NextChapter

Occupations needing a bachelor's degree with the most open jobs

Software developers has the most open jobs of the occupations that typically need a bachelor's degree: 15,559 jobs in our data.November 2026 edition. Updated monthly, from open jobs we verified on employer career sites.

Key facts

  • #1 Software developers, Bachelor's degree: 15,559 jobs
  • #2 Sales managers, Bachelor's degree: 14,081 jobs
  • #3 Computer occupations, all other, Bachelor's degree: 13,156 jobs
  • 100 occupations ranked across all occupations
  • Data as of November 2026
  1. 1Software developers Bachelor's degree15,559 jobs
  2. 2Sales managers Bachelor's degree14,081 jobs
  3. 3Computer occupations, all other Bachelor's degree13,156 jobs
  4. 4Marketing managers Bachelor's degree10,376 jobs
  5. 5Financial managers Bachelor's degree9,566 jobs
  6. 6Industrial engineers Bachelor's degree7,345 jobs
  7. 7General and operations managers Bachelor's degree6,351 jobs
  8. 8Human resources specialists Bachelor's degree6,107 jobs
  9. 9Project management specialists Bachelor's degree5,902 jobs
  10. 10Mechanical engineers Bachelor's degree5,326 jobs

What stands out

  • The lead is wide: Software developers (15,559 jobs) is well clear of Mechanical engineers at #10 (5,326 jobs).
  • 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

Behind every education level is a list of specific jobs. Ranking occupations by open jobs shows which ones the employers we track are hiring for most at a given level of schooling.

How to use it

If you are planning a move into a new occupation, start with the ones near the top: more openings means more employers to approach. Check the pay and growth beside each before you commit.

The top 25

  1. 1

    Software developers Bachelor's degree

    15,559 jobs

    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.

  2. 2

    Sales managers Bachelor's degree

    14,081 jobs

    Open jobs
    14,081
    Median posted pay
    $145k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +4.5%
    Workers in the occupation
    650,100

    Based on 14,081 openings.

  3. 3

    Computer occupations, all other Bachelor's degree

    13,156 jobs

    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.

  4. 4

    Marketing managers Bachelor's degree

    10,376 jobs

    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.

  5. 5

    Financial managers Bachelor's degree

    9,566 jobs

    Open jobs
    9,566
    Median posted pay
    $150k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +9.7%
    Workers in the occupation
    879,700

    Based on 9,566 openings.

  6. 6

    Industrial engineers Bachelor's degree

    7,345 jobs

    Open jobs
    7,345
    Median posted pay
    $118k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +12.4%
    Workers in the occupation
    365,100

    Based on 7,345 openings.

  7. 7

    General and operations managers Bachelor's degree

    6,351 jobs

    Open jobs
    6,351
    Median posted pay
    $145k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +5.0%
    Workers in the occupation
    3,599,000

    Based on 6,351 openings.

  8. 8

    Human resources specialists Bachelor's degree

    6,107 jobs

    Open jobs
    6,107
    Median posted pay
    $113k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +6.4%
    Workers in the occupation
    939,700

    Based on 6,107 openings.

  9. 9

    Project management specialists Bachelor's degree

    5,902 jobs

    Open jobs
    5,902
    Median posted pay
    $140k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +6.7%
    Workers in the occupation
    1,094,300

    Based on 5,902 openings.

  10. 10

    Mechanical engineers Bachelor's degree

    5,326 jobs

    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.

  11. 11

    Accountants and auditors Bachelor's degree

    5,169 jobs

    Open jobs
    5,169
    Median posted pay
    $83k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +5.0%
    Workers in the occupation
    1,595,200

    Based on 5,169 openings.

  12. 12

    Electrical engineers Bachelor's degree

    4,785 jobs

    Open jobs
    4,785
    Median posted pay
    $150k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +9.9%
    Workers in the occupation
    199,700

    Based on 4,785 openings.

  13. 13

    Data scientists Bachelor's degree

    4,534 jobs

    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.

  14. 14

    Architectural and engineering managers Bachelor's degree

    4,420 jobs

    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.

  15. 15

    Engineers, all other Bachelor's degree

    4,036 jobs

    Open jobs
    4,036
    Median posted pay
    $134k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +3.7%
    Workers in the occupation
    166,700

    Based on 4,036 openings.

