Fast careers to get into with a master’s degree include high paying jobs in business, science, psychology, and engineering fields. A Fast Online Master’s Degree can Accelerate Your Career. Follow along if you are interested in learning more! As countless studies have shown, one of the best ways to boost your career is to obtain a master’s degree. In fact, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, those with a master’s degree earn an average of $403,000 more over the course of a lifetime than do those who hold only a n undergraduate degree.
Of course, not all master’s degrees are equal. While some online programs offer a substantial return on investment, others are not worth the time nor the money it takes to return to school to obtain an additional degree. So which master’s degrees are best when the goal is to increase salary and accelerate a career? Keep reading to find a high paying job in today’s labor market!
Methodology
To find out, we began with PayScale’s data on the highest-paying degrees by salary potential. Specifically, we looked at which degrees provided the most significant increase in salary from bachelor’s degree, to entry-level master’s degree, to mid-career master’s degree. Finally, we compared our list to the Bureau of Labor Statistics register of the fastest-growing industries and careers, because after all, a master’s degree will never be of use in a dying field.
1. Accounting
Pursuing a fast online master’s degree in accounting is one of the best ways to increase salary and accelerate one’s career. According to PayScale, having a bachelor’s degree in accounting leads to an average annual salary of $47,655, but that average increases by almost 8% to $51,361 when one holds a master’s degree.
Better yet, pursuing a master’s degree allows students to expand their knowledge on the topic of finances and accounting, while also working towards the 150 credit hours required to take the test to become a certified public accountant (CPA).
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $77,250.
2. Advertising
Thanks to the widespread popularity of the internet and social media, advertising is one of the most rapidly growing industries. This means that high paying jobs are plentiful, but some of the best opportunities are for those with a master’s degree. Prospective students can earn a master’s degree in advertising either online or in a brick-and-mortar classroom. Furthermore, a variety of different institutions offer these programs, including traditional colleges and universities, or art schools such as the Academy of Art University.
Regardless of institution type, most advertising programs assist students in building an impressive portfolio of work, while also allowing students to choose a focus such as marketing strategy, digital campaigns, copywriting, or interactive media. According to PayScale, the starting salary for an employee with a master’s degree in advertising averages $45,600, though this average increases to $89,400 by mid-career.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $133,380.
3. Biostatistics
Biostatistics is a rapidly growing field related to public health. Thanks in part to a quickly evolving healthcare industry in the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts high paying jobs requiring a degree in biostatistics will grow by 15% by 2031. That makes now an excellent time to accelerate your career by pursuing a fast online master’s degree.
Many institutions offer this degree in a variety of formats, though most will focus on public policy as it relates to biostatistics, life sciences, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Though jobs within this field vary, the average professional with a master’s degree in biostatistics earns over $100,000 per year.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Biochemists and Biophysicists to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $102,270.
4. Business Management and Administration
Obtaining a master’s degree in business management or business administration is one of the most effective ways to accelerate a career. Fortunately, there are plenty of flexible, fast online degree programs from which to choose. Many of these master’s programs focus on leadership skills and the facilitation of both production and human actions, skills necessary for those working in management or administration to move their careers forward.
Upon completing a master’s degree program in business management or administration, one can earn up to $22,000 more per year, and often earn a six-figure salary by mid-career. Additionally, many companies offer on the job training programs to educate trainees about sales and administration strategies.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Business Management Analysts to grow 11% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $93,000.
5. Civil Engineering
The American Society of Civil Engineers recently gave American infrastructure a D+ grade. Furthermore, it found that the country will need to invest $1.6 trillion in order to improve our bridges, public transit systems, levees, and dams. On the bright side, that means there will be plenty of jobs for civil engineers. Most students can complete a civil engineering master’s degree program in as few as two years.
So, civil engineers who want to accelerate their careers and boost their salaries can quickly earn an advanced degree. According to PayScale, the average salary for civil engineers with a bachelor’s degree is $52,000, though that average salary grows to $67,800 with a master’s degree.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects Civil Engineer jobs to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $88,050.
6. Computer Science
Whether the goal is to accelerate a current career in computer science or jump into the industry from something else entirely, obtaining a master’s degree in computer science is sure to boost even the most stagnant career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the creation of over 600,000 new computer science jobs from 2021 to 2031. While Forbes predicts that computer science degree-holders will remain in high demand because of the growing dependence on technology.
There are dozens of master’s degree programs to choose from, and once completed, an employee with a master’s degree in computer science can expect to boost their average salary by approximately $30,000 per year. Many jobs are in database management, web development, and software development.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects computer and information technology occupations to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $128,170.
7. Construction Management
Those routinely working on residential, commercial, industrial, or infrastructural construction sites should consider a fast online master’s degree in construction management. According to PayScale, a graduate degree can potentially boost one’s salary to an average of $99,600 per year.
