High Paying Jobs to Get After College

At the end of your college education, you have three main courses of action. You can look for a job, apply for a graduate program, or take some time off to relax and maybe see the world. For many people, the most pressing matter is how to get a job. However, many recent graduates don’t know what job to get after college.

Thankfully, there are hundreds of paths you can choose from to build your career. However, it is important to choose a profession that aligns with your long-term professional goals and key strengths. We’ve conducted an in-depth research to bring you some of the best jobs to get after college.

Here is a list of 20 out of college jobs you can get as a recent graduate:

1. Office manager

Average base pay: $41,264 per year

An office manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the office to ensure it runs efficiently. As an office manager, you will supervise administrative staff, organize meetings, order office supplies, work with vendors, and manage official records and databases. You will also train staff, book transport and accommodation for executives, and oversee every other administrative function in the office.

You can apply for office manager jobs with a degree in business administration, business management, finance, and other related disciplines. Check office manager jobs here.

2. Project manager

Average base pay: $66,137 per year

Project managers manage multi-disciplinary teams involved in the execution of projects. As a project manager, you will create milestones, monitor project progress, identify and manage risks, and provide a conducive environment to help workers deliver on schedule. While you can start in a junior role with your college degree, you might need a Project Management Professional certification for senior roles. Check for project manager jobs here.

3. Financial auditor

Average base pay: $63,196 per year

College graduates with an accounting degree can apply for financial auditor jobs. As a financial auditor, you will review records, reports, and documents for authenticity and accuracy. You will also test compliance with financial and tax regulations and create audit reports for submission to management. Some financial auditor positions may require being a Certified Public Accountant. Check for financial auditor jobs here.

4. Human resources administrator

Average base pay: $48,629 per year

You can work in a human resources administrator position if you graduated with a degree in business, human resources, or related fields. You will review resumes, perform interviews, evaluate employee performance, and manage payroll. The role also requires managing employee-employer relationships, developing human resources policies, and enforcing labor laws. Check human resources administrator jobs here.

5. Web designer

Average base pay: $52,691 per year

You can be a web designer regardless of your college major, if you have the skills and experience to design websites. Web designers can work as freelancers or in-house employees. As a web designer, you will create functional and user-friendly UI/UX web interfaces to help clients achieve business goals, and update websites for optimal efficiency. Check web designer jobs here.

6. Nurse

Average base pay: $65,870 per year

Nurses take care of patients in the hospital and other healthcare facilities. If you have a nursing degree, you can work in a wide range of positions such as medical ICU, cardiac rehab, ambulatory surgery, emergency, maternal services, and medical telemetry. Some responsibilities of nurses include administering medication, patient care, maintaining a sterile environment, advising patients and their families, and supervising other medical staff. Check nurse jobs here.

7. Network systems administrator

Average base salary:  $64,892 per year

Network systems administrators can have a degree in computer science and relevant certifications such as Microsoft Azure. Responsibilities include configuring, monitoring, and maintaining Windows and Linux servers. You will also create system security strategies and procedures, integrate network and computer systems, and analyze the capabilities and performance of security systems. Check for network security administrator jobs here.

8. Software engineer

Average base pay:  $92,046 per year

You can work as a software engineer with a degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and related fields. As a software engineer, you will take part in the preliminary and critical design of software products. You will also perform system and subsystem definition, design implementation, testing, and integration. Software engineers work with clients and other professionals such as quality assurance teams and software developers. Check software engineer jobs here.

9. Salesperson

Average base pay: $43,668 per year

Salespersons help customers purchase goods and services, whether in-store or via the phone or online. As a salesperson, you will provide customers reliable information on your products or services to help them make the right choice. You will also process sales orders and cash sales returns. Salespersons also stock merchandise, maintain the counter area, and perform basic bookkeeping and accounting functions. Check salesperson jobs here.

