Salary Calculator: Find Your Earning Potential by Job and Degree
Wondering how much you can earn in a specific career field? Our free salary calculator tool can help you compare average pay across multiple industries.
Simply input your current college degree level (or the one you’re aiming for), career field, and subject focus to get an immediate estimate of your earning potential.
BestColleges’ Salary Comparison Calculator
Highest-Paying Careers
Does a College Degree Pay Off?
Many people wonder if going to college is still worthwhile. The short answer is yes in many cases.
According to 2021 data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), employees with bachelor’s degrees earned around $1.2 million more than high school graduates over a lifetime.
Additionally, data from BestColleges’ 2025 Online Education Trends Report shows that around 90% of online program graduates think their degree has, or will have, a positive return on investment (ROI). However, keep in mind that your ROI will depend on factors such as the college you attend, what you study, and how much debt you take on.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) data shows that, on average, a degree pays off at every level.
Which Factors Affect Your Salary?
Location
Where you live significantly impacts your earning potential. For example, a registered nurse (RN) in Alabama earns a median salary of around $71,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The same RN could earn a median salary closer to $140,000 in California.
Years of Experience
Professionals with more experience usually earn higher salaries as they bring advanced skills and expertise to their jobs. For instance, the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey shows the median salary for an RN grows from approximately $63,000 in their first year of licensure to around $93,000 after 11-plus years of experience.
Industry
Companies commonly offer different compensation rates to employees with similar educational backgrounds and skills. According to BLS data, RNs employed in state, local, and private schools earn a median salary of around $74,360 yearly. However, RNs in government agencies (excluding public education and hospitals) earn median salaries closer to $106,480 per year.
Employer
The size, financial health, and specific policies of your employer can directly impact your earnings. Larger corporations often have greater resources and can offer more competitive salaries and benefits compared to smaller businesses or nonprofit organizations.
Credentials
Earning specialized certifications, licenses, or advanced degrees typically increases your salary potential. For instance, nurses who earn advanced certifications, such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), generally earn significantly higher salaries compared to general RNs.
Individual Performance
Your personal performance and achievements on the job can influence salary increases, promotions, and bonuses. High-performing employees who consistently demonstrate effectiveness, leadership, and innovation are often rewarded with greater earning potential and advancement opportunities.
How to Maximize Your Earning Potential
If you’re hoping to score a competitive salary out of college or land a salary raise or promotion, consider the following:
Develop Real-Life Experience
Consider pursuing internships, degree apprenticeship programs, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience. This will help you get real-world experience and practical skills, which employers value and reward. BestColleges previously reported that students who did experiential learning made $15,000 more a year on average.
Build Your Network
Connect with alumni, professors, and industry professionals through job fairs, networking events, online platforms, or professional associations. This way, you’ll expand your professional network and open doors to better job prospects and upskilling opportunities.
Move to a Higher-Paying Market
If possible, consider relocating to areas or states known for competitive salaries in your field. However, be sure to research locations thoroughly and analyze how the pay balances with your potential cost of living and lifestyle preferences.
Earn Additional Certifications or Licenses
Gaining certifications or licenses shows you have specialized knowledge in your field, making you more attractive to employers.
Pursue Higher Education
Completing a master’s or doctoral degree can enhance your qualifications and increase your earning potential in your field. Also, specializing in a niche area can position you as a valuable expert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job Salaries
BestColleges utilized data from O*NET, a U.S. Department of Labor database of job and salary information, to bring you information on different careers and their respective salaries aligning with your desired degree.
We also include a catalog of partner programs that align with your chosen degree, field, and subject.
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Average Starting Salary Projections for 2025 College Graduates: What to Know
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Does Education Make a Difference in Salary?
While education makes a difference in salary overall, this does not apply in all disciplines. Explore the relationship between education and income in this report.
by Jane Nam
Updated February 21, 2024
Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?
If you’re measuring ROI strictly by earnings, the answer is “maybe,” but advanced degrees also offer personal and societal benefits that are difficult to quantify.
Updated August 29, 2023