Earning a graduate degree requires more time, money, and effort than completing an undergraduate program. For some careers, however, advanced education is not simply an advantage; it is the standard route into the profession.
Graduate-level qualifications can open the door to specialized work in healthcare, technology, law, education, research and mental health. Many of these careers also offer above-average salaries or strong employment prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupations that typically require a master’s degree are projected to grow by 10.2% between 2024 and 2034, compared with 3.1% across all occupations.
We selected the following careers based on their earning potential, projected demand, professional opportunities, and typical education requirements.
What Is a Graduate Degree?
A graduate degree is an academic qualification completed after earning a bachelor’s degree. Common examples include master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and professional degrees such as a Juris Doctor or Doctor of Pharmacy.
The time required to earn one varies considerably. A master’s program may take one or two years of full-time study, while doctoral and professional programs often take much longer. Some careers also require internships, residencies, supervised clinical experience, professional examinations, or state licensing before a graduate can begin working independently.
Nurse Anesthetist
Median annual salary: $223,210
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patients during medical procedures, and help manage pain before and after surgery. They may work in hospitals, surgical centers, dental offices and other healthcare facilities.
This is one of the highest-paying occupations available to nursing professionals. Reaching it requires advanced nursing education, clinical preparation, state licensure and national certification. The level of responsibility is also substantial because nurse anesthetists must monitor patients closely and respond quickly when complications occur.
Lawyer
Median annual salary: $151,160
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree
Lawyers advise clients, interpret laws, prepare legal documents, and represent individuals or organizations in legal proceedings. They may specialize in areas such as business law, criminal defense, family law, taxation, employment law, or intellectual property.
Most aspiring lawyers must complete a Juris Doctor degree and satisfy the licensing requirements in the state where they intend to practice. Although earnings vary widely by employer, specialty, and location, the profession offers numerous career paths in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Median annual salary: $140,910
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Computer and information research scientists develop new approaches to computing and find innovative uses for existing technology. Their work may involve artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, algorithms, or advanced data systems.
The career is particularly suitable for people who enjoy solving complex technical problems and conducting research rather than concentrating only on conventional software development. Employment is projected to grow by about 20% from 2024 to 2034 as organizations pursue new computing technologies and stronger information security.
Pharmacist
2024 median annual salary: $137,480
Typical entry-level education: Doctor of Pharmacy
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and explain how patients should use them safely. They also check for possible drug interactions, administer vaccinations, and work with other healthcare professionals to improve medication use.
A pharmacist typically needs a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a state license. Although community pharmacies remain a major source of employment, pharmacists can also work in hospitals, clinics, research institutions and pharmaceutical organizations. BLS projects employment to grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034.
Physician Assistant
2024 median annual salary: $133,260
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Physician assistants examine patients, diagnose illnesses, order tests, and develop treatment plans while working as part of a healthcare team. Depending on their specialty and workplace, they may also prescribe medication or assist with medical procedures.
Candidates normally complete an accredited graduate-level physician assistant program and obtain state licensure. Employment is projected to grow by 20% from 2024 to 2034, partly because physician assistants can provide many services traditionally performed by physicians.
Nurse Practitioner
Median annual salary: $129,210
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Nurse practitioners provide primary or specialized healthcare. They may examine patients, diagnose conditions, order laboratory tests, and prescribe medication, although their exact authority varies by state.
Common specialties include family health, pediatrics, mental health and adult-gerontology care. Nurse practitioners are among the fastest-growing occupations in the country, with employment projected to rise by 40.1% between 2024 and 2034. The profession can appeal to experienced nurses seeking greater clinical responsibility and independence.
Veterinarian
Median annual salary: $125,510
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions affecting animals. While many care for household pets, others work with livestock, wildlife, laboratory animals, or public-health programs.
Entering the profession requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and state licensure. Employment is projected to grow by 10% from 2024 to 2034. The work can be personally rewarding, but prospective veterinarians should also consider the possibility of long hours, emergencies, and emotionally difficult decisions.
Health Specialties Professor
Median annual salary: $105,620
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree
Health specialties professors teach subjects such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, public health, and therapy at colleges and universities. Their responsibilities may include delivering lectures, supervising clinical learning, evaluating students, and conducting research.
The career allows experienced health professionals to combine subject expertise with teaching and academic research. BLS projects employment for postsecondary health specialties teachers to grow by 17.3% between 2024 and 2034, creating opportunities as healthcare programs expand.
Economist
Median annual salary: $115,440
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Economists study how people, organizations and governments use resources. They analyze subjects such as prices, employment, taxation, trade, consumer behavior and economic policy.
Many work in government, consulting, finance, research or international organizations. Employment growth is projected at only 1% from 2024 to 2034, but around 900 openings are expected annually, largely because existing workers will leave the occupation. Some entry-level government roles accept candidates with bachelor’s degrees, although advanced positions commonly require a master’s degree or doctorate.
Statistician
Median annual salary: $103,300
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations understand problems and make informed decisions. They may design surveys and experiments, create statistical models, or explain what a dataset reveals.
Opportunities exist in healthcare, government, technology, scientific research, education, and business. Statisticians typically need advanced knowledge of mathematics, statistical software and research methods. Employment for statisticians is projected to grow by 9% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Physical Therapist
Median annual salary: $101,020
Typical entry-level education: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical therapists help people manage pain, improve movement and recover from injuries, illnesses or medical procedures. They assess patients and create treatment programs involving exercises, movement techniques and assistive equipment.
To enter the profession, candidates generally need a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and state licensure. Employment is projected to grow by 11% from 2024 to 2034 as an aging population and the prevalence of chronic health conditions increase demand for rehabilitation services.
Occupational Therapist
Median annual salary: $98,340
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Occupational therapists help people develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for everyday life. They may assist someone in returning to work after an injury, help a child participate in school activities, or support an older adult who wants to remain independent.
Unlike physical therapy, which often focuses primarily on movement and pain, occupational therapy emphasizes practical daily activities. Employment is projected to grow by 14% between 2024 and 2034.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
Median annual salary: $95,830
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree
Clinical and counseling psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns. They may conduct interviews, provide therapy, administer psychological tests, and develop treatment plans.
Independent clinical practice generally requires doctoral education, supervised professional experience, and state licensure. Employment for clinical and counseling psychologists is projected to grow by 11.2% from 2024 to 2034 as demand for psychological services continues in hospitals, mental-health centers, schools and social-service organizations.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Median annual salary: $95,410
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Their patients may include children with speech difficulties, adults recovering from strokes, and older people affected by neurological conditions.
Most positions require at least a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience, and state licensure. Employment is projected to grow by 15% from 2024 to 2034, with demand supported by greater awareness of childhood communication disorders and the needs of an aging population.
How to Choose the Right Graduate-Level Career
A high salary can make graduate school look attractive, but earnings should not be the only factor guiding your decision. Consider how much the required program will cost, how long it will take, and whether you will need to complete additional licensing, clinical training, or residency requirements.
You should also examine the realities of the job itself. A career may pay well but involve irregular schedules, emotional pressure, physical demands or significant responsibility. Compare those conditions with your interests, strengths and preferred working environment.
Before enrolling, research accredited programs, review licensing rules in the state where you plan to work, and speak with professionals already in the field. Understanding both the benefits and the demands of a career can help you decide whether the graduate degree is worth pursuing.
Final Thoughts
Graduate education can provide access to rewarding careers that offer specialized responsibilities, strong salaries and opportunities to make a meaningful contribution. However, no career is automatically the right choice simply because it requires an advanced degree.
The best option is one that balances education costs, employment prospects, working conditions and earning potential with the type of work you want to do over the long term.
