15 Easiest High-Paying Degrees You Can Pursue
Choosing a career path often involves balancing your interests, skills, and potential to earn a good salary.
While some high-paying jobs require years of hard study and specialized training, several degrees offer relatively quick paths to well-compensated careers.
If you’re looking for a high-paying job but want to avoid years of grueling academic work, here are the Top 15 easiest high-paying degrees you are all waiting for.
Easiest High Paying Degrees
Business Administration
Average Salary: $60,000–$120,000+
A Business Administration degree remains a top choice due to its flexibility and high earning potential.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), management occupations, which are typical roles for business graduates, had a median annual wage of $102,450 as of 2022.
This degree covers essential topics like leadership, finance, and marketing, equipping graduates to transition smoothly into diverse industries.
Around 19% of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in the U.S. are in business, highlighting its popularity and practical value.
With an average projected job growth of 7% for business and financial roles by 2031, this field offers lucrative opportunities and long-term career stability for graduates seeking leadership positions.
Why it’s Easiest: The coursework tends to be general and less technical than other business-focused degrees. It’s flexible and offers many career paths.
Communications
Average Salary: $50,000–$100,000+
A communications degree is convenient because it focuses on developing writing, public speaking, and digital media skills.
Graduates often find public relations, marketing, or media roles, with average entry-level salaries around $50,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Mid-career positions, such as PR managers, can earn over $116,000 annually.
The degree emphasizes creativity and understanding audiences rather than technical expertise, making it accessible to many students.
Its relevance has increased in the digital age, where communication is crucial across industries.
Why it’s Easiest: The coursework prioritizes practical applications over theory, and projects often allow flexibility, making it simple for students to excel and apply their knowledge directly in the job market.
Information Technology (IT)
Average Salary: $60,000–$120,000+
Information Technology degrees are highly lucrative and accessible, making them a prime choice for career-focused students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in IT is projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Median salaries are equally impressive—network administrators earn approximately $80,600 annually, while software developers can expect $120,730.
Many universities offer flexible programs with practical training, which reduces the difficulty barrier often associated with highly technical fields.
Additionally, the global demand for cybersecurity professionals remains critical, with over 3.4 million unfilled positions worldwide, as the 2022 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study reported.
This strong market demand makes IT a versatile and rewarding academic path.
Why it’s Easiest: Many IT programs offer hands-on learning, and the demand for tech professionals makes it a degree with numerous job opportunities.
Nursing (RN)
Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000+
Nursing consistently ranks as one of the most in-demand professions in the United States.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, with a median annual salary of $77,600.
Over 200,000 job openings for RNs are expected each year due to growth and retirements.
This career allows individuals to enter the workforce quickly, as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can be completed in just two years.
Furthermore, transitioning to higher-paying roles, such as nurse practitioners, becomes accessible with additional certifications or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The high demand and clear career progression make nursing both accessible and lucrative.
Why it’s Easiest: An ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can be completed relatively quickly, and nursing programs are more focused on practical skills than long years of academic study.
Dental Hygiene
Average Salary: $60,000–$90,000+
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists earn a median annual wage of $77,810 as of 2022, while the profession is expected to grow by 9% through 2032, faster than average.
Most programs take just two years to complete, often at community colleges, and the coursework includes essential training in patient care and oral health.
With over 200,000 hygienists employed nationwide, this career combines accessibility with stability and offers a significant return on investment in education.
Plus, flexible schedules and opportunities to work part-time make it an attractive option for many.
Why it’s Easiest: Dental hygiene programs are shorter than traditional medical degrees, and the coursework is relatively straightforward, focusing on practical skills and knowledge.
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Average Salary: $80,000–$120,000+
A degree in pharmaceutical sciences opens doors to lucrative roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pharmacists will earn a median annual salary of $128,570 in 2021.
Research scientists in this field can also earn salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience and specialization.
While comprehensive, the coursework is more accessible than medical school, focusing on practical applications of chemistry and biology.
Furthermore, the demand for pharmaceutical professionals remains high, with the BLS projecting a steady 2% growth in pharmacist jobs through 2031.
This degree balances manageable academic requirements and strong earning potential in a stable industry.
Why it’s Easiest: The degree focuses on the basics of chemistry, biology, and drug therapy, which is generally more accessible than advanced medical degrees.
Healthcare Administration
Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000+
A degree in healthcare administration is a gateway to high-paying roles in a booming industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers earned a median annual wage of $101,340 as of 2021, and job growth is projected at 28% through 2031—much faster than average.
The degree focuses on operational leadership, budgeting, healthcare laws, and staff coordination.
Unlike clinical paths, it avoids years of intensive medical training, making it more accessible for those seeking a leadership role in healthcare.
This balance of high earning potential and comparatively manageable education requirements makes healthcare administration an attractive and practical career choice.
Why it’s Easiest: It’s a management-focused degree emphasizing leadership and organizational skills rather than extensive technical or clinical knowledge.
Supply Chain Management
Average Salary: $60,000–$110,000+
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Supply Chain Management remains one of the fastest-growing fields, with employment projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031.
In 2021, professionals in this area earned a median salary of $77,030, with top managers making upwards of $122,580 annually.
Programs in this field often focus on practical applications of business concepts, making them less overwhelming than more technical degrees.
For example, courses typically cover logistics, inventory control, and process optimization rather than heavy quantitative analysis.
This blend of accessibility and high demand makes it an appealing choice, mainly as global trade increasingly relies on skilled supply chain professionals to ensure efficiency and resilience.
Why it’s Easiest: Supply chain management programs are generally less technical and more focused on business and operations principles, which many students find manageable.
