Among the U.S. college class of 2011, engineering dominates the list of top-paid majors, according to the Spring 2011 Salary Survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Engineering majors account for seven of the top 10 spots on the list. The only non-engineering major among the top-five highest-paid is computer science, which is second on the list.
“That four of the top five top-paid majors are engineering and all received average starting salary offers in excess of $60,000 strongly indicates the continued high demand for these graduates,” commented Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director. “Furthermore, the entire top-10 list underscores the interest employers have in hiring technical majors.”
|
Top-Paid Majors for 2010-11 Bachelor’s Degree Graduates |
|
Curriculum |
Average Salary Offer
(where 10 or more offers
were reported) |
|
Chemical engineering |
$66,886 |
|
Computer science |
$63,017 |
|
Mechanical engineering |
$60,739 |
|
Electrical/electronics & communications engineering |
$60,646 |
|
Computer engineering |
$60,112 |
|
Industrial/manufacturing engineering |
$58,549 |
|
Systems engineering |
$57,497 |
|
Engineering technology |
$57,176 |
|
Information sciences & systems |
$56,868 |
|
Business systems networking/telecommunications |
$56,808 |
|
Source: NACE Spring 2011 Salary Survey. All data are for bachelor’s degree candidates. |
The NACE salary survey is a quarterly report of starting salary offers to new U.S. college graduates in 70 disciplines at the bachelor's degree level. The survey compiles data from college and university career services offices nationwide.
Related Articles:
Companies Expect Continued Hiring in April 2011, SHRM Online Staffing Management Discipline, March 20011
Starting Salaries for 2011 Grads Up 3.5%, SHRM Online Compensation Discipline, March 2011
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