Many colleges and universities offer this master’s degree and many have accelerated programs. Additionally, all focus on such topics relating to efficiently leading a construction project or construction business. Students learn safety regulations, construction basics, safety procedures, and also legal and code requirements for different types of projects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), now is an ideal time to pursue a master’s degree in construction management. This field will add over 400,000 new jobs by 2031.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Construction Managers to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $98,890.
8. Economics
Economics is at the forefront of myriad issues headlining current events, including taxes, government spending, trade agreements, and income inequality, to name but a few. Perhaps that’s why the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for economists to increase by 6% by 2026.
Most economists work for research institutions, the federal government, financial organizations, or even private businesses, and in all of those sectors, employees with a master’s degree in economics are increasingly valuable. Economists with a master’s degree can make approximately $100,000. However, some professionals earn as much as $105,000 to $190,000 per year by their mid-career.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Economists to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $105,630.
9. Education
Teachers who return to school in order to earn a master’s degree in education can experience up to a 34% increase in salary. This equates to a jump from approximately $42,000 to $56,000 per year. Though that may not be the biggest increase on our list, it’s important to remember that an increase in salary is only one way to accelerate one’s career.
Obtaining a master’s degree in education may also allow a teacher other benefits, such as a more flexible career path or the ability to work in additional places. According to various studies, pursuing a master’s degree in education is most beneficial for principals, college and university educators, and high school teachers.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income for High School Teachers is $61,820.
10. Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering
Electrical engineering is yet another engineering degree students can earn quickly to accelerate their careers. And the BLS estimates 21,200 new electrical engineering jobs by 2031. So, now is an excellent time to pursue a higher degree in this field. Fast master’s degree programs are rigorous, flexible, and affordable. Furthermore, students can complete many of them online as quickly as one year. Students can also specialize in focus areas like power generation, automation, and also microsystems. They may develop and test devices and equipment for health monitoring, communications, navigation, or computers.
Graduates find careers in software engineering, hardware engineering, electrical engineering, and even entrepreneurship. Best of all, the average salary for an employee with a master’s degree in electrical engineering jumps from an average of $62,000 per year to nearly $90,000 annually, according to PayScale.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Electrical and Electronics Engineers to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $101,780.
11. Engineering Management
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), engineering managers with a master’s degree are some of the highest-paid professionals in the country. Engineering managers average a salary of around $124,995 per year. But job prospects in engineering management should increase by 7% by 2020, providing plenty of opportunities for engineering-inclined people to accelerate their careers.
Plenty of schools offer this degree online, and especially ambitious students working on an accelerated curriculum can complete their degree in as little as 18 months.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Engineering Managers to grow 2% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $152,350.
12. Finance
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in finance are some of the most rapidly growing. With finance jobs expected to increase 17% by 2031, more and more people from all career stages are looking into fast finance degree programs. Not only will a master’s degree in finance garner a higher salary, but it also provides a broader set of skills, increased knowledge, and strengthened job security in a highly competitive industry.
A degree in finance can lead to a variety of career options, including investment banker, financial analyst, personal financial advisor, and financial manager, to name but a few. While those with just a bachelor’s degree in finance average $47,000 per year, those with a master’s tend to average over $100,000 annually.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Financial Managers to grow 17% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $131,710.
13. Graphic Design
Although there are plenty of job types suitable for graphic designers, this creative industry tends to be quite competitive. For that reason alone, many graphic designers find it beneficial to complete an online master’s degree program. Programs vary widely, but most can take around two years to complete. And they provide students with the opportunity to boost their portfolios and expand their skill sets.
Some graphic designers complete an associate degree program while others have a bachelor’s degree. Those with only a bachelor’s degree earn an average salary of approximately $42,500. According to PayScale, though this number increases to $52,400 with a master’s degree.
Job Growth and Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Graphic Designers to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $50,710.
14. Industrial Psychology
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of industrial psychology jobs will increase by 6% in the decade between 2021 and 2031. That makes industrial psychology one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States. Industrial psychologists study human behavior specifically within the workplace.
These professionals must have a master’s degree to begin their careers. The average starting salary is $52,200, though according to PayScale, salaries average $96,800 by mid-career. The American Psychological Association, however, notes that the top industrial psychologists can earn as much as $250,000 annually.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Industrial-organizational psychologists to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $81,040.
15. International Business
International corporations, global nonprofits, NGOs, and government agencies frequently seek out employees with the skills to guide their employers through global commerce’s legal, financial, and cultural intricacies. In other words, these entities want employees with a master’s degree in international business.
A variety of colleges and universities offer international business degree programs. Additionally, students can choose an online format or an accelerated pace. Although salaries vary dramatically, the average starting salary of someone with a master’s degree in international business is just under $57,000 (though this average balloons to $104,000 by mid-career).
