Highest-Paying STEM Degrees for Students in the USA
10 min read
STEM degrees remain among the strongest options for students seeking high-paying careers in the United States. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics occupations had a median annual wage of $103,580 in 2024, more than twice the $49,500 median for all occupations. Employment across STEM occupations is also projected to grow by 8.1% between 2024 and 2034, compared with 2.7% for non-STEM occupations.
For international students, STEM degrees can be particularly attractive because qualifying F-1 students may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after completing their initial post-completion OPT, giving them additional time to gain U.S. work experience. Eligibility depends on the specific degree's CIP code, the student's circumstances, and other USCIS requirements.
However, a high-paying STEM degree does not automatically guarantee a high salary. Earnings depend on the occupation, experience, location, industry, level of education, and specialization. The following degrees stand out for their connection to some of the highest-paying STEM careers in the United States.
1. Physics
Physics is one of the highest-paying STEM fields in the United States, particularly for students who continue to graduate-level study.
Physicists study matter, energy, forces, and the fundamental laws governing the physical world. Their expertise can lead to careers in scientific research, advanced technology, energy, healthcare, aerospace, defense, and other technical industries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physicists had a median annual wage of $166,290 in May 2024. The highest-paid 10% earned more than $239,200. However, students should note that research and academic positions typically require a Ph.D., although some entry-level federal government positions may accept a bachelor's degree.
Potential careers with a physics degree
- Physicist
- Research scientist
- Medical physicist
- Data scientist
- Aerospace researcher
- Scientific researcher
- Engineering or technology specialist
Physics can therefore be an excellent option for students interested in high-level research and technical careers, but it is generally more dependent on advanced education than many other STEM degrees.
2. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineering is one of the highest-paying engineering disciplines in the United States.
Petroleum engineers develop methods for extracting oil and gas efficiently and safely. They may work with drilling operations, reservoir management, production systems, and energy companies.
BLS reports a median annual wage of $141,280 for petroleum engineers in May 2024. The highest-paid 10% earned more than $228,790. Petroleum engineers typically enter the profession with a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related engineering field.
The field can be especially lucrative in industries such as oil and gas extraction, where petroleum engineers had a median wage of $164,960 in May 2024.
The major disadvantage is employment growth. BLS projects only 1% growth from 2024 to 2034, meaning students should consider the relatively limited number of positions and the cyclical nature of the energy industry.
3. Computer Science
Computer science is one of the most versatile high-paying STEM degrees available in the United States.
A computer science degree can lead to careers in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data engineering, machine learning, systems architecture, and other technology fields.
Software developers had a median annual wage of $133,080 in May 2024, while computer and information research scientists earned a median of $140,910. Computer and information research scientist positions are typically more advanced and generally require at least a master's degree.
Computer science is particularly attractive because students are not limited to a single occupation after graduation. The same degree can provide pathways into technology, finance, healthcare, consulting, government, telecommunications, and other industries.
The field also offers strong employment prospects. Computer and information research scientists are projected to experience 20% employment growth between 2024 and 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
For international students, computer science is also frequently associated with STEM-designated programs, although students should verify the specific CIP code of their program before relying on STEM OPT eligibility.
4. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is another high-paying engineering field, particularly for students interested in aviation, spacecraft, satellites, and advanced defense technology.
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and related systems. The field combines physics, mathematics, materials science, computer modeling, and engineering.
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $134,830 for aerospace engineers in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with approximately 4,500 openings projected annually.
Aerospace engineering typically requires a bachelor's degree. However, international students should be aware that some U.S. aerospace and defense positions involve national-security work and may require security clearances or impose citizenship-related restrictions.
This makes aerospace engineering a high-paying option, but the range of jobs available to international graduates can be narrower than the salary figures alone suggest.
5. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to develop processes and products used across industries.
Chemical engineers work in areas such as pharmaceuticals, energy, food manufacturing, chemicals, materials, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
The median annual wage for chemical engineers was $121,860 in May 2024, according to the BLS. The highest-paid 10% earned more than $182,150.
Chemical engineering typically requires a bachelor's degree, although postgraduate education can open additional research and specialized opportunities.
Employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2024 to 2034, approximately in line with the average for all occupations.
The degree's broad application across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, and research makes it more flexible than its name may suggest.
6. Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Electrical and electronics engineering is another strong choice for students seeking a combination of high earnings, broad applications, and relatively strong job demand.
Electrical engineers design and develop electrical equipment and systems, while electronics engineers work with electronic components and systems used in areas such as telecommunications, computing, aerospace, manufacturing, and medical technology.
In May 2024, electrical engineers had a median annual wage of $111,910, while electronics engineers, except computer, had a median wage of $127,590.
Employment for electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow by 7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. BLS projects approximately 17,500 openings per year across the occupation.
The degree is particularly relevant to emerging technologies such as semiconductors, robotics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, telecommunications, automation, and artificial intelligence hardware.
7. Mathematics and Actuarial Science
Mathematics-based degrees can lead to some surprisingly high-paying careers in the United States, particularly when combined with finance, insurance, technology, or data analysis.
Actuarial science is one of the strongest examples. Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and uncertainty, primarily within insurance and financial services.
The median annual wage for actuaries was $125,770 in May 2024, while employment is projected to grow by 22% between 2024 and 2034, making actuarial science one of the fastest-growing high-paying mathematical careers.
