Which Jobs Require a Graduate Degree?
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, many individuals are considering further education to enhance their career prospects. One of the most common routes for those seeking higher-paying and more specialized roles is pursuing a graduate degree. But which jobs require a graduate degree, and which advanced degrees are most useful for securing these high-demand positions? In this post, we will explore the types of careers that often necessitate graduate-level education and highlight the potential benefits of obtaining an advanced degree.
Why Do Employers Look for Graduate Degrees?
Graduate degrees are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific field, making individuals more attractive to employers who need experts capable of handling complex tasks and responsibilities. While a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for entry-level jobs, many industries require additional expertise to tackle the challenges and demands of their specific fields.
Employers seek candidates with graduate degrees for several reasons:
Specialization and Expertise: Graduate degrees offer specialized knowledge that prepares individuals to take on advanced roles. This is especially true in fields like healthcare, law and engineering, where expertise is crucial.
Increased Responsibility: Graduate-level education often trains individuals to handle more complex tasks and responsibilities, making them more suitable for leadership or high-level positions.
Problem-Solving Skills: Graduate programs focus on developing analytical and problem-solving skills, qualities that are essential in industries like consulting, finance and academia.
Competitive Advantage: Having a graduate degree often signals to employers that a candidate is committed to their professional growth and willing to invest in furthering their expertise.
Let’s now dive into the specific jobs you can get with a graduate degree and explore some of the most promising career paths.
Healthcare Professions: Doctors, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
In the healthcare field, a graduate degree is often a requirement to practice medicine or provide specialized care. Here are some of the key roles where advanced education is essential:
Doctors: Becoming a doctor is one of the most well-known career paths that requires extensive graduate education. A medical degree, typically followed by a residency program, prepares individuals to diagnose and treat patients. The job comes with high responsibilities, which is why it demands years of rigorous training.
Salary Potential: Doctors earn some of the highest salaries in the workforce, with specialties like anesthesiology and surgery offering even greater compensation.
Growth Rate: The demand for healthcare professionals, including doctors, is expected to rise steadily due to an aging population and advances in medical technology.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs): NPs are advanced practice nurses who have completed a graduate degree in nursing, usually a Master's or Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). NPs can provide primary care, prescribe medication, and offer specialized treatments. This role offers a blend of clinical and leadership responsibilities, often allowing nurses to take on more autonomous roles.
Salary Potential: Nurse practitioners can earn a competitive salary, with those working in specialized areas like psychiatry or family care seeing higher compensation.
Growth Rate: The demand for NPs is expected to grow significantly as the healthcare system faces shortages of primary care physicians.
Physician Assistants (PAs): PAs are medical professionals who work under the supervision of a physician, providing diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive care. A master’s degree in physician assistant studies is required to enter this profession.
Salary Potential: Physician assistants earn a high median salary, with specialization in fields like surgery or emergency medicine leading to increased pay.
Growth Rate: The PA profession is projected to see a strong growth rate as healthcare providers seek efficient ways to meet patient demand.
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Primary Care Physicians | $150,000 - $250,000 per year |
| Specialist Physicians | $300,000 - $600,000+ per year |
| Medical Specialists (e.g., Surgeons) | $400,000 - $700,000+ per year |
| Emergency Physicians | $250,000 - $400,000 per year |
| Academic Physicians/Researchers | $150,000 - $300,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | $90,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) | $95,000 - $130,000 per year |
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | $100,000 - $140,000 per year |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) | $85,000 - $115,000 per year |
| Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) | $95,000 - $130,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| General Physician Assistant | $90,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Surgical Physician Assistant | $100,000 - $140,000 per year |
| Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant | $95,000 - $130,000 per year |
| Pediatric Physician Assistant | $85,000 - $115,000 per year |
| Cardiology Physician Assistant | $100,000 - $140,000 per year |
Legal Careers: Lawyers, Judges and Legal Analysts
The legal profession is another field where graduate education is crucial. Law-related jobs not only require a graduate degree but also extensive exams and licensure. Some of the key roles include:
Lawyers: A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required to practice law. This degree equips students with the knowledge of legal principles, ethics, and critical thinking necessary to represent clients effectively.
Salary Potential: Lawyers can earn a significant income, particularly those who work in corporate law, intellectual property, or litigation.