  16. 16

    Medical and health services managers Bachelor's degree

    4,005 jobs

    Open jobs
    4,005
    Median posted pay
    $153k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +24.2%
    Workers in the occupation
    640,400

    Based on 4,005 openings.

  17. 17

    Financial and investment analysts Bachelor's degree

    3,776 jobs

    Open jobs
    3,776
    Median posted pay
    $110k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +7.2%
    Workers in the occupation
    377,200

    Based on 3,776 openings.

  18. 18

    Industrial production managers Bachelor's degree

    3,776 jobs

    Open jobs
    3,776
    Median posted pay
    $139k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +2.6%
    Workers in the occupation
    252,100

    Based on 3,776 openings.

  19. 19

    Managers, all other Bachelor's degree

    3,682 jobs

    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.

  20. 20

    Market research analysts and marketing specialists Bachelor's degree

    3,630 jobs

    Open jobs
    3,630
    Median posted pay
    $80k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +7.0%
    Workers in the occupation
    952,700

    Based on 3,630 openings.

  21. 21

    Civil engineers Bachelor's degree

    3,069 jobs

    Open jobs
    3,069
    Median posted pay
    $122k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +6.4%
    Workers in the occupation
    380,600

    Based on 3,069 openings.

  22. 22

    Computer and information systems managers Bachelor's degree

    2,821 jobs

    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.

  23. 23

    Logisticians Bachelor's degree

    2,707 jobs

    Open jobs
    2,707
    Median posted pay
    $90k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +17.6%
    Workers in the occupation
    255,100

    Based on 2,707 openings.

  24. 24

    Database architects Bachelor's degree

    2,645 jobs

    Open jobs
    2,645
    Median posted pay
    $150k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +9.4%
    Workers in the occupation
    69,500

    Based on 2,645 openings.

  25. 25

    Purchasing managers Bachelor's degree

    2,279 jobs

    Open jobs
    2,279
    Median posted pay
    $140k
    Projected growth to 2035
    +4.0%
    Workers in the occupation
    88,300

    Based on 2,279 openings.

Full ranking

All 100 occupations that qualified, with the figure each is ranked on.

