NextChapter

Occupations needing a bachelor's degree with the highest posted pay

Architectural and engineering managers has the highest median posted pay of the occupations that typically need a bachelor's degree: $215k a year.November 2026 edition. Updated monthly, from open jobs we verified on employer career sites.

Key facts

  • #1 Architectural and engineering managers, Bachelor's degree: $215k
  • #2 Commercial and industrial designers, Bachelor's degree: $211k
  • #3 Computer and information systems managers, Bachelor's degree: $203k
  • 88 occupations ranked across all occupations
  • Data as of November 2026
  1. 1Architectural and engineering managers Bachelor's degree$215k
  2. 2Commercial and industrial designers Bachelor's degree$211k
  3. 3Computer and information systems managers Bachelor's degree$203k
  4. 4Software developers Bachelor's degree$201k
  5. 5Computer occupations, all other Bachelor's degree$193k
  6. 6Social science research assistants Bachelor's degree$191k
  7. 7Chief executives Bachelor's degree$183k
  8. 8Compensation and benefits managers Bachelor's degree$183k
  9. 9Art directors Bachelor's degree$182k
  10. 10Marketing managers Bachelor's degree$180k

What stands out

  • The top ten is tightly packed: Architectural and engineering managers leads on $215k, and #10 Marketing managers is at $180k.
  • Social science research assistants reaches #6 on a sample of 166 open jobs, a smaller market than most of the top ten, so its rank can move more from month to month.
  • Software developers is the largest market in the top ten, with 15,559 open jobs behind its figure.
  • Occupations with fewer than 100 open jobs are not ranked, and small differences between neighbouring ranks are not meaningful.

Why this ranking matters

What it shows

Some occupations pay well without a four-year degree, and some that need one pay little. Ranking occupations by median advertised pay at one education level shows where the money is for that route.

How to use it

Use it to find well-paid roles you can reach with the schooling you have or plan to get. Posted pay is a range an employer advertises, so treat it as a guide.

The top 25

  1. 1

    Architectural and engineering managers Bachelor's degree

    $215k

    Open jobs
    4,420
    Median posted pay
    $215k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +5.5%
    Workers in the occupation
    220,900

    Based on 4,420 openings.

  2. 2

    Commercial and industrial designers Bachelor's degree

    $211k

    Open jobs
    246
    Median posted pay
    $211k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +2.4%
    Workers in the occupation
    35,400

    Based on 246 openings.

  3. 3

    Computer and information systems managers Bachelor's degree

    $203k

    Open jobs
    2,821
    Median posted pay
    $203k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +15.8%
    Workers in the occupation
    685,800

    Based on 2,821 openings.

  4. 4

    Software developers Bachelor's degree

    $201k

    Open jobs
    15,559
    Median posted pay
    $201k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +10.2%
    Workers in the occupation
    1,717,800

    Based on 15,559 openings.

  5. 5

    Computer occupations, all other Bachelor's degree

    $193k

    Open jobs
    13,156
    Median posted pay
    $193k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +5.1%
    Workers in the occupation
    471,200

    Based on 13,156 openings.

  6. 6

    Social science research assistants Bachelor's degree

    $191k

    Open jobs
    166
    Median posted pay
    $191k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +5.0%
    Workers in the occupation
    38,400

    Based on 166 openings.

  7. 7

    Chief executives Bachelor's degree

    $183k

    Open jobs
    1,799
    Median posted pay
    $183k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +3.2%
    Workers in the occupation
    291,600

    Based on 1,799 openings.

  8. 8

    Compensation and benefits managers Bachelor's degree

    $183k

    Open jobs
    775
    Median posted pay
    $183k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +1.1%
    Workers in the occupation
    23,700

    Based on 775 openings.

  9. 9

    Art directors Bachelor's degree

    $182k

    Open jobs
    1,034
    Median posted pay
    $182k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +4.2%
    Workers in the occupation
    140,200

    Based on 1,034 openings.

  10. 10

    Marketing managers Bachelor's degree

    $180k

    Open jobs
    10,376
    Median posted pay
    $180k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +6.9%
    Workers in the occupation
    421,600

    Based on 10,376 openings.

  11. 11

    Electronics engineers, except computer Bachelor's degree

    $175k

    Open jobs
    1,082
    Median posted pay
    $175k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +3.7%
    Workers in the occupation
    98,200

    Based on 1,082 openings.

  12. 12

    Computer network architects Bachelor's degree

    $174k

    Open jobs
    1,319
    Median posted pay
    $174k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +7.7%
    Workers in the occupation
    181,800

    Based on 1,319 openings.

  13. 13

    Web and digital interface designers Bachelor's degree

    $173k

    Open jobs
    1,861
    Median posted pay
    $173k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +6.0%
    Workers in the occupation
    132,700

    Based on 1,861 openings.