Other mathematics-related careers include:
- Data scientist
- Statistician
- Mathematician
- Operations research analyst
- Quantitative analyst
- Risk analyst
Data scientists had a 2024 median wage of $112,590, while mathematicians and statisticians had a combined median of $104,350.
Students pursuing actuarial careers should also understand that professional certification exams are an important part of becoming an actuary. A mathematics or actuarial science degree alone does not replace the professional examination process.
8. Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineering is a specialized STEM field with strong earning potential and applications in energy, research, medicine, and government.
Nuclear engineers work with nuclear energy, radiation systems, reactor technology, nuclear materials, and related technologies. Their expertise can also overlap with medical applications and scientific research.
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $127,520 for nuclear engineers in May 2024. The highest-paid 10% earned more than $187,430.
Nuclear engineers typically enter the field with a bachelor's degree. Some of the highest-paying opportunities are found in scientific research and development and nuclear electric power generation.
Because nuclear engineering is highly specialized, the number of available positions is smaller than in fields such as computer science or electrical engineering. Students should therefore weigh salary against the size and location of the job market.
Highest-Paying STEM Degrees Compared
The following figures provide a useful comparison based on the median pay of major occupations associated with each degree:
| STEM degree | Example occupation | 2024 median annual pay |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Physicist | $166,290 |
| Petroleum Engineering | Petroleum Engineer | $141,280 |
| Computer Science | Computer & Information Research Scientist | $140,910 |
| Aerospace Engineering | Aerospace Engineer | $134,830 |
| Nuclear Engineering | Nuclear Engineer | $127,520 |
| Mathematics / Actuarial Science | Actuary | $125,770 |
| Chemical Engineering | Chemical Engineer | $121,860 |
| Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineer | $111,910 |
These figures are occupational median wages, not guaranteed salaries for graduates. The degree itself does not determine an individual's income, and some occupations listed above require postgraduate education or professional certification.
Best High-Paying STEM Degrees for International Students
For international students, salary should not be the only consideration when choosing a STEM degree in the United States.
A degree may have an impressive median salary but still provide fewer opportunities for international graduates because of citizenship requirements, security clearances, licensing, limited job openings, or the need for advanced education.
From an international-student perspective, computer science, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mathematics/actuarial science, and several other engineering disciplines can offer a strong combination of salary, industry demand, and career flexibility.
Computer science is particularly versatile because graduates can work across multiple industries rather than depending on one sector. Electrical engineering also provides access to several growing technology industries, while actuarial science combines strong compensation with one of the fastest projected growth rates among mathematical occupations.
Students considering physics or nuclear engineering should pay closer attention to education requirements and the size of the relevant job market. Physics, for example, can be extremely well paid at the professional level, but many traditional research positions require a Ph.D.
STEM OPT and International Students
One of the major advantages of studying a qualifying STEM program in the United States is the potential availability of the STEM OPT extension.
Eligible F-1 students who complete a qualifying bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after their initial post-completion OPT. The degree must have a qualifying CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, and other student and employer requirements must be satisfied.
The extension can provide international graduates with additional time to work in the United States and gain experience related to their field of study. However, STEM OPT is not automatic simply because a program has "STEM" in its name. Students should verify the program's specific classification and eligibility with their university's designated school official before enrolling.
Employers participating in STEM OPT must also satisfy requirements, including participation in E-Verify, maintaining a bona fide employer-employee relationship, and completing the required training plan.
How to Choose a High-Paying STEM Degree in the USA
Choosing a STEM degree based solely on the highest salary can be risky. Students should consider several factors before making a decision.
1. Salary potential
Look beyond the starting salary and examine median earnings and the potential for higher earnings with experience and specialization.
2. Job growth
A high-paying occupation with very few openings may provide fewer opportunities than a slightly lower-paying field with strong employment growth. For example, petroleum engineering has high median pay but only 1% projected employment growth, while actuarial careers are projected to grow by 22%.
3. Degree requirements
Some STEM careers can be entered with a bachelor's degree, while others commonly require a master's degree or doctorate. Physics is a good example of a field where advanced education is often necessary for research careers.
4. International student eligibility
International students should confirm whether the specific degree is eligible for STEM OPT and whether the occupations they are targeting have restrictions that could affect international graduates.
5. Industry flexibility
Degrees that can lead to careers across multiple industries can provide greater flexibility. Computer science and electrical engineering, for example, can be applied across technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications, and other sectors.
Final Thoughts
The highest-paying STEM degrees in the USA can provide strong long-term earning potential, but the best choice depends on more than salary.
Physics can lead to some of the highest professional salaries but often requires advanced education. Petroleum engineering offers high compensation but has slower employment growth. Computer science provides exceptional flexibility across industries, while aerospace, chemical, electrical, and nuclear engineering offer strong technical career pathways. Mathematics and actuarial science stand out for their combination of high earnings and strong projected growth.
For international students, the strongest option is often a degree that combines high earning potential, sustained demand, broad career opportunities, and eligibility for post-study work options.
The U.S. labor market continues to place a premium on STEM expertise, with STEM occupations collectively offering a median wage more than twice that of non-STEM occupations. For students planning to study and build a career in the United States, choosing a STEM field with both strong earning potential and a realistic employment pathway can provide a significant advantage.
