pursuing an even more advanced degree, such as a doctoral degree.

Master’s degree programs usually last two years, but there are some exceptions. Each program has its own specific requirements, such as coursework, examinations, and a final research project or thesis.

Master's degrees offer a higher level of specialization (through coursework and practical training) than undergraduate degrees and often require students to engage in independent research. In master's programs, students often focus on the same academic area they studied during their undergraduate education. However, in some cases, you can choose a different area of study.

In the process of obtaining a master's degree, you'll gain critical thinking and analytical skills that will help you progress in your career and earn more money.

As you read the following list of high-paying master's degrees, keep in mind that your actual pay will depend on location, your qualifications, market demand, and the industry.

Here's an overview of top-paying master's degrees, job roles, and average national salaries:

Deciding which degree to pursue is an important choice and it may take a while for you to settle on the right master’s degree program. While thinking about your options, consider your interests, commitment, readiness, and long-term career plans.

Here are some other job titles that require a master’s degree:

Before you even finish your undergraduate education, you can start thinking about a master's degree. It’s an academic degree that can be terminal (the most advanced degree required for a specific job) or non-terminal (a prerequisite for pursuing a doctoral degree necessary to enter certain professions).

Among the many master’s degrees that pay well are those in business administration, nursing, engineering management, software engineering, computer science, finance, IT, physician assistant studies, economics, marketing, physics, chemical and biomedical engineering, and healthcare management.

When it comes to the best jobs for those holding a master’s degree in 2024 the list includes nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, software developers, financial managers, IT managers, marketing managers, and various types of engineers.

During your postgraduate education (master’s and doctoral degrees) you’ll explore your chosen field more extensively than during your undergrad studies and will gain the necessary experience and skills that will prepare you for higher-paying jobs throughout your career.