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The More You Learn, the More You Earn
More education leads to a bigger paycheck. What do you think your average salary will be when you achieve your educational goals?
Professional degree
Annual salary: $83,720
Hourly rate: $40.25
Years of schooling: Varies by program; generally 2–8 years beyond a bachelor's degree
Possible careers:
- Attorney
- Chemical engineer
- Dentist
- Medical doctor
- Orchestra conductor
- Physical therapist
- Veterinarian
Doctorate degree
Annual salary: $80,600
Hourly rate: $38.75
Years of schooling: Varies by program; generally 3–5 years beyond a master's degree or about 7 years beyond a bachelor's degree
Possible careers:
- Anthropologist
- Art historian
- Biochemist
- Clinical neuropsychologist
- Licensed psychologist
- Medical scientist
- Researcher
- University professor
Master's degree
Annual salary: $66,144
Hourly rate: $31.80
Years of schooling: Generally 2–3 years beyond a bachelor's degree
Possible careers:
- Computer software engineer
- Financial analyst
- Geographer
- Physician assistant
- Psychologist
- Research analyst
- School counselor
Bachelor's degree
Annual salary: $53,976
Hourly rate: $25.95
Years of schooling: Generally 4 years beyond a high school diploma
Possible careers:
- Computer systems analyst
- Detective
- Editor
- Journalist
- Parole officer
- Public policy advocate
- Registered nurse
- Sales manager
Associate's degree
Annual salary: $39,884
Hourly rate: $19.18
Years of schooling: Generally 2–3 years beyond a high school diploma
Possible careers:
- Court reporter
- Dental hygienist
- Electrician
- Funeral director
- Police officer
- Radiation therapist
- Science technician
Some college, no degree
Annual salary: $37,024
Hourly rate: $17.80
Years of schooling: Any schooling beyond a high school diploma
Possible careers:
- Chef
- Food service manager
- Locksmith
- Real estate broker
- Sales representative
- Teacher's aide
- Transportation manager
High school diploma
Annual salary: $32,552
Hourly rate: $15.65
Years of schooling: Generally 4 years
Possible careers:
- Cook
- Cosmetologist*
- Entrepreneur
- Fitness trainer*
- Home care aide
- Medical secretary
- Nursing aide*
- Retail salesperson
- Truck driver*
- Writer/novelist
*May require additional certification
Less than high school diploma
Annual salary: $23,088
Hourly rate: $11.10
Years of schooling: Less than 4 years
Possible careers:
- Cashier
- Child care worker
- Construction worker
- Fast food worker
- Lawn service provider
- General laborer
- Singer
- Waiter/waitress
Last Modified Date: May 4, 2011.
Not Impressed? Think About This…
- Earn more than an extra quarter million dollars in your lifetime just by staying in high school and graduating.
- You can double that by getting a 2-year associate degree.
Dropping out of high school is NOT an option.
Want to Know More?
- Having more education also lowers your risk of unemployment. Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the details.