Jobs that require a master’s degree are becoming more and more common as modern-day employers increase the educational standards for their employees. In some fields, it might be worth getting a master’s degree or a doctorate just to be shortlisted. It may not be enough to possess a bachelor’s degree alone.
If you’re thinking of getting a master’s degree or already have one, we’ve compiled the list of the highest-paying jobs that require a master’s degree to ease your job search. Keep reading to learn more about how to find these high-paying jobs to help you chart your career path.
What Are Good Jobs That Require a Master’s Degree?
There are many good jobs that require a master’s degree. Surprisingly, even some entry-level positions may require you to possess an advanced degree. Notable examples include occupational therapists, medical professionals, community service managers, health service managers, systems managers, and many more.
A graduate degree is also valuable in landing good jobs in business, education, healthcare, social service, and STEM-related fields. So, if you have a long-term ambition to attain an advanced position in these career fields, you might need to go back to college to enroll in a master’s degree program.
Why Get a Job That Requires A Master’s Degree
- Higher Wages: Jobs that require a master’s degree pay considerably higher than jobs for bachelor’s degree holders. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master’s degree holders have a weekly median wage of $1,497, while bachelor’s degree holders earn $1,248. This amounts to an average annual wage difference of $12,948.
- Positive Job Outlook: The BLS also reports that occupations requiring a master’s degree will grow by 16.7 percent by 2026. This value is more than twice the job outlook for all jobs at 7.4 percent. This implies that there will be more master’s degree job openings in the coming years.
- Higher Chance of Promotion: A master’s degree holder possesses a competitive edge and has a higher chance of getting hired and promoted. Employers hold master’s degrees in high esteem, as they see them as proof that you can produce better quality work.
Is It Easy to Find a Job That Requires a Master’s Degree?
Yes, you can easily find many jobs on the market that require a master’s degree. As mentioned above, BLS predicts a high growth for master’s degree holders, so there will be thousands of job openings in the coming years. However, the competition will continue to be tough. To land a job, you’ll still need to face a rigorous screening process and outrank other applicants.
Jobs in Demand Now That Require A Master’s Degree
Knowing your dream job’s entry-level education requirements in advance allows you to plan ahead. It will help you choose which master’s degree program to pursue. For your easy reference, we’ve listed some of the top, in-demand jobs that require a master’s degree, along with their average salary, outlook, and requirements.
| Job | Average Salary | Outlook | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Information Security Officer | $208,000 | 8% | Master’s degree in cybersecurity |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $126,830 | 22% | Master’s degree in computer science or computer engineering |
| Human Resources Manager | $121,220 | 9% | Master’s degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration |
| Engineering Manager | $149,530 | 4% | Master’s degree in engineering management |
| Public Relations Managers | $118,430 | 13% | Master’s degree in public administration |
| Nurse Practitioner | $117,670 | 45% | Master’s degree in Nursing and appropriate license from the state board |
| Education Administrator | $97,500 | 8% | Master’s degree in education leadership, education administration, or a closely related field |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $96,270 | 2% | Master’s degree in psychology |
| Community Service Manager | $69,600 | 15% | Master’s degree in policy analysis, statistics, or program management |
| Family Therapist | $51,340 | 16% | Master’s degree in clinical psychology and appropriate state license |
What Are the Highest Paying Jobs That Require A Master’s Degree?
Chief Information Security Officer
A chief information security officer, or CISO, leads a company’s data and cyber security operations. They develop the security architecture and policies for protecting organizations against data breaches and fraud. They possess a strong understanding of legal and policy issues, alongside technical and cyber security expertise.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists conduct research and studies about concepts in computing. They develop solutions, theories, and models to address complex computing issues. They also design and invent innovative approaches to using technologies, such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers serve as bridges between the employees and higher management. They are also responsible for planning the administrative functions of an organization. They coordinate recruitment, labor relations, and payroll.
Engineering Manager
Engineering managers are senior engineers who are adept at business management and engineering. They supervise engineering activities and implement engineering objectives and initiatives. They are also responsible for setting budgets, hiring staff, and supervising other members of their team.
Public Relations Manager
Public relations managers are responsible for building and maintaining a favorable public image for their employers or clients. They organize media campaigns, press conferences, and promotional materials to boost their company’s image. In addition, they also communicate with the media to manage crises and counter negative publicity.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are primary healthcare providers. They provide medical care, monitor patient health, and carry out treatment plans. Nurses work in a wide variety of medical fields and specialties, such as emergency rooms, pediatric care, and surgical clinics. They collaborate with other medical professionals such as occupational therapists and medical therapists to provide quality healthcare.