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects business and financial jobs to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $76,570.
16. International Relations
Since graduate degrees are preferred or required for most careers relating to international relations, a master’s degree is hugely beneficial for those interested in this field. Myriad colleges and universities offer degree programs in international relations, both online and on traditional campuses, though programs vary dramatically in terms of curriculum and the number of required credits.
It’s also worth noting that many schools offer dual master’s degree programs, which allow students to earn a master’s degree in international relations as well as a degree in business, law, journalism, or public policy. The average mid-career salary of a person holding a master’s degree in international relations is $101,000, more than double that of the average starting salary.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects political science International Relations jobs to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $122,510.
17. Marketing
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing is one of the fastest-growing industries thanks to the evolution of Internet-based commerce. In fact, the Bureau expects the number of marketing jobs to increase by 10% by 2031. For this reason, it’s a good time for marketing-inclined people to pursue a fast online master’s degree.
According to PayScale, the average salary for those with a master’s in marketing is $98,849 per year. And nearly 20% more than the average salary of those working in marketing with only an undergrad degree.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $133,380.
18. Mathematics
Obtaining a master’s degree in mathematics can increase an employee’s salary by as much as $22,000 per year. Plus, it is useful for a variety of careers, including investment analysis, data analysis, statistics, and teaching. Though salaries for these careers and others vary dramatically, according to PayScale, those with a master’s degree in mathematics average $129,000 by mid-career.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects math occupations to grow 29% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $98.680.
19. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers work in a variety of fields, and those with a master’s degree are rewarded with some of the highest pay of any industry. While mechanical engineers with only a bachelor’s degree average annual salaries of $59,000, those with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering often begin their career with an average income of $75,415, which balloons to $92,992 by mid-career. This massive difference in average salary provides quite the incentive for pursuing an online master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $77,250.
20. Microbiology
Employers in research, academics, government, medical manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals continuously seek quality employees with microbiology degrees. Though most jobs consisting of independent research require a PhD, a master’s degree usually suffices for other types of work. Additionally, this master’s is an excellent stepping stone toward a PhD program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a person with a master’s degree in microbiology, but fewer than five years of experience, can expect to earn an average of $45,200 annually. However, this average increases to $87,100 by the time the employee has reached 15 years of relevant work experience.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income for Microbiologists is $79,260.
21. Nurse Anesthesia
Nurses and other health professionals looking to accelerate their careers would do well to consider a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia. Nurse anesthesia master’s degree programs prepare students to administer anesthesia during surgical operations and oversee a patient’s recovery process.
Most programs last from 2-3 years and students can complete them either online or on a brick-and-mortar campus. According to PayScale, nurse anesthesiologists just beginning their career make an average of $143,000, while those in mid-career make closer to $165,000.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects Nurse Anesthetist jobs to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $195,610.
22. Nursing
Approximately one-half of all registered nurses in the United States already hold a master’s degree, though the Institute of Medicine has declared that this percentage should increase. No wonder master’s degree nursing programs are among the most sought-after graduate programs! A certified nursing assistant or an emergency medical technician can use this degree to advance their career.
Many institutions, both online and on campus, offer these programs. Students can complete a degree in one to three years, depending on whether they are already working in nursing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses with a BSN currently average $68,000 per year, but this number increases to $107,000 annually with a master’s degree.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects advanced practice nursing jobs to grow 40% from 2021 to 2031.
Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $123,780.
23. Organizational Leadership
Like a business administration master’s degree program, a master’s degree in organizational leadership is beneficial to professionals looking to accelerate their careers. However, unlike a master’s degree program in business administration, which tends to focus on management in the areas of finance, accounting, statistics, and marketing, a degree program in organizational leadership focuses on a variety of management topics and administrative tasks.
Degree topics include leadership theory, the dynamics of a multicultural workplace, team development, and communication techniques. Though a traditional organizational leadership master’s degree program takes approximately 18 months to complete, many institutions offer the degree as part of an advanced program.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031.
Median Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income for Training and Development Managers is $120,130.
24. Philosophy
Philosophy might seem like an unexpected topic to include on our list, but according to Business Insider, a master’s degree in philosophy is surprisingly beneficial. Like most of those who pursue a four year college degree in philosophy, people who obtain a master’s degree in philosophy are not working philosophers. Rather, they have jobs focusing on analysis, problem-solving, and logic. These graduates become teachers, lawyers, and CEOs. The jobs are often high-paying ones, and a master’s degree can increase one’s yearly salary by as much as 45% (from an average of $61,000 to $80,000).
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow from 2021 to 2031.
Median Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $55,000 with a degree in Philosophy.
