Best Online Degree Programs
Looking for the highest-paying careers you can pursue with an online degree? Whether you're planning a career shift or aiming to boost your income without attending a traditional campus, online education can open doors to lucrative professions in healthcare, engineering, business, and technology. This guide highlights top-paying jobs available through accredited online programs, based on the latest salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). Explore flexible, fully or partially online degree options that align with your career goals and future salary potential.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Best Online Degree Programs with the Highest Paying Careers
General Physician
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $245,450
- Job Outlook: 4% growth
- Role Overview: Primary care physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They may work in private practices, hospitals, or government agencies, providing comprehensive care and health education to diverse patient populations.
- Online Degree Pathways: While a fully online MD program isn't standard in the U.S. or Canada, aspiring physicians can begin with online undergraduate degrees in health sciences or related fields, which serve as prerequisites for medical school. Some institutions also offer online certificates and graduate programs in areas like biomedicine and medical simulation.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Psychiatrist
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $239,200
- Job Outlook (2021–2031): 9% growth
- Role Overview: Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. They employ a combination of psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medications and often work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and mental health clinics.
- Education Pathway: Becoming a psychiatrist requires completing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, followed by a four-year residency in psychiatry. Subspecialties may require additional fellowship training.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Commercial Airlines Pilot
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $171,210
- Job Outlook: 5% growth
- Role Overview: Commercial pilots operate aircraft for airlines, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, and complying with aviation regulations.
- Online Degree Pathways: While flight training requires in-person instruction, online programs in aviation management or aeronautical science can complement practical training.
Online Degree Opportunities
Dentist
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $170,910
- Job Outlook: 5% growth
- Role Overview: Dentists diagnose and treat issues related to teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They perform procedures ranging from routine cleanings to complex surgeries and often provide guidance on oral health maintenance.
- Online Degree Pathways: Prospective dentists can pursue online bachelor's degrees in biology or pre-dentistry, which prepare them for dental school. Some institutions also offer online courses in dental hygiene and related subjects.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Information Systems Manager
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $169,510
- Job Outlook: 17% growth
- Role Overview: Information systems managers oversee an organization's IT infrastructure, ensuring systems run smoothly and securely while aligning with business goals.
- Online Degree Pathways: Online programs in information technology or management information systems provide knowledge in network administration, cybersecurity, and project management.
Online Degree Opportunities
Marketing Manager
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $156,580
- Job Outlook: 8% growth
- Role Overview: Marketing managers develop strategies to promote products and services, analyze market trends, and oversee marketing campaigns to reach target audiences effectively.
- Online Degree Pathways: Online bachelor's or master's degrees in marketing, business administration, or related fields equip students with the skills needed for leadership roles in marketing.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Petroleum Engineer
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $135,690
- Job Outlook: 2% growth
- Role Overview: Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth's surface, focusing on efficiency and safety.
- Online Degree Pathways: Online programs in petroleum engineering or related engineering disciplines provide foundational knowledge and technical skills applicable to the energy sector.
Online Degree Opportunities
Aerospace Engineer
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $130,720
- Job Outlook: 6% growth
- Role Overview: Aerospace engineers design, test, and supervise the manufacture of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, ensuring compliance with engineering principles and safety regulations.
- Online Degree Pathways: Online degrees in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering offer coursework in aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Nuclear Engineer
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $125,460
- Job Outlook: -1% decline
- Role Overview: Nuclear engineers research and develop processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation, focusing on safety and efficiency.
- Online Degree Pathways: Online programs in nuclear engineering or related fields provide education in nuclear physics, reactor design, and radiation safety.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Actuarial Mathematician
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $120,000
- Job Outlook: 22% growth
- Role Overview: Actuaries analyze statistical data to assess risk and uncertainty, aiding in financial planning and insurance underwriting.
- Online Degree Pathways: Online programs in actuarial science or mathematics offer courses in probability, statistics, and financial theory.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Economist
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $115,730
- Job Outlook: 5% growth
- Role Overview: Economists analyze data, evaluate economic issues, and develop models to forecast market trends, informing policy decisions and business strategies.
- Online Degree Pathways: Online degrees in economics or finance offer training in statistical analysis, economic theory, and data interpretation.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Chemical Engineer
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $112,100
- Job Outlook: 10% growth
- Role Overview: Chemical engineers apply principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design processes for manufacturing chemicals, fuel, and other products.
- Online Degree Pathways: Online degrees in chemical engineering cover topics like thermodynamics, process design, and materials science.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Electrical Engineer
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $109,010
- Job Outlook: 9% growth
- Role Overview: Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and components, ensuring functionality and safety in various applications.
- Online Degree Pathways: Online degrees in electrical engineering provide instruction in circuit design, signal processing, and power systems.
Online Degree Opportunities:
Architectural Design Engineer
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $93,310
- Job Outlook (2023–2033): 8% growth
- Role Overview: Architectural design engineers integrate engineering principles with architectural design to develop functional and aesthetically pleasing structures. They collaborate with architects and construction teams to create detailed plans, 3D models, and specifications for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. Their responsibilities include analyzing building performance data to enhance energy efficiency and developing sustainable building materials.
- Education Pathway: A bachelor's degree in architectural engineering or civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program is typically required. Coursework often includes engineering physics, computer-aided design (CAD), thermodynamics, and materials science.
Online Degree Opportunities
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Recommended Reading
