Choosing among the highest-paying master’s degrees can feel like a balancing act between passion, practicality, and paycheck. A graduate program is a serious investment, and knowing which master's degree is best for your future matters as much as following your interests. 

High-paying jobs that require a master's degree also need to be compared and contrasted to find a path that fits your career goals while being able to have future-proof relevance in this rapidly changing technological world. 

Why Salary Potential Matters When Choosing a Master’s Degree

Salary potential isn’t the only reason to pursue graduate school, but it’s a big one. A master’s degree in the U.S. can top $100,000 depending on the program, and many students rely on loans to cover those expenses. 

Plus, it helps to know that the average weekly wage for a master's degree worker is $1,848, which equals about $96,000 annually.

A good rule of thumb is that your total student loan debt should not exceed your expected first-year salary in the field you’re pursuing. For example, if the average starting salary for a data scientist with a master’s is around $110,000, then taking on up to $110,000 in graduate debt is manageable.

Balancing passion and practicality means considering both what excites you and what sustains you financially. A degree that fuels your interests but leaves you underpaid may not deliver the return on investment you need. On the flip side, chasing only the highest-paying field without genuine interest often leads to burnout.

Highest Paying Master’s Degrees in 2025

Even with evolving technology and job markets, there's an encouraging salary base for just about every career path, from health care to business to technology. Here are six standout degrees that lead to the highest-paying jobs with a master's degree.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  • Median Salary Range: $115,000–$140,000
  • High-Demand Industries: Finance, consulting, tech, corporate leadership
  • Job Titles: Management consultant, investment banker, director of operations, chief marketing officer

The MBA remains one of the most versatile graduate degrees. It provides leadership and strategy skills that translate across industries, with the highest earnings often found in finance and technology.

Master’s in Computer Science or Information Technology

  • Median Salary Range: $105,000–$135,000
  • High-Demand Industries: Software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing
  • Job Titles: Software engineer, AI specialist, cybersecurity manager, IT director

With businesses continuing to invest heavily in digital infrastructure and AI, a master’s in computer science or IT opens doors to roles at the heart of future innovation.

Master’s in Engineering (Electrical, Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil)

  • Median Salary Range: $100,000–$130,000
  • High-Demand Industries: Energy, aerospace, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing
  • Job Titles: Petroleum engineer, civil engineering manager, aerospace project lead, mechanical systems engineer

Engineering remains a high-paying, high-demand field. Specialized branches like petroleum and aerospace engineering offer some of the top salaries, especially in energy-rich or tech-driven markets.

Master’s in Health Care Administration (MHA) or Nursing (MSN)

  • Median Salary Range: $95,000–$125,000
  • High-Demand Industries: Hospitals, private practice, health systems, outpatient care
  • Job Titles: Nurse practitioner, healthcare administrator, clinical director, director of nursing

Health care continues to see explosive growth. An MSN qualifies nurse practitioners for some of the best-paying roles in patient care, while an MHA prepares leaders for executive health care management positions.

Master’s in Data Science or Business Analytics

  • Median Salary Range: $105,000–$145,000
  • High-Demand Industries: Finance, retail, tech, health care, logistics
  • Job Titles: Data scientist, business intelligence manager, quantitative analyst, analytics consultant

Organizations rely on data-driven decision-making more than ever. A master’s in data science or analytics equips graduates with the technical and statistical skills needed to command six-figure salaries.

Master’s in Public Policy

  • Median Salary Range: $70,000–$110,000
  • High-Demand Industries: Government, nonprofits, consulting, research institutions
  • Job Titles: Policy analyst, economic advisor, nonprofit director, urban planner

Public policy may not always top the salary charts, but it offers significant impact. Graduates shape legislation, lead nonprofits, and influence major public initiatives. For those driven by impact as much as income, this is a compelling option. Plus, there's supplemental income potential in keynote speaking.

Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Outlook formula to find a high-paying and in-demand job that requires a master's degree. Be sure to adjust the salary, entry-level education, and growth rate fields to find the most lucrative options.

High-Paying Jobs That Require a Master’s Degree

Some of the best-paying career paths aren’t accessible without a master’s degree. In fields like health care, data, and economics, advanced education is the ticket to higher salary brackets and leadership roles.

  • Nurse Practitioners: Among the fastest-growing jobs in the U.S., NPs often earn between $110,000 and $125,000 annually. The master’s degree is non-negotiable, and demand keeps climbing with the need for primary care providers.
  • Economists: With a median salary of around $115,000, economists use advanced data modeling and research to advise governments, corporations, and think tanks. Most roles require at least a master’s to get in the door.
  • Data Scientists: This career almost always requires graduate-level expertise in data science, analytics, or computer science. Salaries often exceed $120,000, especially in tech and finance.
  • Financial Analysts (senior/lead roles): Entry-level analysts may start with a bachelor’s, but high-paying positions in investment banking, risk management, and corporate strategy lean heavily toward master’s graduates.
  • Engineering Managers: While engineers can build successful careers without one, many step into management roles only after completing a master’s in engineering or business. These jobs often pay $130,000 or more.

It’s worth noting that a master’s doesn’t always happen right after undergrad. Many professionals return to graduate school after several years of experience, either to climb into higher-paying leadership positions or to pivot into a new career midlife. This approach often makes the degree more valuable, since it’s backed by practical experience and a clear sense of direction.

Which Master's Degree Is Best for Your Future?

If you're intrigued but need a little more help finding the right career path that pairs with one of the highest-paying master's degrees, we have a way to help. Check out the health care, business, STEM, and education career quizzes through Appily Advance to take the next steps toward the high-paying job of your dreams backed by a master's degree.