Growth Rate: The legal field has a steady demand for professionals, although competition can be fierce in top firms and specialties.
Judges: Becoming a judge requires years of legal practice and a deep understanding of the law. While a JD is essential, many judges also hold advanced degrees in law.
Salary Potential: Judges earn high salaries, with those in federal positions earning the most.
Growth Rate: Job openings for judges can be competitive, with opportunities typically arising through appointments or elections.
Legal Analysts: Legal analysts assist law firms, corporations and government agencies by analyzing legal issues and providing insight. While not always requiring a JD, legal analysts often have a graduate degree in law or legal studies.
Salary Potential: The salary for legal analysts varies but can be quite lucrative, particularly for those with specialized knowledge.
Growth Rate: Legal analysts are in demand as businesses and governments require expertise in compliance, intellectual property and regulatory matters.
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Corporate/Business Attorney | $100,000 - $250,000 per year |
| Litigation Attorney | $90,000 - $180,000 per year |
| Intellectual Property Attorney | $120,000 - $220,000 per year |
| Family Law Attorney | $80,000 - $160,000 per year |
| Criminal Defense Attorney | $70,000 - $150,000 per year |
| Real Estate Attorney | $90,000 - $180,000 per year |
| Judicial Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| District Court Judge | $100,000 - $170,000 per year |
| Superior Court Judge | $150,000 - $200,000 per year |
| Appellate Court Judge | $170,000 - $250,000 per year |
| Federal Judge | $180,000 - $250,000+ per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Corporate Legal Analyst | $70,000 - $100,000 per year |
| Litigation Legal Analyst | $60,000 - $90,000 per year |
| Intellectual Property Legal Analyst | $75,000 - $110,000 per year |
| Compliance Legal Analyst | $65,000 - $95,000 per year |
| Real Estate Legal Analyst | $70,000 - $100,000 per year |
University Teaching and Research
A graduate degree is essential for individuals wishing to enter academia. Many university-level teaching positions, particularly those at research institutions, require advanced education and specialized expertise. Common roles include:
Professors: University professors typically hold a PhD or terminal degree in their field. This allows them to teach, conduct research and contribute to the academic community.
Salary Potential: Professors' salaries can vary widely depending on the institution and field of study. However, those in specialized fields like law, business, or medicine often earn higher salaries.
Growth Rate: The demand for professors is closely tied to student enrollment numbers, with opportunities often increasing in growing academic programs.
Researchers: Research positions, particularly in the sciences, engineering and social sciences, often require a graduate degree. Researchers in academia work on advancing knowledge in their field through experiments, publications and collaboration with other experts.
Salary Potential: Research salaries can vary, but those in high-demand fields such as biotechnology or environmental science can command competitive wages.
Growth Rate: The need for researchers is expected to remain high, especially in the areas of medical research, technology, and environmental studies.
University Administrators: Leadership roles within universities, such as deans or provosts, often require advanced degrees in education administration or a specific academic field. These roles focus on managing academic programs, overseeing faculty and making key decisions about the direction of the institution.
Salary Potential: University administrators earn high salaries, with positions in major research institutions offering the best compensation.
Growth Rate: As universities expand and evolve, there is a steady demand for qualified administrative staff.
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $50,000 - $90,000 per year |
| Associate Professor | $70,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Full-time Professor | $100,000 - $180,000 per year |
| Law Professor | $120,000 - $200,000 per year |
| Medical School Professor | $150,000 - $300,000+ per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Academic Researcher | $60,000 - $100,000 per year |
| Clinical Researcher | $70,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Research Scientist | $80,000 - $150,000 per year |
| Biomedical Researcher | $90,000 - $180,000 per year |
| Social Science Researcher | $50,000 - $90,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Dean of a College or School | $100,000 - $250,000 per year |
| Vice President for Academic Affairs | $150,000 - $300,000 per year |
| Provost/Chancellor | $200,000 - $400,000+ per year |
| Registrar | $70,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Student Affairs Director | $60,000 - $100,000 per year |
Business and Executive Leadership
Graduate degrees, particularly the MBA (Master of Business Administration), are highly valued in business and management. Roles in business consulting, finance and corporate leadership often require advanced education:
Management Consultants: Consultants with advanced degrees are in high demand, as companies seek experts to solve complex business problems. An MBA or other graduate business degree provides the skills necessary for strategic thinking and management.