RankOccupationScoreSample
1Software developers Bachelor's degree15,559 jobs15,559
2Sales managers Bachelor's degree14,081 jobs14,081
3Computer occupations, all other Bachelor's degree13,156 jobs13,156
4Marketing managers Bachelor's degree10,376 jobs10,376
5Financial managers Bachelor's degree9,566 jobs9,566
6Industrial engineers Bachelor's degree7,345 jobs7,345
7General and operations managers Bachelor's degree6,351 jobs6,351
8Human resources specialists Bachelor's degree6,107 jobs6,107
9Project management specialists Bachelor's degree5,902 jobs5,902
10Mechanical engineers Bachelor's degree5,326 jobs5,326
11Accountants and auditors Bachelor's degree5,169 jobs5,169
12Electrical engineers Bachelor's degree4,785 jobs4,785
13Data scientists Bachelor's degree4,534 jobs4,534
14Architectural and engineering managers Bachelor's degree4,420 jobs4,420
15Engineers, all other Bachelor's degree4,036 jobs4,036
16Medical and health services managers Bachelor's degree4,005 jobs4,005
17Financial and investment analysts Bachelor's degree3,776 jobs3,776
18Industrial production managers Bachelor's degree3,776 jobs3,776
19Managers, all other Bachelor's degree3,682 jobs3,682
20Market research analysts and marketing specialists Bachelor's degree3,630 jobs3,630
21Civil engineers Bachelor's degree3,069 jobs3,069
22Computer and information systems managers Bachelor's degree2,821 jobs2,821
23Logisticians Bachelor's degree2,707 jobs2,707
24Database architects Bachelor's degree2,645 jobs2,645
25Purchasing managers Bachelor's degree2,279 jobs2,279
26Construction managers Bachelor's degree2,245 jobs2,245
27Human resources managers Bachelor's degree2,149 jobs2,149
28Computer hardware engineers Bachelor's degree2,146 jobs2,146
29Computer systems analysts Bachelor's degree2,047 jobs2,047
30Management analysts Bachelor's degree1,876 jobs1,876
31Web and digital interface designers Bachelor's degree1,861 jobs1,861
32Facilities managers Bachelor's degree1,802 jobs1,802
33Chief executives Bachelor's degree1,799 jobs1,799
34Sales engineers Bachelor's degree1,597 jobs1,597
35Software quality assurance analysts and testers Bachelor's degree1,533 jobs1,533
36Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products Bachelor's degree1,515 jobs1,515
37Computer network architects Bachelor's degree1,319 jobs1,319
38Compliance officers Bachelor's degree1,255 jobs1,255
39Natural sciences managers Bachelor's degree1,223 jobs1,223
40Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Bachelor's degree1,210 jobs1,210
41Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists Bachelor's degree1,187 jobs1,187
42Aerospace engineers Bachelor's degree1,119 jobs1,119
43Fundraising managers Bachelor's degree1,100 jobs1,100
44Electronics engineers, except computer Bachelor's degree1,082 jobs1,082
45Insurance underwriters Bachelor's degree1,056 jobs1,056
46Operations research analysts Bachelor's degree1,055 jobs1,055
47Art directors Bachelor's degree1,034 jobs1,034
48Producers and directors Bachelor's degree1,021 jobs1,021
49Network and computer systems administrators Bachelor's degree1,005 jobs1,005
50Database administrators Bachelor's degree991 jobs991
51Business operations specialists, all other Bachelor's degree922 jobs922
52Personal financial advisors Bachelor's degree874 jobs874
53Public relations managers Bachelor's degree857 jobs857
54Compensation and benefits managers Bachelor's degree775 jobs775
55Actuaries Bachelor's degree740 jobs740
56Credit analysts Bachelor's degree712 jobs712
57Loan officers Bachelor's degree700 jobs700
58Information security analysts Bachelor's degree669 jobs669
59Training and development managers Bachelor's degree652 jobs652
60Financial specialists, all other Bachelor's degree617 jobs617
61Public relations specialists Bachelor's degree611 jobs611
62Financial risk specialists Bachelor's degree604 jobs604
63Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors Bachelor's degree552 jobs552
64Graphic designers Bachelor's degree530 jobs530
65Environmental scientists and specialists, including health Bachelor's degree521 jobs521
66Chemical engineers Bachelor's degree422 jobs422
67Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents Bachelor's degree413 jobs413
68Agricultural engineers Bachelor's degree401 jobs401
69Meeting, convention, and event planners Bachelor's degree381 jobs381
70Budget analysts Bachelor's degree378 jobs378
71Occupational health and safety specialists Bachelor's degree366 jobs366
72Training and development specialists Bachelor's degree359 jobs359
73Education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare Bachelor's degree350 jobs350
74Computer programmers Bachelor's degree329 jobs329
75Registered nurses Bachelor's degree329 jobs329
76Web developers Bachelor's degree322 jobs322
77Advertising and promotions managers Bachelor's degree319 jobs319
78Environmental engineers Bachelor's degree317 jobs317
79Nuclear engineers Bachelor's degree263 jobs263
80Bioengineers and biomedical engineers Bachelor's degree253 jobs253
81Commercial and industrial designers Bachelor's degree246 jobs246
82Materials engineers Bachelor's degree234 jobs234
83News analysts, reporters, and journalists Bachelor's degree231 jobs231
84Cost estimators Bachelor's degree227 jobs227
85Technical writers Bachelor's degree214 jobs214
86Administrative services managers Bachelor's degree210 jobs210
87Social and community service managers Bachelor's degree207 jobs207
88Writers and authors Bachelor's degree192 jobs192
89Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling Bachelor's degree188 jobs188
90Interior designers Bachelor's degree174 jobs174
91Social science research assistants Bachelor's degree166 jobs166
92Fundraisers Bachelor's degree165 jobs165
93Biological technicians Bachelor's degree158 jobs158
94Chemists Bachelor's degree156 jobs156
95Marine engineers and naval architects Bachelor's degree140 jobs140
96Editors Bachelor's degree134 jobs134
97Social scientists and related workers, all other Bachelor's degree124 jobs124
98Special effects artists and animators Bachelor's degree122 jobs122
99Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes Bachelor's degree119 jobs119
100Biological scientists, all other Bachelor's degree118 jobs118

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 number of its open professional roles.

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 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 most open jobs?
Software developers has the most open jobs of the occupations that typically need a bachelor's degree: 15,559 jobs in our data.
How many occupations are ranked?
100 occupations have at least 100 open jobs, so the list has 100 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 number of its open professional roles. 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 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 most open jobs,” November 2026 edition. https://launchyournextchapter.com/rankings/occupations-needing-a-bachelors-degree-with-the-most-open-jobs

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

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

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