Jobs That Pay $100k a Year: What You Need to Know Before You Choose a Major
Let’s be honest…when you’re helping your child pick a college or major, one of the big questions is: what kind of job will this lead to? And even more realistically: will it pay enough to justify the cost of college?
That’s where salary comes into play. If your family is taking on loans, you want to know there’s a solid return. So let’s talk about jobs that pay $100k or more per year, what it takes to get there, and how to factor this into your college planning.
Common Jobs That Pay Over $100K
You don’t need to be a celebrity or a CEO to break into the six-figure club. Here are some of the most reliable career paths that can lead to salaries of $100k or more:
1. Software Developer / Engineer
Average salary: $110k+
Path: Bachelor’s in computer science or related field
Why it pays: Demand is high across all industries — not just tech companies.
2. Pharmacist
Average salary: $120k+
Path: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) after undergrad
Why it pays: High level of expertise and responsibility in healthcare settings.
3. Data Scientist
Average salary: $125k+
Path: Math, stats, or computer science degree (master’s preferred)
Why it pays: Businesses need people who can turn big data into decisions.
4. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Average salary: $180k+
Path: BSN + MSN or DNP, with clinical experience
Why it pays: High specialization and critical responsibility in patient care.
5. Sales Manager or Tech Sales (SaaS)
Average salary: Base around $80k, but total comp can exceed $100k with commissions
Path: Any bachelor’s degree, but communication and business help
Why it pays: Strong sales performance directly drives company revenue.
6. Electrical or Petroleum Engineer
Average salary: $100k–130k
Path: Bachelor’s in engineering
Why it pays: Specialized knowledge and demand in energy, utilities, and manufacturing.
7. Corporate Lawyer
Average salary: $140k+
Path: Bachelor’s degree + law school (JD)
Why it pays: Legal expertise for high-stakes contracts, mergers, and regulations.
But It’s Not Just About the Job…It’s About ROI
A $100k job sounds great, but here’s the kicker: some of those jobs also come with $150k+ in student debt. So it’s not just about aiming for a high-paying career…it’s about comparing what you’ll pay to what you’ll earn.
That’s why CollegeROI exists. We don’t just show you how much college costs. We help you understand how the degree pays off over time, based on:
Your child’s intended major
Average salaries by career
Net cost of different schools
Loan repayment timelines
Whether your child wants to be a nurse, software engineer, or lawyer, we help you map out the best value path to get there.
So... Should Your Kid “Chase the $100k”?
Not necessarily. Plenty of fulfilling and financially smart careers pay less than six figures, and plenty of six-figure jobs come with intense pressure or steep barriers to entry.
The real goal is financial balance. You want your child to land in a career they enjoy, at a salary that allows them to live comfortably without drowning in debt.
Let us help you figure out how to get there.
Want to Know if Your College Investment Is Worth It?
Use our free CollegeROI platform (www.yourcollegeroi.com) to calculate your personalized return on investment based on your major, financial aid, and future salary potential. Whether you're trying to choose a college or make sure you're on the right path, CollegeROI gives you the clarity you need to make smarter financial decisions.