Salary Potential: Management consultants can earn substantial salaries, especially those working in top firms or with specialized knowledge.
Growth Rate: The consulting industry is expected to grow as businesses seek guidance on navigating changing markets and improving operational efficiency.
Financial Managers: Financial managers with an MBA or a graduate degree in finance are sought after to oversee financial operations, develop investment strategies and ensure regulatory compliance.
Salary Potential: Financial managers in corporate settings earn a high salary, with those in investment banking or corporate finance typically earning the most.
Growth Rate: As global financial markets continue to grow and evolve, the need for skilled financial managers is projected to increase.
Executives and CEOs: The highest leadership roles in companies often require years of experience coupled with advanced education. Many top executives hold MBAs or other graduate degrees, which help them navigate complex business challenges.
Salary Potential: The salary potential for CEOs and executives is often substantial, with bonuses and stock options adding to their overall compensation.
Growth Rate: The demand for executives is tied to the success and growth of companies, particularly in emerging industries or those undergoing digital transformation.
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Business Management Consultant | $70,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Strategy Consultant | $90,000 - $150,000 per year |
| Operations Consultant | $80,000 - $140,000 per year |
| IT Consultant | $75,000 - $130,000 per year |
| Human Resources Consultant | $80,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Corporate Financial Manager | $100,000 - $150,000 per year |
| Risk Management Financial Manager | $90,000 - $140,000 per year |
| Investment Financial Manager | $110,000 - $180,000 per year |
| Treasury Manager | $95,000 - $140,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Corporate CEO | $150,000 - $500,000+ per year |
| Non-Profit CEO | $100,000 - $250,000 per year |
| Startup CEO | $80,000 - $200,000 per year |
| Industry-Specific CEO | $200,000 - $1,000,000+ per year |
Niche Careers: Librarians, Museum Curators and More
Graduate degrees are also valuable in niche professions that require specialized knowledge. Here are a few examples:
Librarians: A Master’s in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) is typically required to work as a librarian, especially in academic or specialized libraries.
Salary Potential: Librarians earn a modest salary, though those in leadership positions or working in academic libraries may earn higher wages.
Growth Rate: While library jobs are expected to see slow growth, there remains a need for librarians in educational and cultural institutions.
Museum Curators: Museum curators often hold advanced degrees in art history, archaeology or museum studies. These positions require individuals to have extensive knowledge of historical artifacts and the skills to manage museum collections.
Salary Potential: Museum curators can earn a competitive salary, particularly those working in prestigious museums or galleries.
Growth Potential: Employment opportunities for curators are expected to grow, especially in museums and galleries with expanding collections.
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Academic Librarian | $50,000 - $90,000 per year |
| Public Librarian | $45,000 - $75,000 per year |
| Special Collections Librarian | $55,000 - $85,000 per year |
| Digital Librarian | $60,000 - $100,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Academic Librarian | $50,000 - $90,000 per year |
| Public Librarian | $45,000 - $75,000 per year |
| Special Collections Librarian | $55,000 - $85,000 per year |
| Digital Librarian | $60,000 - $100,000 per year |
Engineering and Urban Planning: Building the Future
Graduate degrees are also crucial for professionals in fields like engineering and urban planning, where specialized knowledge is required to design, build, and manage complex systems and infrastructures.
Engineering Professions
Engineering is a broad field, and many advanced roles in engineering require graduate-level education. A master’s degree or higher in engineering can open doors to leadership roles, research positions and specialized engineering fields. Here are some engineering roles where graduate degrees are often required:
Aerospace Engineers: Graduate degrees in aerospace engineering allow professionals to design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. A master’s degree in aerospace engineering is often necessary for positions that require advanced technical knowledge and research.
Salary Potential: Aerospace engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in the engineering field. Those with specialized skills in propulsion, avionics or aerospace systems often earn top salaries.
Growth Rate: As global demand for air travel and space exploration continues to grow, the aerospace industry is expected to expand, increasing the need for skilled engineers.
Civil Engineers: While many civil engineers work with a bachelor’s degree, those in leadership roles or specializing in areas like structural, environmental or transportation engineering often pursue graduate degrees to gain expertise in their niche.
Salary Potential: Civil engineers with a master’s degree often command higher salaries, especially if they take on management roles or work on large-scale infrastructure projects.
