Choosing a major in college can be a daunting decision for high school students, with some careers offering high salaries while others hold more meaningful impact. Recently, Payscale conducted a study ranking the college majors that lead to the most satisfying careers for graduates.
According to a report by CNBC, if you are looking for a fulfilling job related to your field of study, considering music therapy might be a good option. Payscale’s recent survey of graduates found that the fields of medicine and physical therapy are among the university majors that not only help graduates secure employment but also contribute to making the world a better place.
Payscale discovered that holding a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy is most likely to lead to a satisfying job, with 95% of degree holders stating that their work contributes to making the world a better place. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) indicates that music therapy programs encompass courses in music, music therapy, sciences, and psychology.
The organization states on its website that knowledge and skills are developed through courses and clinical practice, including theoretical and practical applications of music therapy steps and techniques.
Music therapists can provide services to individuals with physical disabilities or mental health issues in traditional work settings. According to AMTA, people in end-of-life care, substance abuse centers, and cancer treatment facilities also benefit from visits by music therapists.
However, the salaries for these positions are typically not high. On average, graduates with a music therapy degree earn only $49,400 in the first five years of their careers, with those having over 10 years of experience making an average of $64,900.
Salaries in other professions may be higher. According to Payscale data, graduates in nine specific majors are more likely to find their careers meaningful.
Percentage of graduates finding their work meaningful: 95%
Early career average salary: $49,400
Mid-career average salary: $64,900
Graduates finding their work meaningful: 92%
Early career average salary: $58,200
Mid-career average salary: $84,000
Graduates finding their work meaningful: 91%
Early career average salary: $78,100
Mid-career average salary: $109,500
Graduates finding their work meaningful: 90%
Early career average salary: $43,500
Mid-career average salary: $59,200
Graduates finding their work meaningful: 89%
Early career average salary: $45,400
Mid-career average salary: $51,800
Graduates finding their work meaningful: 89%
Early career average salary: $67,800
Mid-career average salary: $77,900
Graduates finding their work meaningful: 88%
Early career average salary: $74,300
Mid-career average salary: $92,900
Graduates finding their work meaningful: 88%
Early career average salary: $57,500
Mid-career average salary: $112,700
Graduates finding their work meaningful: 88%
Early career average salary: $44,700
Mid-career average salary: $82,400
Looking at the incomes of graduates in radiation therapy and physical therapy, it is evident that a choice between high salary and a sense of value is not always necessary. Employees with these degrees earn over $100,000 on average in mid-career.
Payscale’s research uncovered that the highest-paying Bachelor’s degree is in petroleum engineering, with an average salary of $212,100 for those with over 10 years of experience, but only 60% of employees feel that their work contributes to making the world a better place.
Whether you prioritize a meaningful career or a lucrative one ultimately depends on you. For many jobs, as long as you can demonstrate the necessary skills, your college major may not be as significant.
“For the vast majority of jobs, employers don’t care about your major,” stated Christine Cruzvergara, Chief Education Strategy Officer at the Handshake employment platform.