Real Estate
Average Salary: $50,000–$200,000+
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), real estate professionals have significant earning potential. The median pay for agents in the U.S. is $48,770 per year.
At the same time, the top 10% earn more than $102,000 annually, and the figures are even higher for brokers.
Unlike traditional degrees, achieving a real estate license can take as little as 4-6 months of coursework and exam preparation, depending on state requirements.
With over 5 million existing homes sold annually in the U.S., the demand for skilled agents remains strong.
This field offers a lucrative career path for self-motivated individuals who excel in networking and negotiation, making it a practical alternative to lengthy and costly degree programs.
Why It’s Easiest: While a degree isn’t strictly required, the coursework to get licensed is relatively simple, and earnings primarily depend on your ability to close deals.
Accounting
Average Salary: $60,000–$120,000+
Accounting is a consistently in-demand field with strong earning potential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $77,250 in 2021, with the top 10% earning over $128,000.
Entry into the field typically requires only a bachelor’s degree, and certifications like CPA can boost career prospects.
The job market for accountants is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations, ensuring steady opportunities.
With manageable coursework and a clear career trajectory, accounting offers a blend of stability and financial reward, making it a practical choice for those seeking a reliable, high-paying career.
Why It’s Easiest: While accounting can involve detailed work, the degree is relatively straightforward and provides skills that are always in demand in both private and public sectors.
Human Resources (HR) Management
Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000+
A human resources (HR) management degree offers a direct path to lucrative positions in the U.S.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, the median annual wage for HR managers was $126,230 as of 2023. This field provides consistent opportunity, with projected 7% job growth between 2021 and 2031.
Unlike finance or engineering, HR coursework emphasizes soft skills—like conflict resolution and leadership—vital for managing teams and often perceived as less daunting.
Furthermore, HR professionals are indispensable across industries, from healthcare to tech, meaning graduates have flexibility and strong job security.
Why It’s Easiest: The degree typically focuses on communication, management, and organizational behavior, which many students find more manageable than finance or marketing.
Web Development
Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000+
Web development is one of the fastest-growing fields, with job growth projected at 23% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
With over 20,000 job openings for web developers annually, the demand far outweighs the supply of skilled professionals.
A web development degree typically takes 2-4 years to complete, and many programs now offer flexible online options.
Additionally, around 72% of developers report being self-taught, showcasing the accessibility of this career path.
Companies in industries from e-commerce to healthcare continuously need web developers, making it a secure and lucrative option for anyone with a knack for coding and design.
This degree opens doors to front-end, back-end, and full-stack development roles.
Why It’s Easiest: Web development focuses on coding and design, which can be self-taught or learned through relatively short programs. With strong hands-on experience, many find getting started in the field more straightforward than in other tech-heavy disciplines.
Graphic Design
Average Salary: $50,000–$80,000+
A degree in graphic design can lead to creative careers in advertising, branding, digital media, and more.
Graphic designers can work in various fields, from designing logos to creating website layouts or advertising materials.
As businesses seek eye-catching digital and print designs, the demand for skilled designers remains high.
Graphic design continues to be a lucrative career path, with over 250,000 professionals employed in the U.S. as of 2023.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers earn a median salary of $57,990 annually, with the top 10% making over $98,000.
Demand remains steady due to growing opportunities in digital advertising and e-commerce.
The field also allows for creative freedom, with 18% of designers choosing self-employment for flexible career options.
Graphic design programs typically take 2–4 years. They often focus on technical tools like Adobe Creative Suite and practical design theories, making it relatively easier for individuals with a passion for creativity to transition into the workforce.
Why It’s Easiest: Graphic design programs often combine artistic skills with software training, and many students find the coursework enjoyable. Compared to more specialized degrees, the degree can usually be completed relatively quickly.
Environmental Science
Average Salary: $50,000–$90,000+
Environmental science stands out due to its breadth and accessibility within the sciences.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% job growth for environmental scientists from 2021 to 2031, driven by rising demand for sustainable solutions.
With salaries reaching up to $90,000 annually, positions range from environmental analysts in government roles to climate consultants for global firms.
Around 44% of U.S. environmental scientists work in technical services or consulting, making it a practical field for those seeking versatility in job settings.
This degree balances foundational science courses with applied learning, offering a less rigorous but rewarding alternative to engineering or health-related sciences.
Why it’s Easiest: Environmental science programs focus on a combination of basic biology, chemistry, and earth science, accessible for those interested in science but who may not want the intensity of a medical or engineering degree.
Construction Management
Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000+
Construction management degrees are known for their practical focus, which makes them more accessible than highly technical fields like engineering.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction managers earn a median annual salary of $98,890 (2022), and employment is expected to grow 8% by 2031, faster than the average.
The coursework revolves around applied knowledge, such as scheduling, budgeting, and leadership—key competencies for managing projects efficiently.
Unlike more specialized fields, there’s no heavy emphasis on calculus or physics, lowering the academic barrier for many students.
Furthermore, many programs offer flexible online or part-time options, accommodating working professionals seeking career advancement.
This combination of high earning potential and manageable academic rigor makes it an attractive choice for many.
Why It’s Easiest: The degree typically focuses on project management, leadership, and organizational skills, which are less technical than engineering or architecture degrees. It’s also a field with a clear career ladder for those with the right qualifications and experience.
Final Thoughts
While every degree path requires effort and commitment, some degrees offer easier routes to high-paying careers than others.
These 15 degrees balance earning potential and the amount of schooling and specialization required.
Whether you’re interested in business, healthcare, or technology, there are many paths you can take to secure a well-paying job without years of intensive academic work.
Focus on the career that excites you and aligns with your strengths—after all, the best job is one that also satisfies you!
