Average Salary of a College Graduate: 2025 Predictions by Major

There’s been talk online about college grads overshooting their salary expectations. And honestly, it makes sense. After spending years in school (and a small fortune on tuition), I don’t blame you for wanting a job that pays well. With everything from rent to groceries getting more expensive, wanting a solid starting salary isn’t unrealistic — it’s practical.

That said, most people don’t hit the average salary right out of the gate. It usually takes a few years of experience, learning, and proving yourself. But knowing what’s typical in your industry can help you be more prepared when job hunting and negotiating pay.

Learn more about the estimated salaries in your industry. This guide will cover:

• The average college graduate’s salary.
• Your earning potential by degree, educational level, gender, and age. 
• If college degrees make more money than high school diplomas. 

Need help building a college graduate resume? Try our free AI Resume Builder. Our advanced technology can help you create a customized job application within minutes. 

What Is the Average Salary of a College Graduate?

The average salary for a college graduate is around $68,680, based on 2025 projections across a broad range of majors from NACE. That number can climb over time, especially if you’re in a high-demand field like tech or engineering. 

I’ve scoured the statistics to break down the average college graduate salaries across the following different factors: 

• Major 
• Degree level
• Career stage 
• Gender 
• Age 

But remember: your major, experience, and even gender can all impact that average. A degree is definitely a strong investment, but how you use it matters just as much.

Don’t have much work experience? Find out more: How to Write a Resume With No Experience

Average College Graduate Salary by Major

Looking for a solid paycheck out of college? Focus on those tech majors. Computer Engineering and Software Engineering are neck-and-neck with the highest 2025 salary projections, both hovering around $82K. The gap between the top and bottom majors is over $20K, proving how much your choice of major can impact that starting salary.

Check out these 2025 average salary projections:

Source: NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers)

Learn how to make your degree stand out: How to List Your Education Section on a Resume

Average College Graduate Salary by Degree Level

Here’s the reality: the more you learn, the more you earn. Of course, there are exceptions, but you boost your chances of getting a higher salary when you have more qualifications. 

Professional and doctoral degrees unsurprisingly top the chart, bringing in over $2K a week on average, while a high school diploma sits under $900. And that jump from “college” to actually having the degree? It’s worth nearly $500 more a week. 

Here’s how your degree level can affect your weekly earnings:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Average College Graduate Salary by Career Stage

Which careers have the best long-term payoff? Computer Science leads the way with a strong early career salary and a stronger mid-career boost, hitting $115K. However, majors like Education and Health Services tend to start lower and don’t jump quite as much over time. While some fields, like Performing Arts and History, may start slow but see surprisingly decent growth. 

Here are some of the most popular majors and their salaries at different career stages: 

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Average College Graduate Salary by Gender 

The gender pay gap is very real, and it shows up at every education level. Whether it’s an associate degree or a PhD, men consistently earn more than women, sometimes by several hundred dollars a week. The takeaway? Education matters, but so does advocating for fair pay and knowing your worth.

Take a look at the differences in gender pay based on different degree levels:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Average Salary by Age

It’s tough to nail down average salaries just for college grads by age, but we do have a pretty clear picture of how earnings shift as people get older. 

Pay tends to climb steadily from your late teens into your 40s, with the peak happening around the 45–54 age range. So for those rushing to make the big bucks, remember: your 20s are just the starting line. The real earning power builds over time, especially as you gain skills and climb the ladder.

Check out how your wage increases and drops with age:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Does Education Make a Difference in Salary?

When it comes to salary, education can be a game-changer. Someone with a bachelor’s degree earns nearly $600 more per week than someone with just a high school diploma — that’s over $30,000 more per year. Move up to a master’s degree, and the gap widens with an annual difference of $43,576.

There are also notable correlations between your degree and unemployment rates: 

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

That said, there are exceptions. Plenty of people without degrees build successful, high-paying careers through skilled trades, entrepreneurship, or just sheer hustle. Education helps stack the odds in your favor, but it’s not the only path to financial success. 

Tips for Getting a Job Out of College

Graduating is a huge achievement, but now comes the next challenge: landing that first real job. With so many new grads, a degree alone isn’t always enough. Employers are looking for more than just a diploma — they want to see that you’re prepared, motivated, and ready to bring something valuable. 

Here are some practical steps to help you break into the job market:

Get work experience in college

If you’ve been job hunting lately, you’ve probably run into that classic catch-22: “Must have experience.” It’s tough, especially when you’ve just graduated, and you’re trying to get that experience. But you don’t have to wait until after college to start building it. 

What you can do:

• Start early by looking for internships in your field during school breaks or part-time during the semester. Your college’s career center is a great place to find leads.
• Internships can turn into full-time jobs. But even if they don’t, the people you meet, such as supervisors, peers, and clients, are now part of your professional network.

