Top 10 fields to land a six-figure starting salary

Published: Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 8:01 am

**Six-Figure Salaries for New Grads: Which Fields Pay the Most?**

Landing a six-figure starting salary right after graduation is a dream for many, and a new report from ZipRecruiter reveals which fields offer the best chances. The report, based on marketplace data and a survey of recent grads, highlights high-demand industries where graduates can potentially earn a lucrative income.

According to ZipRecruiter's findings, **consulting, program management, and nursing** are among the top 10 fields for securing a six-figure starting salary. Interestingly, **nursing and program management** also rank high in entry-level hiring, suggesting strong demand in these areas.

However, the report also reveals a significant gap between graduates' salary expectations and their actual earnings. While recent graduates anticipated an average pre-tax salary of $101,500, the reality is closer to $68,400. This discrepancy underscores the financial challenges faced by new graduates and contributes to a broader sense of workplace dissatisfaction among Gen Z.

The report also sheds light on salary disparities across different majors. Graduates with degrees in **agriculture, environmental sciences, and natural resources** reported the highest first-year earnings, averaging around $85,000. Conversely, those with degrees in **fine arts, performing arts, and design** earned the least, averaging about $48,000.

Furthermore, the study suggests that President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program influenced graduates' job choices, with over half of the students surveyed indicating that the policy allowed them to pursue lower-paying but more fulfilling careers. The article also mentions the Trump administration's decision to resume collection on defaulted student loans.

Keywords: six-figure salary, starting salary, recent graduates, college graduates, high-paying jobs, consulting, program management, nursing, entry-level jobs, salary expectations, Gen Z, agriculture, environmental sciences, natural resources, fine arts, performing arts, design, student loan forgiveness, job market, career advice, salary report

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