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Physics majors are expected to be the top-paid Class of 2017 math and sciences graduates at the bachelor’s-degree level this year, while, among master’s degree graduates, geology/geological sciences graduates are projected to be the highest paid.
Employers responding to NACE’s Winter 2017 Salary Survey expect to pay Class of 2017 physics majors earning bachelor’s degrees starting salaries that average $64,438. Following just behind are mathematics/statistics ($60,153), biology/biological sciences ($59,600), and environmental science ($58,404) majors.
Among Class of 2017 math and sciences graduates earning master’s degrees, geology/geological sciences majors are expected to earn $74,000. (See Figure 2.) Other projected top-earning math and sciences majors at the master’s level include mathematics/statistics ($72,133) and physics ($71,286) majors.
Data contained in NACE’s Winter 2017 Salary Survey report are annual salary projections for Class of 2017 college graduates and were obtained by surveying NACE employer members from August 5, 2016, through November 30, 2016. The figures reported are for base salaries only and do not include bonuses, commissions, fringe benefits, or overtime rates. Final starting salary data for the Class of 2016 will be available in the Spring 2017 Salary Survey. The Winter 2017 Salary Survey is available to members in MyNACE. An executive summary of the Winter 2017 Salary Survey report is also available.
Figure 1: Projected Highest Paid Math and Sciences Majors, Bachelor’s Degree Level
| Major |
Average Starting Salary |
| Physics |
$64,438 |
| Mathematics/statistics |
$60,153 |
| Biology/biological sciences |
$59,600 |
| Environmental science |
$58,404 |
| Chemistry |
$57,500 |
Note: Only math and sciences majors with five or more responses are included.
Source: Winter 2017 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers
Figure 2: Projected Highest Paid Math and Sciences Majors, Master’s Degree Level
| Major |
Average Starting Salary |
| Geology/geological sciences |
$74,000 |
| Mathematics/statistics |
$72,133 |
| Physics |
$71,286 |
| Biology/biological sciences |
$68,000 |
| Environmental science |
$68,000 |
Note: Only math and sciences majors with five or more responses are included.
Source: Winter 2017 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers