“What are you going to do with your degree?”
We’ve all gone through the routine of answering this irritating question from different members of our families since the end of our high school years. No matter if you know what you are doing, or have yet to declare a major (and probably won’t declare until the last day of your sophomore year), it always brings you to the answer that you used to go over and over in your head to make it perfect and to leave no loose ends.
My answer has changed from “I am going to go to grad school and move on to get a doctorate in behavioral psychology” to “I am going to teach high school English classes,” with a little more explanation added to the end. But in the past few months two new questions have risen – “How likely are you to get a job when you graduate?” and “How much will you make?”
With the addition of these new questions, the once concrete idea of my future has been jackhammered into little chunks of broken up sidewalk. Every collegiate wants to have the knowledge that their major will help them acquire a job after graduation, whether post graduate school, or straight out of undergrad. However, in the current times, with nobody quite sure of what the economy is really doing, it is hard to know for certain whether or not we will all have the same job security most of our parents have had. So, after months of thinking, and copious amounts of research, I’ve not only changed my major, but I’ve also become very familiar with some of the current best (and worst) paying jobs in America.
Best: Nursing
As students at the University of Kentucky, we see nursing students all around us. So what’s the big deal? Apparently, nursing is one of the best grossing careers for graduating students! The annual salary for students who were applying for jobs in 2011 was about $56,000 dollars for first time nurses. So, if you have the guts to wield strep tests and flu shots, this job field is one to look into!
Worst: Culinary Arts
We all need food and some of us love making it as well! However, students in the school of culinary arts may want to check out the salary pool for their futures – unfortunately, it doesn’t look too bright. Annual pay for culinary arts students in 2011 was around $30,000 dollars at starting rate. If you have the passion for fillets and sautéing, then stay where you are, but if the only fire around is under the skillet, check out the rest of the bests on this list!
Best: Psychiatry
Are you the friend that everyone goes to when they need to talk? If you are good at listening to others, helping them with their problems, and have a passion for psychology, this may be a job to check out! The annual salary for this job was put at over $120,000 dollars starting out. Granted, you have to go through multiple years of graduate and doctorate schooling, but if listening to and helping others interests you, psychiatry may be the job for you!
Worst: Art
Although art has always been around in the world, with many pieces telling the entire history of one country, it isn’t close to the top of the salary list. Ranked at an annual salary of $35,500 dollars for a first time job, finding a use for your art degree may be harder than you can imagine. Stick around if you love it, but if you find yourself questioning whether or not you should trade your paintbrush and canvases for tools of another trade, start looking for another major.
Best: Computer Science
If you know your way around a computer and enjoy tinkering with electronics, computer science may be a degree you think about checking out. With an annual starting salary of $63,400 dollars, this career is one of the top paying jobs for college grads. If you like binary codes and know what CC+ even is (I sure don’t), then check it out!
Worst: Elementary Education
While education is a booming and in-demand career, it is not always the highest paying job. Elementary education has a starting annual salary of $32,400 dollars, and the annual salary doesn’t rise too much from there. Education is an important field, and teachers are always needed, so if teaching and kids are your thing, stay where you are! You’ll have great chances to find a job right out of college.
Best: Interior Design
The arts aren’t entirely doomed! Interior design is listed as one of the highest paying jobs for college grads, with an annual starting salary of about $79,000 dollars. Not everyone has the touch of color coordination, but if you do, maybe interior design is the outlet you need to show off your skills. While it’s not the most in-demand career, many people do pay to have their homes professionally decorated.
Worst: Athletic Training
Athletic trainers are needed for all levels of sports, whether it’s for a high school football team, or the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, this career is one of the lowest paying around, with a starting annual salary of $34,600 dollars. If you have always dreamed of being the one doing the wraps on a sprained ankle, or checking Aaron Rodgers for a concussion (who wouldn’t want to do that?!), then stick with it! If the money isn’t enough to keep you in the game, keep an eye out for a new major.
No matter what the annual salary is, if you love what you are studying, make sure you stick with it! When your Great-Aunt Gertrude gives you flack about how little money you will make, tell her how much you love shaping the minds of young children, even if it means you don’t get paid as much as your cousin, doctor Jim!
Sources:
CNBC http://www.cnbc.com/id/44008484/Highest_Paid_Bachelor_Degrees_of_2011?slide=1
Degrees That Pay http://www.degreesthatpay.com/top-paying-jobs-for-2012.php?job_id=10
CNN http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/06/06/paying.jobs.2011.grads.cb/index.html
Monster http://career-advice.monster.com/salary-benefits/salary-information/worst-paying-degrees-2011/article.aspx
Monster http://career-advice.monster.com/salary-benefits/salary-information/high…