10 most profitable fields of study in 2021

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The price of everything – from groceries to your dream home – suddenly seems to spiral out of control. It would definitely be nice to have a job that puts a few extra coins in your pocket.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, graduates are reportedly paid the latest wage survey from the National Association of Schools and Employers (NACE). The average starting salary for the 2020 class was $ 55,260, a 2.5% increase from 2019, the association found.

Some directions are especially profitable.

What follows is what NACE says are the best paid directions for graduates. The average starting salary for some of these directions is more than 50% higher than the average starting salary in all directions.

The salary survey takes into account only basic salaries and does not include bonuses, overtime or additional benefits.

10. Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineer
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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 72,713

Chemical engineers use a combination of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to address issues involving the production or use of products, from chemicals to drugs and fuels.

Some chemical engineers specialize in a particular process, while others have expertise in a particular field. They spend most of their working day in offices and laboratories.

9. Applied mathematics

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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 73,558

Students studying applied mathematics are trained to use mathematics to solve problems in areas such as engineering and science.

Graduates continue their work, where they use mathematics to solve real-world problems, both with a better understanding of observed phenomena and with the prediction of as yet invisible phenomena.

8. Statistics

Female statistician
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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 75,916

Statistics analyze data and use mathematical theories and techniques to solve problems in areas such as business, engineering and science.

They often work for the federal government or in research and development companies.

7. Computer science and informatics

A computer scientist
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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 78,603

Computer and information research scientists take new and existing computer technology and try to design an innovative application for it.

Employment opportunities are expected to remain excellent and increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030.

6. Operational research

Operations Research Analyst
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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 80,166

An operational research analyst uses advanced methods of mathematics and analysis to solve complex problems in areas such as business, logistics and healthcare.

To do their job, these analysts turn to sources of information ranging from computer databases to customer feedback.

5. Electrical engineering, electronics and communication engineering

Electrical engineer
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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 80,819

Those kinds engineers design, development, testing and control of electrical equipment production.

However, future job growth in this area will be subdued compared to some other occupations on this list. This is because growth in areas such as manufacturing and utilities is slowing.

4. Computing

Computer scientist
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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 85,766

Computer and information research scientists develop innovative use of new and existing computer technology.

This occupation should have excellent opportunities for the coming years, as jobs will increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030.

3. Computer engineering

Computer engineer
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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 85,996

Computer hardware engineers research, design, development and testing of computer systems and their components. They spend a lot of time testing their work, analyzing test results, and changing the design as needed.

However, the area is expected to increase by only 2% between 2020 and 2030.

2. Computer programming

The programmer works from home for her computer desk
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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 86,098

Computer programmers write code for computer applications and software programs.

Just as this area is profitable, the future is not so bright. Jobs are expected to decline by 10% between 2020 and 2030, in part because companies may choose to hire programmers in low-wage countries.

1. Petroleum technology

Petroleum engineer
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Average starting salary for this direction: $ 87,989

Petroleum engineers develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underground deposits. They can work in offices or in drilling and borehole locations.

Jobs are expected to increase by 8% between 2020 and 2030, but oil prices will be a major factor in employment growth.

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