Education Administrators
Education administrators supervise the daily operations of an educational institution. They can work in a wide range of office roles as school principals, deans, or superintendents. They collaborate with teachers, students, and parents to maintain the school agenda. They also act as the liaison between the school and the community.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational psychologists focus on human behavior in the workplace. They employ psychological principles and research methods to improve employees’ work quality and productivity. They also help boost employee morale and efficiency.
Community Service Manager
Community service managers organize programs that aid the community’s well-being. They can work in government positions or in the private sector on behalf of large organizations. Community service managers collaborate with community members and other stakeholders to identify programs that help society overcome challenges, such as substance abuse, chronic hunger, and mental health issues.
Family Therapist
Family therapists, also known as marriage and family therapists, help people resolve relationship issues. They employ cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-centered approaches to treat various clinical problems such as behavioral disorders, marital problems, child-parent issues, mental disorders, and anxiety. A marriage therapist can work in hospitals, mental health centers, and private practices.
What Training Do You Need for a Job That Requires a Master’s Degree?
A master’s degree is one of the four college degree levels that could lead you to high-level careers. If your dream job requires a master’s degree, attending a university or college for undergraduate and postgraduate education is a must for you. However, before going to college, you need to get a high school diploma or a General Educational Diploma (GED).
High School
Also called a secondary school, high school is a training ground for students preparing for higher education at college or university. If your dream job requires a master’s degree, it’s imperative to complete secondary education and earn a high school diploma. A high school diploma is an important prerequisite to gaining admission to college.
Undergraduate Education
Bachelor’s degree provides foundational knowledge in your preferred field of study. It sets you on a path to gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in your dream career. It typically takes four years to complete a college degree.
Advanced Education
Postgraduate education comes after the completion of a four-year degree. This can be a master’s degree, a doctorate degree, or postgraduate diplomas and certificates. This type of degree offers specialized knowledge to help a student advance even further in the field. Postgraduate education serves as a stepping stone to help you qualify for jobs that require a master’s degree.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help You Get a Job That Requires a Master’s Degree?
No. Coding bootcamps offer short-term training to provide in-demand skills and hands-on experience to begin your career. However, you can’t obtain a postgraduate degree through a bootcamp. While bootcamps are a great option to stay relevant in your field, they won’t be enough to help you get a job that requires a master’s degree.
Where to Find Jobs That Require a Master’s Degree and Pay Well
Job hunts are about survival of the fittest. Even though there are many opportunities for master’s degree holders on the job market, you will need to put in the work to find the best high-paying positions and stand out from the competition. Here are some places to find jobs that require a master’s degree and pay well.
Indeed
Indeed is one of the biggest job search websites in the world. With over 250 million users and 10 new job listings every second, Indeed has plenty of job openings for master’s degree holders. It has job listings for every industry, level, experience, and lifestyle.
Monster
Monster is one of the pioneers of digital recruiting, connecting top talents with employers since 1994. You can find the best jobs that require a master’s degree on Monster by using the job search tool. You can also filter by location, title, and company. Monster also offers annual wage research and comparisons to help you find the highest-paying positions.
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking website. It functions as a job database, digital resume platform, and social networking platform. You can connect with prospective employers by adding them to your network.
Ready to Start Your New Career?
A master’s degree can offer you financial benefits, job security, and potential for career advancement. Employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree because it indicates proficiency and strong expertise in their field.
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Many high-paying jobs require a master’s degree in our current economy. Therefore, you should get a master’s degree to turn the odds in your favor in your job search. If having a graduate degree is a requirement for your long-term career goals, go for it and empower yourself to follow your dreams.
Jobs That Require Master’s Degree FAQ
Some high-paying jobs in healthcare that require a master’s degree include community health workers, nurse educators, healthcare administrators, mental health therapists, and nursing supervisors.
A master’s degree in education qualifies you for roles such as adult literacy coach, curriculum developer, elementary school teacher, and educational policy analyst. Aside from these, there are many other opportunities in the education sector for master’s degree holders.
If you have a master’s degree in criminal justice, you could build a career as a cybersecurity investigator, cyber defensive operator, emergency management director, intelligence analyst, and forensic psychologist.
Yes, it is. A master’s degree can open doors to high-paying opportunities, boost your employability, and provide access to better career options.
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