Best Online Degree Programs
Many people view a college degree as a gateway to better-paying occupations and a broader comprehension of their surroundings. The rise of high-speed internet and the digital revolution has remarkably broadened this educational access via online learning. Such virtual education frequently offers increased flexibility and can even present a more cost-effective alternative to attending a conventional physical institution.
Below we have compiled a list of the highest-paying jobs with associated online degrees. Using information from the Bureau of Labor Statics [Updated 2021], we have ranked them by income as well.
Best Online Degree Programs with the Highest Paying Careers
General Physician
2021 Median Yearly Salary: $225,960
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase by 3% – slower than average
Primary care doctors are medical professionals adept at identifying and managing a wide range of general health concerns. They can diagnose and administer treatments for many different types of illnesses and injuries. Patients might be seen only by the General Physician or they may be referred to a specialist for more elaborate treatments. General Physicians can work in private practice, government organizations, or as part of a hospital team. These experts work in a variety of settings and will see patients with many different backgrounds and medical histories. These practitioners frequently allocate time to guide patients on enhancing their wellbeing, possibly through nutritional choices, physical activity, or modifications in lifestyle habits.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- Blue Marble University
- Stanford University
- Arizona State University
Psychiatrist
2021 Median Yearly Salary: $217,100
Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 12% – faster than average
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with expertise in identifying, managing, and averting mental health conditions. Psychiatrists are qualified to perform many procedures including prescribing medication and performing psychotherapy. Psychiatry is the medical discipline dedicated to the specialization in mental disorders by a medical doctor. Psychiatrists are also very different from psychologists because psychologists study the human mind and behavior but cannot prescribe drugs or perform surgery.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- Oregon State University
- Capella University
- Blue Marble University
Dentist
2021 Median Yearly Salary: $164,010
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase by 8% – as fast as average
Dentists are professionals working in the dental health care industry. The mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw are parts of the mouth structure that dentists are responsible as it relates to prevention and detection to possible issues. Dentists may also perform surgeries on these areas of the mouth or assist in surgeries for other areas of the body. Their responsibilities encompass identifying dental diseases and conditions, designing and implementing oral health treatments, and offering guidance on enhancing, preserving, and overseeing dental health. Dentists can operate in private clinics, attending to their personal clientele, or in public health settings, serving individuals who lack a designated private dentist.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- University of Southern California
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- University of South Dakota
Computer Science Manager
2021 Median Salary: $151,150
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase by 11% – faster than average
Computer science managers are in charge of the operations and management of a company’s computer-related services. They must possess robust knowledge encompassing diverse elements of computing such as hardware components, software applications, and data management. These managers must also be well-versed in software development and design and software engineering technologies. Computer science managers are typically the head of computer science departments, or they may manage a team of employees who work on software programs for businesses.
Online Degree Opportunities
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Liberty University
Information Systems Manager
2021 Median Salary: $151,150
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase by 11% – faster than average
An information science manager typically oversees a group of engineers and programmers tasked with designing, creating, evaluating, and preserving software programs. Part of their duty involves ensuring adherence to the correct protocols during software development. Moreover they bear the responsibility for the supervision, maintenance, and protection of the data within their organization. They need a wide range of skills such as strong analytical thinking abilities, excellent people management skills, good communication skills, creativity with computers, and knowledge about data protection laws.
Online Degree Opportunities
- Liberty University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- California State University Global
Architectural Design Engineer
2021 Median Salary: $149,530
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase by 4% – slower than average
Architectural design engineers are employed by architectural, civil engineering, or other designing firms. The work of an architectural design engineer varies greatly. For example, they might produce 3D models, survey the building site, or make drawings for contractors. They are responsible for data management and analysis, designing buildings, creating construction drawings and specifications, analyzing building performance data to increase energy efficiency, and developing sustainable building materials. The architecture design engineer provides an essential service to architects, engineers, and construction companies by creating architectural drawings of structures. Their duties involve crafting the blueprints for structures such as buildings, bridges, highways, tunnels, airports, among others.
