What are the best jobs for college graduates? As with any career path, it depends. The top job for you as a college graduate will be one that taps a unique combination of your key interests, skills, values, and personality traits.
No matter how high the salary and demand for computer engineers, for example, the field won’t be right for you if you lack strong mathematical abilities and analytical skills. Whereas graduates lacking creativity and artistic sensibility are unlikely to find success and satisfaction as graphic designers.
So an important first step in the career planning process is to develop personalized criteria of the elements that will lead to satisfaction and success in your career. Seek the help of career counselors – like those at your college’s career office – and take online career assessments to refine your filter as you research career options.
The purpose of this article is to stimulate exploration of options for which there is a strong demand for college graduates, and the opportunity for a sustainable income and job satisfaction.
10 Job Options for College Graduates to Consider
Data Analyst
Organizations of all types are increasingly basing decisions about staffing and operations on data in order to help guide more positive outcomes. Data analysts collect, organize, and interpret data for managers and clients. They prepare presentations representing their findings for stakeholders.
According to Payscale, entry-level data analysts earn an average of $53,607. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the related job category of operations research analyst to expand by 27% (much higher than average) through 2026.
Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are in high demand as the population ages and healthcare employers seek to limit costs. PAs and NPs examine patients, diagnose illnesses/injuries, prescribe treatments and medications, and treat wounds. They consult physicians regarding complex cases.
According to Payscale, an early career Physician Assistant (PA) with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $91,371, and entry-level NPs earn an average of $86,443. The BLS estimates that jobs will grow by 37% for PAs and 31% for NPs through 2026: much higher than the average growth rate for all jobs.
Human Resources Assistant/Recruiter
Human resources assistant is often an entry-level role in the field for college graduates. They support the efforts of human resources professionals in HR functions like employment, training/development, employee relations, and benefits/compensation. Entry-level recruiters help screen resumes, interview applicants, staff career events and market opportunities.
Payscale estimates average entry-level salaries for human resources assistants to be $39,889, and that of recruiters to be $40,370. The BLS estimates that human resource specialist jobs will grow by 7% through 2026, about as fast as average.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts conduct analyses for investment firms or finance departments of other organizations. They review financial data about companies and industries and predict trends in sales, revenue and profits. Financial analysts create graphs and spreadsheets detailing findings and present information to traders, portfolio managers and financial managers.
Payscale estimates average entry-level salaries for financial analysts to be about $53,433. The BLS projects growth of about 11% for financial analysts through 2026: faster than average for all occupations.
High School Teacher
High school teachers prepare and deliver lessons about subjects in their area of specialization, such as mathematics, English, or foreign languages. They evaluate student work, provide feedback, and formulate grades. High school teachers organize and supervise extracurricular and athletic activities.
Payscale estimates entry-level salaries for high school teachers to be around $40,471, though compensation varies significantly by school district and additional duties, such as coaching. Many teachers earn additional income through summer teaching, camps and other jobs. The BLS estimates that high school teaching jobs will grow by 8% though 2026, about as fast as average.
Software Developer
Software developers assess the needs of their organization and clients. They create or modify software or applications to automate or enhance processes. Software developers write computer code, test prototypes and incorporate feedback from analysts, project managers and end users.
Payscale estimates that entry-level software developers earn an average of $60,838. The BLS projects employment growth of 24% through 2026 for software developers: much higher than the average for all occupations.
Engineer
Engineering careers provide an excellent pathway for technically-minded college students in a variety of disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, petroleum, aeronautical, civil, biomedical, and environmental. Engineers plan, design, and modify systems and structures to help things work efficiently in the physical world.
The BLS estimates that salaries in engineering average about $80,170, with petroleum and aerospace engineers averaging $130,170 and $115,220 respectively on the high end. Projected job growth generally averages from 6-9% through 2026.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses provide direct care to patients in hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, schools, and other healthcare facilities. Nurses monitor the vital signs and symptoms of patients. They administer medicines according to physician directives. Nurses maintain patient records and communicate with other health professionals regarding the condition of patients.
Payscale estimates that salaries for registered nurses average $53,300 per year. The BLS projects growth of 15% in jobs for registered nurses through 2026, which is much higher than the average for all jobs.
Marketing Associate
Marketing associates at the entry level provide support to more senior marketing professionals such as brand managers and marketing directors. They gather information about consumer and product trends, help manage social media campaigns, generate communications materials, and help to organize promotional programs and events.
Payscale indicates that salaries for entry level marketing associates average about $41,181. The BLS estimates that marketing research positions will grow at a much faster than average rate of 23% from 2016-2026.
Accountant
Accountants maintain financial records regarding revenues, expenses, and profits. They produce reports to update managers regarding financial data within their units. Accountants for public accounting firms help conduct audits and produce financial statements according to established standards. Some accountants focus on tax issues, they advise management about the tax implications of business decisions, and help complete tax returns.
According to Payscale, entry level accountants earn an average salary of $45,576 per year. Graduates hired by major public accounting firms generally earn the highest salaries. The BLS estimates that accountant jobs will grow by 10% through 2026, faster than average.