  14. 14

    Web developers Bachelor's degree

    $173k

    Open jobs
    322
    Median posted pay
    $173k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +3.8%
    Workers in the occupation
    87,400

    Based on 322 openings.

  15. 15

    Producers and directors Bachelor's degree

    $170k

    Open jobs
    1,021
    Median posted pay
    $170k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +4.0%
    Workers in the occupation
    181,000

    Based on 1,021 openings.

  16. 16

    Agricultural engineers Bachelor's degree

    $167k

    Open jobs
    401
    Median posted pay
    $167k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +6.9%
    Workers in the occupation
    1,500

    Based on 401 openings.

  17. 17

    Aerospace engineers Bachelor's degree

    $165k

    Open jobs
    1,119
    Median posted pay
    $165k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +8.3%
    Workers in the occupation
    68,700

    Based on 1,119 openings.

  18. 18

    Data scientists Bachelor's degree

    $165k

    Open jobs
    4,534
    Median posted pay
    $165k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +34.6%
    Workers in the occupation
    275,600

    Based on 4,534 openings.

  19. 19

    Nuclear engineers Bachelor's degree

    $163k

    Open jobs
    263
    Median posted pay
    $163k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +0.4%
    Workers in the occupation
    16,600

    Based on 263 openings.

  20. 20

    Computer hardware engineers Bachelor's degree

    $160k

    Open jobs
    2,146
    Median posted pay
    $160k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +9.1%
    Workers in the occupation
    76,100

    Based on 2,146 openings.

  21. 21

    Advertising and promotions managers Bachelor's degree

    $159k

    Open jobs
    319
    Median posted pay
    $159k
    Projected growth to 2035
    −3.7%
    Workers in the occupation
    33,200

    Based on 319 openings.

  22. 22

    Public relations managers Bachelor's degree

    $159k

    Open jobs
    857
    Median posted pay
    $159k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +5.7%
    Workers in the occupation
    80,800

    Based on 857 openings.

  23. 23

    Mechanical engineers Bachelor's degree

    $155k

    Open jobs
    5,326
    Median posted pay
    $155k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +11.2%
    Workers in the occupation
    298,500

    Based on 5,326 openings.

  24. 24

    Managers, all other Bachelor's degree

    $155k

    Open jobs
    3,682
    Median posted pay
    $155k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +4.9%
    Workers in the occupation
    1,338,800

    Based on 3,682 openings.

  25. 25

    Sales engineers Bachelor's degree

    $155k

    Open jobs
    1,597
    Median posted pay
    $155k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +2.8%
    Workers in the occupation
    51,600

    Based on 1,597 openings.

Full ranking

All 88 occupations that qualified, with the figure each is ranked on.