Growth Rate: The demand for civil engineers is expected to grow as infrastructure projects continue to expand, particularly in urban areas.
Electrical and Computer Engineers: As technology evolves, advanced engineering roles in fields like electronics, robotics and telecommunications require graduate education. A master’s or PhD in electrical or computer engineering is critical for those interested in cutting-edge technologies.
Salary Potential: Electrical and computer engineers with advanced degrees often work in high-tech industries, with salaries that reflect the high demand for specialized skills.
Growth Rate: With rapid advances in technology and an increasing need for smart devices, artificial intelligence and automation, the demand for skilled electrical and computer engineers is projected to remain strong.
Biomedical Engineers: Biomedical engineers design equipment and devices used in healthcare, from prosthetics to diagnostic machines. A graduate degree in biomedical engineering allows professionals to combine engineering skills with a deep understanding of biology and medicine.
Salary Potential: Biomedical engineers can earn a competitive salary, particularly those working in the medical device or biotechnology industries.
Growth Rate: The healthcare industry’s growing reliance on advanced technology for patient care ensures a strong job outlook for biomedical engineers.
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Design Engineer | $75,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Aerodynamics Engineer | $85,000 - $140,000 per year |
| Systems Engineer | $80,000 - $130,000 per year |
| Flight Test Engineer | $90,000 - $150,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Structural Engineer | $70,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Transportation Engineer | $75,000 - $125,000 per year |
| Geotechnical Engineer | $80,000 - $130,000 per year |
| Environmental Engineer | $65,000 - $110,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer | $70,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Computer Engineer | $80,000 - $140,000 per year |
| Embedded Systems Engineer | $85,000 - $150,000 per year |
| Power Systems Engineer | $90,000 - $160,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Research and Development Engineer | $70,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Clinical Engineer | $80,000 - $130,000 per year |
| Quality Assurance Engineer | $65,000 - $110,000 per year |
| Biomaterials Engineer | $75,000 - $125,000 per year |
Urban Planning
Urban planning is a field that directly shapes the development and design of cities and communities. A graduate degree in urban planning is typically required for most urban planning positions, especially those focused on sustainable development, zoning, infrastructure and public policy.
Urban Planners: Urban planners develop land use plans and policies to accommodate population growth, infrastructure needs and environmental considerations. A master’s degree in urban planning or city planning is essential for entering this field.
Salary Potential: Urban planners can earn a respectable salary, with those in senior positions or working for large municipalities earning higher wages.
Growth Rate: As cities continue to grow and the need for sustainable development becomes more critical, the demand for urban planners is expected to rise.
Transportation Planners: Transportation planners focus on designing systems that improve the flow of traffic, public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure. A graduate degree in urban planning with a focus on transportation or civil engineering is typically required.
Salary Potential: Transportation planners often earn competitive salaries, particularly those working in urban development projects or government agencies.
Growth Rate: The need for efficient transportation systems is expected to grow, especially in large cities, increasing demand for transportation planners.
Environmental Planners: With a focus on sustainability and environmental impact, environmental planners are responsible for ensuring that urban development projects align with environmental regulations and goals. A graduate degree in urban planning or environmental science is typically necessary for this role.
Salary Potential: Environmental planners can earn a solid salary, particularly those working with large municipalities, government agencies or environmental consulting firms.
Growth Rate: As urban areas focus more on green spaces, sustainability, and climate resilience, the demand for environmental planners is expected to grow.
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Land Use Planner | $60,000 - $90,000 per year |
| Community Development Planner | $70,000 - $110,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Transportation Planning Analyst | $60,000 - $90,000 per year |
| Traffic Engineer | $70,000 - $110,000 per year |
| Urban Transport Planner | $65,000 - $100,000 per year |
| Sustainable Transportation Planner | $75,000 - $120,000 per year |
| Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Environmental Planning Specialist | $60,000 - $90,000 per year |
| Natural Resource Planner | $70,000 - $110,000 per year |
| Sustainability Planner | $65,000 - $95,000 per year |
| Conservation Planner | $55,000 - $85,000 per year |
Take the Next Step Toward Your Future—Explore UCLA’s Graduate Programs Today!
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If you're ready to take the next step in your academic journey, explore the graduate programs at UCLA today. Your future is waiting—let’s make it happen!