As one career advisor once said, “Your major is your first investment portfolio,” and in 2025, the data proves it: the right field of study can mean the difference between starting adulthood with a strong financial foundation-or struggling to make ends meet.
Fresh analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that while some majors set graduates up for six-figure salaries by mid-career, others lag far behind. Engineering and STEM fields take the top of the charts, but there were also some surprises in how certain non-STEM degrees catch up over time.
For students, parents, and career changers alike, it’s not a question of mere curiosity but a strategic decision to learn which majors offer the most lucrative prospects. Here’s a breakdown of the most lucrative fields right now and what they could mean for your future income.
1. Aerospace Engineering is at the top.
Therefore, out of all majors, aerospace engineering has an early-career median of $76,000 and a mid-career leap of $125,000, putting it squarely at the very top of the earnings list for graduates aged 35 to 45 years. The field benefits from demand in defense, commercial aviation, and private space exploration and requires highly specialized skills.
The payoff is clear: Not only do graduates start strong, but they also realize consistent growth. With companies like SpaceX, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin continuing to invest heavily in innovation, the career trajectory for aerospace engineers remains strong.
2. Computer Engineering Delivers Tech-Driven Rewards
The median early career salary for students studying computer engineering is $80,000; mid-career salary is $122,000. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are some of the emerging interests that have developed an ever-increasing demand for experts in the design and bringing optimum efficiency in hardware-software systems.
Major tech employers, from Apple to Meta, are hiring for these skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hardware engineers overall had a median compensation of $145,080 in 2023; the top 10% made over $233,000, a testament to the long-term potential in this track.
3. Chemical Engineering: Where Science Meets Profit
Chemical engineering majors apply across industries, from pharmaceuticals to renewable energy, starting at $80,000 and reaching up to $120,000 mid-career. That makes them versatile and in demand.
It often entails large-production challenges, hence the premium pay. With the trend toward sustainability and green manufacturing, the chemical engineer has a good place in the future as well.
4. Computer Science Continues to Show Strength
Computer science graduates start at a median of $80,000 and rise to $115,000 mid-career. The underemployment rate for this major is also very low, at 16.5%, which suggests that most graduates work in highly relevant jobs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research scientists can expect a 26% growth rate from 2023-2033, way above the national average. That translates into thousands of high-paying openings annually.
5. Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Remain Stable
The pay for electrical engineering majors starts at $78,000 and stretches to $120,000 at mid-career. Mechanical engineering graduates enter the workforce at $75,000, peaking at $115,000. Both benefit from strong demand within manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.
These disciplines also offer flexibility, with skills transferable to emerging sectors like robotics, renewable energy, and autonomous systems.
6. Finance and Economics Break Into Six Figures
Not all of the top earners are engineers. Finance and economics majors start at $70,000, attaining a mid-career salary of $110,000. With their strong skills in data analysis, market forecasting, and strategic planning, they are popular across industries.
While these may tend to have higher rates of underemployment compared with some STEM majors, they also offer paths into leadership and executive positions that can bring even higher earning potential.
7. Physics and Mathematics Prove STEM Breadth Pays
Physics majors start at $70,000 and go to $100,000 mid-career, while mathematics graduates start at $65,000 and also reach $100,000. These majors put students into a wide range of fields, including research, finance, technology, and engineering.
They also tend to have high rates of graduate study, which can give them an added boost in earnings. Employers value the problem-solving and analytical skills these majors develop.
8. Business Analytics and Information Systems Gain Ground
Business analytics and information systems majors have an early-career salary of $70,000 and a mid-career salary of $100,000. As corporations continue to rely heavily on data-driven decision-making, this set of skills is in high demand. This makes it a very versatile and financially rewarding choice, considering that graduates can work in sectors ranging from healthcare to e-commerce.
9. The Stark Gap With Lowest-Paying Majors
Of those, while the top majors soar past $100,000 by mid-career, other fields like early childhood education lag far behind at $49,000. The starting salary for foreign language majors is just $40,000, though over time, some realize significant percentage increases. Salary isn’t the only determining factor when choosing a major, but experts say it’s important to understand what your financial trajectory will look like to help manage debt and plan long-term.
New salary data confirms that STEM particularly engineering accounts for many of the highest-paid degrees, but other lucrative fields include finance, economics, and data-focused business majors. Students and career changers can use their choice of major as a powerful lever for future earnings. While passion and interest are vital motivators, when combined with market demand, they could result in a career path that’s both fulfilling and financially secure.