Online Degree Opportunities
- Harvard University
- Trine University
- South New Hampshire University
Marketing Manager
2021 Median Salary: $141,490
Career Outlook: Forecasted to grow 10% – as fast as average
Marketing managers are needed in every business from start ups to well established companies. The success of a companys marketing initiative lies in the hands of its marketing managers. Their duties include planning, promoting, and pricing products or services to customers. Additionally, they must understand the most effective methods to engage the company’s desired audience. This is where their capabilities in research, communication, and strategic planning become invaluable.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- Oregon State University
- Western Governors University
Petroleum Engineer
2021 Median Salary: $137,330
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase by 8% – as fast as average
Petroleum engineers are in high demand and their high salaries reflect this. The worldwide need for these professionals stems from their proficiency in the discovery, extraction, processing, and distribution of oil and gas. Petroleum work often includes both onshore and offshore work on pipelines, drilling, and production operations. Petroleum engineers design the conceptual, economic, and technical plans for oil and gas production facilities. They are responsible for assessing, designing, constructing, and operating the upstream oil and gas systems.
Online Degree Opportunities
- University of North Dakota
- Texas A&M University
- University of Houston
Commercial Airlines Pilot
2021 Median Salary: $130,440
Career Outlook: Forecasted to grow 13% – faster than average
Commercial airline pilots shoulder the responsibility for the well being of both passengers and crew aboard an aircraft. This includes liaising with ground teams on the runway and tackling any issues that may surface prior to departure or post-landing. These issues could range from medical emergencies and luggage difficulties to mechanical faults with the airplane, weather-induced hold ups, and more. Pilots in commercial airlines operate a variety of aircraft, from compact passenger jets to massive cargo planes, and upon certification, they are authorized to fly any class of aircraft. Pilots need to consistently train and be prepared for emergencies at all times.
Online Degree Opportunities
- Allen Community College
- Clovis Community College
- Georgia State University
Court Employee
2021 Median Salary: $124,200
Career Outlook: Forecasted to grow 3% – slower than average
Court employees are responsible for many tasks such as reviewing and editing the records, filing the documents, and handling electronic records. In general most positions demand at least a bachelors degree in a pertinent field such as law, business administration, or justice administration. As a court clerk, possessing adept computer skills and a solid understanding of legal jargon is essential. Their main duty is to make sure that the courts are properly running by keeping accurate records, filing documents, and handling complaints. A court employee is responsible for facilitating court proceedings by processing records, documents, and files.
Online Degree Opportunities
- Saint Leo University
- North Carolina University
- Liberty University
Aerospace Engineer
2021 Median Salary: $118,610
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase 8% – as fast as average
Primarily, an aerospace engineers role involves the conception and development of aerospace vehicles like aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. The nature of the design tasks may vary based on the company’s specifications but it typically includes devising new designs, examining current ones, and collaborating with engineers from diverse departments. A significant degree of creativity and engineering prowess is necessary in the field of aerospace engineering. It also requires engineers to be able to create innovative designs while simultaneously handling the regulations and physics of the industry. They may also be responsible for the integration of systems, designing control surfaces, structures or even just designing new technologies to improve existing systems.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- Colorado State University
- Perdue University
- University of Alabama
Nurse Anesthetist
2021 Median Salary: $117,670
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase 45% – much faster than average
Nurse anesthetists operate in hospitals and various healthcare facilities, where their primary role is to administer anesthesia to patients and oversee their conditions during surgical operations. While hospitals are common workplaces for them, they may also function in surgical centers or private practices, and even be part of mobile units servicing rural areas. Collaborating closely with doctors and other medical personnel, their responsibility is to provide anesthesia, ensuring patients’ comfort throughout surgical or other medical procedures. Nurse anesthetists must have a profound understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the body’s responses to anesthesia, given the need to evaluate its potential implications on various organs and body functions, which may already be in a state of distress.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- Bradley University
- University of Arizona
- Regis College
Nuclear Engineer
2021 Median Salary: $116,140
Career Outlook: Forecasted to decrease 8%
Nuclear engineers design, build, and operate nuclear reactors. They run plants that supply the public with electricity through harnessing nuclear fission. Nuclear engineers often use their knowledge across different scientific fields to improve health care, create renewable energy sources, and even tackle climate change. Knowledge of chemistry is important for this career because it is required for understanding matter and energy transformations due to radioactive decay or nuclear fission reactions. Knowledge of math is also needed because nuclear engineering uses many quantitative methods to solve problems like heat transfer or power output optimization. These engineers are also concerned with designing safe and secure nuclear power plants, given the nuclear power field’s checkered history with meltdowns.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- Penn State University