10. Accountant

Average base pay: $53,748 per year

If you studied accounting or economics and have the requisite license and certifications, you can work as an accountant after college. Accountants analyze and prepare financial data for journal entries. They also review financial statements and reports for accuracy. As an accountant, you will help your employer prepare ledgers, reports, taxes, and financial statements and also enforce compliance with financial reporting standards. Check accountant jobs here.

11. Teacher

Average base pay: $42,579 per year

Teachers require a bachelor’s or associate’s degree to get hired. General responsibilities include maintaining an orderly classroom, developing lesson plans, and creating a conducive learning environment for the students. You will also maintain good relationships with parents, promote improved social habits, attend monthly staff meetings, and work to achieve the school’s goals. Check teacher jobs here.

12. Pharmaceutical sales representative

Average base pay: $64,037 per year

As a pharmaceutical sales representative, you will present products to healthcare professionals and patients to educate them about their features, uses, and benefits. You will also collaborate with healthcare professionals and healthcare service providers to create and maximize business opportunities. The role involves building trust and credibility with partners to ensure long-term success of your company’s products. Check pharmaceutical sales representative jobs here.

13. Software developer

Average base salary: $76,526 per year

As a software developer, you must be proficient in modern programming languages such as Python and C#. Responsibilities include developing mobile, desktop, and web-based applications. You will also perform and monitor system analysis, design, and development functions, and develop security architecture for database environments. Software developers work with vendors and clients to evaluate the performance of applications. Check software developer jobs here.

14. Investment banker

Average base salary:  $86,643 per year

Investment banking is another lucrative job you can do after college. As an investment banker, you will perform a wide range of functions, including developing and implementing recapitalization and restructuring strategies. You will also prospect for new business opportunities, maintain bankruptcy databases, and create materials for marketing activities. Check here for investment banker jobs.

15. Actuary

Average base salary: $97,776 per year

Actuaries are vital to the insurance industry and get attractive compensation. Some duties of an actuary include LR analysis, performing experience/exposure rating, and creating reports. They also provide market research and development services and other value-added products. Check here for actuary jobs.

16. Mechanical engineer

Average base pay: $70,964 per year

Mechanical engineers plan, conceptualize, and create designs for industrial equipment. You will work with other professionals to develop machine specifications and perform research to create machine components. Mechanical engineers also manage projects, create functional drawings, and establish standards. They also maintain equipment and enforce compliance with industry standards. Check here for mechanical engineer jobs.

17. Operations manager

Average base pay: $83,332 per year

Operations managers maintain an organization’s facilities and enforce company practices and procedures. They collaborate with supervisors to resolve issues with equipment, suppliers, employers, and customers. Operations managers also monitor and evaluate production and operational processes and implement strategies for improvement. They can also manage budgets, recruit employees, oversee the workforce, and create reports. Check here for operations manager jobs.

18. Data scientist

Average base pay:  $113,309 per year

As a data scientist, you will perform a wide range of activities. Responsibilities include processing, analyzing, and disseminating structured and unstructured data. Creating advanced analysis and data visualization models and methodologies to predict outcomes, and analyzing data sources and techniques are other duties of a data scientist. Depending on the employer and the role, you may need several certifications and experience besides your degree. Check here for data scientist jobs.

19. Biotechnologist

Average base pay: $40,000 per year

Biotechnologists study the genetic, physical, and chemical composition of living organisms to develop beneficial products, technologies, and processes that can add value to human life. You can work in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, medical establishments, agriculture, and research facilities. Check here for biotechnologist jobs.

20. Account executive

Average base pay: $60,260 per year

As an account executive, you will establish and build relationships with new and existing customers to secure contracts and increase sales revenue. You will implement sales strategies, engage customers, prospect for new business, and qualify leads to ensure only ideal customers are signed. Account executives must also be knowledgeable about their products, services, and industry to help customers make the right decisions. Check here for account executive jobs.

Choosing the jobs to get after college can be difficult for many recent graduates-but this shouldn’t be the case. There are hundreds of industries that offer high-paying and fulfilling careers for college graduates, so long as you know what you want and how to get it.

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