RankOccupationScoreSample
1Architectural and engineering managers Bachelor's degree$215k4,420
2Commercial and industrial designers Bachelor's degree$211k246
3Computer and information systems managers Bachelor's degree$203k2,821
4Software developers Bachelor's degree$201k15,559
5Computer occupations, all other Bachelor's degree$193k13,156
6Social science research assistants Bachelor's degree$191k166
7Chief executives Bachelor's degree$183k1,799
8Compensation and benefits managers Bachelor's degree$183k775
9Art directors Bachelor's degree$182k1,034
10Marketing managers Bachelor's degree$180k10,376
11Electronics engineers, except computer Bachelor's degree$175k1,082
12Computer network architects Bachelor's degree$174k1,319
13Web and digital interface designers Bachelor's degree$173k1,861
14Web developers Bachelor's degree$173k322
15Producers and directors Bachelor's degree$170k1,021
16Agricultural engineers Bachelor's degree$167k401
17Aerospace engineers Bachelor's degree$165k1,119
18Data scientists Bachelor's degree$165k4,534
19Nuclear engineers Bachelor's degree$163k263
20Computer hardware engineers Bachelor's degree$160k2,146
21Advertising and promotions managers Bachelor's degree$159k319
22Public relations managers Bachelor's degree$159k857
23Mechanical engineers Bachelor's degree$155k5,326
24Managers, all other Bachelor's degree$155k3,682
25Sales engineers Bachelor's degree$155k1,597
26Materials engineers Bachelor's degree$155k234
27Medical and health services managers Bachelor's degree$153k4,005
28Financial managers Bachelor's degree$150k9,566
29Electrical engineers Bachelor's degree$150k4,785
30Database architects Bachelor's degree$150k2,645
31Financial risk specialists Bachelor's degree$150k604
32Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors Bachelor's degree$150k552
33Information security analysts Bachelor's degree$145k669
34Social scientists and related workers, all other Bachelor's degree$145k124
35Sales managers Bachelor's degree$145k14,081
36General and operations managers Bachelor's degree$145k6,351
37Cost estimators Bachelor's degree$143k227
38Human resources managers Bachelor's degree$141k2,149
39Purchasing managers Bachelor's degree$140k2,279
40Chemical engineers Bachelor's degree$140k422
41Project management specialists Bachelor's degree$140k5,902
42Industrial production managers Bachelor's degree$139k3,776
43Technical writers Bachelor's degree$136k214
44Construction managers Bachelor's degree$135k2,245
45Actuaries Bachelor's degree$135k740
46Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents Bachelor's degree$135k413
47Editors Bachelor's degree$135k134
48Training and development managers Bachelor's degree$134k652
49Engineers, all other Bachelor's degree$134k4,036
50Network and computer systems administrators Bachelor's degree$130k1,005
51Bioengineers and biomedical engineers Bachelor's degree$130k253
52Social and community service managers Bachelor's degree$130k207
53Management analysts Bachelor's degree$129k1,876
54Software quality assurance analysts and testers Bachelor's degree$125k1,533
55Database administrators Bachelor's degree$125k991
56Civil engineers Bachelor's degree$122k3,069
57Fundraising managers Bachelor's degree$120k1,100
58Business operations specialists, all other Bachelor's degree$118k922
59Industrial engineers Bachelor's degree$118k7,345
60Meeting, convention, and event planners Bachelor's degree$118k381
61Personal financial advisors Bachelor's degree$115k874
62Graphic designers Bachelor's degree$115k530
63Facilities managers Bachelor's degree$114k1,802
64Human resources specialists Bachelor's degree$113k6,107
65Computer systems analysts Bachelor's degree$110k2,047
66Financial and investment analysts Bachelor's degree$110k3,776
67Insurance underwriters Bachelor's degree$110k1,056
68Operations research analysts Bachelor's degree$110k1,055
69Budget analysts Bachelor's degree$109k378
70Computer programmers Bachelor's degree$106k329
71Financial specialists, all other Bachelor's degree$105k617
72Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Bachelor's degree$104k1,210
73Environmental scientists and specialists, including health Bachelor's degree$103k521
74Administrative services managers Bachelor's degree$101k210
75Compliance officers Bachelor's degree$100k1,255
76Writers and authors Bachelor's degree$100k192
77Education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare Bachelor's degree$99k350
78Occupational health and safety specialists Bachelor's degree$98k366
79Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products Bachelor's degree$93k1,515
80Training and development specialists Bachelor's degree$92k359
81Logisticians Bachelor's degree$90k2,707
82Natural sciences managers Bachelor's degree$90k1,223
83Credit analysts Bachelor's degree$85k712
84Accountants and auditors Bachelor's degree$83k5,169
85Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists Bachelor's degree$83k1,187
86Market research analysts and marketing specialists Bachelor's degree$80k3,630
87Interior designers Bachelor's degree$80k174
88Public relations specialists Bachelor's degree$68k611

How this ranking works

An occupation is a standard occupation (SOC) code, and the group is the typical entry-level education the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists for it: here, a bachelor's degree. An occupation's score is the median advertised annual salary of its roles that post a salary range.

A posting does not state a degree. Each is matched to its standard occupation, and the education shown is what the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists as typical for entering that occupation. Some employers ask for more or less, and about one posting in a hundred has an occupation we could not match, which is left out. Only occupations with at least 100 open jobs and 30 that post pay are ranked.

Sample bar: occupations with fewer than 100 openings are not ranked.

Sources: NextChapter job data: open professional roles, matched to standard occupation (SOC) codes; Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-35: typical entry-level education and projected employment change by occupation. Data as of November 2026.

Our job data covers professional roles on the career sites of employers we track, so figures describe that market, not every job. Spot an error? Tell us.

Questions

Which occupation ranks first: occupations needing a bachelor's degree with the highest posted pay?
Architectural and engineering managers has the highest median posted pay of the occupations that typically need a bachelor's degree: $215k a year.
How many occupations are ranked?
88 occupations have at least 100 open jobs, so the list has 88 entries.
How is the ranking calculated?
An occupation is a standard occupation (SOC) code, and the group is the typical entry-level education the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists for it: here, a bachelor's degree. An occupation's score is the median advertised annual salary of its roles that post a salary range. A posting does not state a degree. Each is matched to its standard occupation, and the education shown is what the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists as typical for entering that occupation. Some employers ask for more or less, and about one posting in a hundred has an occupation we could not match, which is left out. Only occupations with at least 100 open jobs and 30 that post pay are ranked.
How often is it updated?
Every month. This is the November 2026 edition. Older editions stay on this site at their own dated addresses.

More rankings

Cite this ranking

NextChapter, “Occupations needing a bachelor's degree with the highest posted pay,” November 2026 edition. https://launchyournextchapter.com/rankings/occupations-needing-a-bachelors-degree-with-the-highest-posted-pay

Link to it: <a href="https://launchyournextchapter.com/rankings/occupations-needing-a-bachelors-degree-with-the-highest-posted-pay">Occupations needing a bachelor's degree with the highest posted pay (NextChapter, November 2026)</a>

Download the data: CSV · JSON. Free to use with a link back.

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