- Exclsior College
- North Carolina State University
Physician’s Assistant
2021 Median Salary: $115,390
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase 31% – much faster than average
A physician’s assistant is a healthcare professional who performs many of the same duties as physicians, so long as they perform them under the guidance and often supervision of a full physician. Some professionals find their workplace in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other health-related facilities, while others function in private practices, usually working alongside an individual doctor or a small physician cohort. The duties of a physician assistant often depend on the specialization they choose to take on and what place they work. There are some general duties that all physicians assistants can complete, but physicians will cover anything not covered by the purview of a PA.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- Ultimate Medical Academy
- Keiser University
- Arizona State University
Actuarial Mathematician
2021 Median Salary: $111,030
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase by 24% – must faster than average
An actuarial mathematician applies their knowledge of mathematics and statistics to help organizations determine risks and produce a safety net for the future. They may work in a range of fields, from finance to healthcare assessing risks, priorities, and returns. This career path requires a deep understanding of statistics, mathematics, and probability – the ‘actuarial’ side of things. Actuarial mathematicians assist insurance companies by calculating the risk of loss for the healthcare cost of clients and upkeep for properties such as homes or motor vehicles, relative to the manner of coverage they provide. In finance and investment companies, these experts evaluate the potential investment return on stocks and bonds.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- University of Illinois
- Louisiana State University
Chemical Engineer
2021 Median Salary: $108,540
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase by 9% – as fast as average
Chemical engineers use their skills to assess, design, and create chemical processes for various purposes. They calculate and design chemical processes and help to assess the equipment with safety measures in place. Chemical engineers design and create chemical processes to help with manufacturing or producing new products. They also may be employed by consulting firms that help companies operate their production processes more efficiently. They might be employed by engineering companies specializing in the conception and construction of industrial infrastructures like gas plants, refineries, petrochemical plants, and factories for chemical processing. Proficient chemical engineers should possess the capability to evaluate, design, and develop substances that pose no harm to humans or the environment.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- University of North Dakota
- Stanford University
- Auburn University
Economist
2021 Median Salary: $108,350
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase 13% – faster than average
An economist is a specialist involved in scrutinizing the manufacturing, dissemination, and consumption of goods and services. Some economists work as analysts for private companies while others work as consultants for governments or nonprofit organizations. Regardless of where they work, all economists possess a similar set of skills such as math proficiency, data handling, research techniques, computer skills, and statistics knowledge/skills. These skills are all used to calculate things like unemployment rates or GDP per capita to monitor these measures of economic health.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- Penn State University
- Oregon State University
- Florida International University
Chief Executive
2021 Median Salary: $107,680
Career Outlook: Forecasted to increase by 8% – as fast as average
Holding one of the most pivotal roles in any organization, the chief executive officer of a company necessitates a robust comprehension across numerous fields to be successful. The skillset required encompasses business savvy, strategic foresight, team leadership, and personal leadership abilities. The CEO needs to be able to calculate the risks and challenges of every decision, assess their employees’ performance, design possible solutions for problems, and create a vision for the company that will inspire its employees. It is the responsibility of the CEO to oversee and monitor all aspects of a company’s operations.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- City University of Seattle
- New York University
- Golden Gate University
Electrical Engineer
2021 Median Salary: $103,390
Career Outlook: Forecasted to grow 7% – as fast as average
The electrical engineer is a key player in the power industry. They calculate, route, construct, and power the electric systems of buildings, cities, or manufacturing plants. Engineers are the backbone of the largest and most complex systems in today’s world. Electricians perform a variety of tasks including calculating how much power a system needs, drawing up a plan for routing wires, and designing the blueprint for buildings, areas, or devices. An electrical engineer’s role is to calculate how much power a building will need and construct the wiring system needed to make it work. These experts may also be required to perform maintenance or repairs on related systems to prevent or counteract power failures, shortages, or surges.
Online Degree Opportunities:
- Arizona State University
- Stony Brook University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
