On the cusp of adulthood, one big financial decision looms: choosing a college major—especially in a high-cost, opportunity-rich place like New York. As tuition climbs and the job market shifts fast, students and families are asking a simple question: which degrees actually pay off?
From finance and engineering to healthcare and tech, some fields consistently deliver higher earnings right out of school and over time. But a major alone doesn’t determine salary—industry demand, location, and New York’s unique economy all play a role.
Of course, a degree is more than just a paycheck. Even so, the data proves that it’s significant. A recent analysis by The Advance/SILive.com, utilizing 2024 U.S. Census data, reveals a striking gap between the lowest and highest-earning fields for New York residents aged 25 to 64.
The Median Benchmark
In 2024, the median earnings for New Yorkers with a bachelor’s degree were $85,832, according to the Census Bureau.
But that number is just a midpoint—what you study makes a big difference. Arts and education remain essential, but STEM and other technical fields continue to lead the pack when it comes to pay.
STEM and Business: The Six-Figure Club
Topping the list are fields that drive New York’s infrastructure, technology, and financial sectors.
Engineering holds the #1 spot, with a median salary of $107,046—nearly $40,000 more than the lowest-ranked degree field.
Closely following are Computers, Mathematics, and Statistics ($103,476) and the Social Sciences ($96,912).
The high ranking of Social Sciences may surprise some, but in New York, this field often feeds into lucrative careers in law, urban planning, and high-level political consultancy.
The Rankings
The Creative and Service Gap
At the other end of the spectrum, Visual and Performing Arts ranks 15th, with a median salary of $66,492. Even in New York City—a global arts capital—intense competition and the freelance nature of the work often translate into lower typical earnings than more technical fields.
Education ($74,893) and Psychology ($76,491) also fall into the bottom third. It’s a familiar tension: some of the careers most essential to the state’s social fabric—teaching, counseling, and mental health—continue to trail behind corporate and technical roles when it comes to pay.
More Than Just a Major
The takeaway is straightforward: your major is one of the strongest indicators of earning potential, but it’s not the only factor.
In New York, where industries cluster and networks matter, your trajectory also depends on where you work, who you know, and how you navigate the opportunities around you.
And at the end of the day, these numbers are just a guide—not a verdict. Your major can shape your path, but it doesn’t lock in your future.
What matters just as much is curiosity, effort, and how you show up in the world. Whatever direction you choose, there’s room to build a meaningful, rewarding career—and keep growing far beyond your first job.