Be prepared and do your research

Before you start applying, take time to understand the job market, the industry you’re entering, and what roles match your strengths. Having a focused strategy helps you avoid wasting time on jobs that aren’t a fit.

What you can do:

• Research common job titles, responsibilities, and salaries in your field. Think about your non-negotiables, such as location, company size, and values. 
• When you find a job you’re interested in, dig into the company’s mission, culture, and recent work. This knowledge makes your application stronger and your interviews better.

Build a tailored job application

Sending the same job application to every job? One of the biggest mistakes you can make. By tailoring your resume, you show employers that you understand what they need and that you’re genuinely interested.

What you can do:

• Customize your resume with keywords from the job posting and emphasize experiences and skills that match what the employer is looking for.
• Write targeted cover letters that prove you’re not just sending generic job applications. Show them who you are and why you’re a great fit for their company. Personalize each letter to the role and team.

Find out what not to do when applying for jobs: Resume Mistakes Among Students & Fresh Grads

Make connections and be proactive

You’ve heard it before: “It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know.” Sure, that’s not always the case, but it’s certainly useful when trying to get your foot in the door. Many jobs never even make it to a job board — they’re filled through connections.

What you can do:

• Use LinkedIn wisely by following companies, connecting with alumni, and engaging in professional conversations. Reach out to people doing the work you want to do and ask for advice.
• If there’s a company you love but no open roles, don’t wait. Reach out with a thoughtful message and your resume. Express your interest and ask to be considered for future opportunities. Minimal risk, high reward. 

Keep learning and growing

Show recruiters that you’re worth more than just a degree. Employers are impressed by candidates who keep learning, reflect on feedback, and stay active while job hunting.

What you can do:

• Upskill with short courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy in sought-after areas related to your field, such as coding, marketing, data analysis, or graphic design.
• If you’re in between jobs, consider freelance work, passion projects, or volunteering. It shows you’re motivated and always learning. Plus, your willingness to put in extra work can be just as impressive as a traditional job.

Summary

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the average postgraduate salary: 

• The average salary for a college graduate is around $68,680. However, the average starting salary for a college graduate is around $50,000–$70,000, depending on the major.
• STEM majors (like Computer Science and Engineering) tend to lead the pack, with starting salaries above $75,000 and mid-career earnings well over $100,000.
• Majors in education, the arts, and social sciences typically start lower, often in the $40,000–$50,000 range, but can still grow over time.
• A bachelor’s degree boosts earning power, with median weekly earnings of $1,493, compared to $899 for a high school diploma.
• Gender still impacts salary, with men often earning more than women at every education level, though the gap is slowly narrowing.
• Earnings typically peak between 45 and 54, showing that long-term growth is often the key to financial success.
• A master’s or professional degree can add a significant salary bump, often worth it in specialized fields.
• While a degree helps, experience, networking, and skill-building play a big role in how quickly your salary grows.
• And remember: there are exceptions. Plenty of people earn great money without a degree by building skills, hustling, and thinking outside the box.

FAQ

What is a good starting salary out of college?

A good starting salary out of college is typically between $50,000 and $70,000. Majors like computer science, engineering, and business often land on the higher end, while education, social sciences, or the arts may start lower. That said, “good” depends on your field, cost of living, and career goals. 

Do college graduates make more money?

Yes, college graduates often earn more than those without degrees. For example, someone with a bachelor’s degree makes an average of $1,493 a week, while someone with just a high school diploma earns around $899. That’s a difference of over $30,000 a year. Over a lifetime, that gap can grow into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Does having a bachelor’s degree increase your salary?

A bachelor’s degree can increase your earning power substantially. On average, it adds over $30,000 more per year compared to a high school diploma. It also boosts your chances of landing jobs with better benefits, long-term growth, and stability. Of course, success isn’t guaranteed, but statistically, a degree gives you a major edge in both pay and career opportunities.

What is the highest-paying job with a college degree?

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying job with a degree is a pediatric surgeon. These professionals earn a median annual wage of $449,320 and require up to 15 years of education, including medical school and a residency. 

Other high-paying jobs include cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and radiologists. Outside healthcare, airline pilots, computer managers, lawyers, and financial managers are among the top earners. 

What is a good entry-level salary?

A good entry-level salary usually falls between $50,000 and $70,000, depending on the field and where you live. Tech, finance, and engineering roles often offer more, while nonprofit or creative jobs may start lower. It’s also worth considering other factors, like health insurance, retirement plans, work-life balance, and room to grow. Sometimes, a job with a slightly lower salary, but great advancement potential, ends up being the smarter move.