25. Physician Assistant
The BLS expects the number of jobs for physician assistants (PAs) to increase by 28% by 2031, making now an excellent time to pursue a Master of Physician Assistant degree (MSPA). PAs most often work alongside doctors and surgeons, examining patients, reviewing medical histories, and providing primary treatment. They may work in a medical facility or medical office.
A medical assistant and emergency medical technician (EMT) are two jobs that can lead to a PA career. These professionals assist in minor medical procedures and clean equipment like organizing surgical equipment. PA programs are both online and on brick-and-mortar campuses and students can complete them in as quickly as two-and-a-half years. Perhaps most appealing is the average boost in salary for a physician assistant holding a master’s degree. The average salary for a medical assistant (BLS) with a four year degree is around $37,000 and an EMT with a college degree is around $36,000 (BLS). However, a PA with a master’s can earn as much as $160,000 per year.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031.
Median Annual Wage: BLS reports the annual income is $121,530.
26. Physics
With a salary range of $78,000 to $208,000, a degree in physics is one of the highest-paying master’s degrees around. That fact, along with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expectation that jobs in the field of physics will grow by 8% by 2031, makes a master’s degree in physics an excellent option for accelerating one’s career.
A physics degree is beneficial for a wide variety of careers, and most physics degree programs allow students to focus their education on mechanics, electrodynamics, solid-state physics, or any number of other physics subtopics. A master’s degree in physics is also likely to earn its holder an average salary of $150,000 per year.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for Physicists to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031.
Median Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income for Physicists is $152,430.
27. Political Science and Government
Despite its seemingly specific focus, a master’s degree in political science and government has a variety of career benefits. Some of these include those jobs within government, NGOs, and even private companies. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts average growth for political careers of about 6% by 2031.
Additionally, the average salary difference between a four year college degree and a master’s degree is around $26,000 per year. This increased salary is especially beneficial considering an online master’s degree in political science and government can be completed in as quickly as 15 months.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Median Annual Wage: BLS reports the annual income is $122,510.
28. Taxation
People who work in accounting and are interested in accelerating their careers often pursue a Master of Science in Taxation degree. Such programs are often available online as well as at a traditional college or university. They prepare students to advance their accounting skills and acquire new knowledge on topics such as corporate taxation, international taxation, and estate planning.
Best of all, a master’s degree in taxation takes as little as one year to earn. And mid-career salaries average $126,000, a whopping 108% more than entry-level salaries.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Median Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $77,250.
29. Technology Management
With each new year, more and more colleges and universities are offering master’s degree programs in technology management. This is undoubtedly a reflection of how rapidly technology industries evolve and how quickly companies create jobs in IT. According to Georgetown University, which offers one of the top technology management master’s degree programs in the country, a student pursuing this degree will work through a curriculum heavy on information security, entrepreneurship, and product management.
Raises come quickly in the IT world, and although a master of technology management makes an average of $67,600 early in their career, by mid-career, they can expect to be earning nearly $130,000.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031.
Median Annual Wage: BLS reports the annual income is $159,010.
30. Telecommunications Engineering
Telecommunications engineers often work maintaining internet access, telephone connections, and cable and satellite television. Though a telecommunications engineer can rake in a salary of $70,000 with just a four year degree, those with a master’s degree can expect to make an average of $83,910 per year. That number increases for some careers for which a degree in telecommunications engineering is applicable, namely network engineers, software engineers, and test/quality assurance engineers.
Master’s degree programs in telecommunications engineering are offered by a large number of institutions, and most can be completed within two years. Most Telecommunications equipment installers complete associate degree programs lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree in telecommunications or related subjects.
Job Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031.
Median Annual Wage: BLS reports the median annual income is $60,370
Other Fast Careers
You may only have a high school diploma, certificate, career diploma, associate degree, or bachelors degree. But there are many great careers in each of these categories. For example, job seekers can earn good money with many 6-month certificate programs. A vocational school or community college is a great place to begin a new career. Then you can build on your education.
Diploma, Certificate Programs, or Certification Programs
- Personal Trainer / Personal Trainers
- HVAC Technician / HVAC Technicians
- Funeral Director / Funeral Directors
- Massage Therapist / Massage Therapists
- Hair Stylist / Hair Stylists
- Physical Therapy Aide / Physical Therapy Aides
- Wind Turbine Technician / Wind Turbine Technicians
- Commercial Driver / Commercial Drivers
- Real Estate Broker / Real Estate Brokers
Associate Degree
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Medical Coder / Medical Coders
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) / Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Paralegal Studies / Legal Research
- Nuclear Technician / Nuclear Technicians
- Dental Hygienist / Dental Hygienists
- Radiation Therapy / Radiation Therapists
- Surgical Technologist / Surgical Technologists
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